Kenya eTA for Nigerian Citizens

No visa — but yes, an eTA. In January 2024 Kenya scrapped its visa system and replaced it with a single, mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that applies to almost every visitor. So Nigerian citizens no longer apply for a Kenyan visa or visit an embassy — instead they must obtain an approved Kenya eTA before departure. Your airline checks the eTA electronically at check-in, and without it you can be refused boarding.

The eTA covers the usual reasons Nigerians visit — tourism, safari, visiting friends or family, business meetings and conferences. It is requested entirely online, so there is no consulate appointment to arrange. You can review the destination on our Kenya travel hub or go straight to the Kenya eTA page.

The eTA is not a visa — it has replaced it. It is an electronic authorization linked to your passport that allows an airline to let you board and signals that you have been pre-screened; the final decision to admit you is still made by an immigration officer when you land. Use this comparison to see how the eTA differs from the old visa process:

• Who needs it: Every Nigerian traveller, including children and infants.
• Type: Electronic Travel Authorization that replaced the visa — applied for online.
• Entry & stay: Single entry, with a stay of up to 90 days.
• Processing: Typically up to 3 business days.
• When to apply: At least 3 days (about 72 hours) before departure.
• Delivery: Approval is sent as a PDF by email.

The eTA is mandatory for every Nigerian citizen travelling to Kenya, regardless of age or the reason for the trip. There is no group or family eTA: each person who will board the flight needs their own approved authorization tied to their own passport. This includes children and infants, even when they travel on a parent's itinerary.

Almost no traveller is exempt — only citizens of East African Community member states are outside the eTA requirement, so this exemption does not help Nigerian passport holders. If your plans involve long-term work, study or residence rather than a short visit, confirm the correct permit before you travel, as the eTA is intended for temporary stays such as tourism, family visits and business.

The eTA is requested online, but Kenya still expects you to meet its entry conditions. Have the following ready before you apply, and keep them available for the airline and for immigration on arrival:

• A valid Nigerian passport with at least 6 months' validity.
• A return or onward air ticket out of Kenya.
• Confirmed accommodation — a hotel booking, or host details and an invitation if you will stay with friends or family.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
• A valid email address — your eTA is sent here as a PDF.
• Yellow-fever vaccination proof may be requested for some travellers depending on your route, so carry your certificate if it applies.

1. Get your documents ready: a valid Nigerian passport with at least 6 months' validity, your return ticket, accommodation or host details, and a payment card.
2. Start the online Kenya eTA application and enter your passport and personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
3. Add your trip information — arrival date, accommodation or host, and contact email.
4. Upload any required supporting details and review every field carefully.
5. Submit your application and complete the required payment.
6. Receive your approved eTA by email as a PDF, ready to show at check-in and on arrival.

From Nigeria, most travellers reach Nairobi on direct Kenya Airways flights out of Lagos or Abuja. Whatever your route, submit your application at least 3 days (about 72 hours) before departure so your approval has time to come through.

For Nigerian applicants, the Kenya eTA is usually processed within up to 3 business days, with the approval emailed as a PDF. Because of this, you should apply at least 3 days — around 72 hours — before departure, and ideally earlier if your trip is fixed. The best practice is to apply as soon as your flights and accommodation are confirmed rather than waiting until the last moment. If any extra information is requested, respond quickly so your approval is not held up.

The Kenya eTA is a single-entry authorization that allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is intended for one specific trip and must be used within the set window after it is approved, so it is not a multiple-entry document you can reuse for several journeys. The eTA is tied to the passport you used to apply, so if you renew or replace your passport, or plan a separate future trip, you will need to apply for a new eTA linked to the current document. If you expect to enter Kenya more than once, plan a fresh application for each trip.

The eTA gets you onto the plane, but entry is confirmed at the border only once an immigration officer is satisfied you meet the entry conditions. Be ready on arrival in Kenya to present your valid Nigerian passport, your approved eTA, a return or onward ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation or host details, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. If your route requires it, also have your yellow-fever vaccination certificate to hand. Carrying these in an easy-to-reach folder — printed or on your phone — makes the arrival process faster and smoother.

• Mismatched passport details: the eTA is linked to your exact passport number — check every field against your passport before submitting.
• Applying too late: processing can take up to 3 business days, so apply at least 72 hours before departure rather than at the airport.
• Passport too close to expiry: your Nigerian passport should have at least 6 months' validity.
• Missing accommodation or host details: have a confirmed booking, or host details and an invitation if staying with friends or family.
• No onward ticket or insufficient funds: a return or onward ticket and proof you can support your stay are part of the entry conditions.
• Missing yellow-fever proof: if your route requires it, not having the certificate can cause problems on arrival.

An approved eTA allows you to board your flight and shows you have been pre-screened, but the final decision to enter Kenya rests with the immigration officer on arrival. Present the same passport you used to apply, along with your eTA, and be ready to explain the purpose and length of your visit, where you will stay, and that you have the means to support your trip. Provided your documents are in order and consistent with your application, the officer will admit you and you can begin your stay.

Every traveller needs their own eTA, including children and infants, because each one is linked to an individual passport. A parent or guardian can complete the application on a child's behalf using the child's own passport details. If you are travelling as a Nigerian family, simply submit a separate application for each member, and make sure each child's accommodation, return ticket and any yellow-fever requirement is covered just as it is for the adults.