Kenya Visa for Ethiopia Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Kenya as an Ethiopian citizen? Good news: you do not need a traditional visa. Since January 2024, all visitors to Kenya, including Ethiopians, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival. This guide covers the simple online application process, fees, and requirements to explore Kenya's wildlife, beaches, and vibrant culture.

Visa Application process

Ethiopian citizens must obtain a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling.1 The process is straightforward and completed entirely online:

Visit the Official eTA Portal

Go to the official Kenya eTA website at etakenya.go.ke.1 Be sure to use only the official government portal to avoid scams.

Create an Account

Register with your email address and create a password. This allows you to save your application and check its status.1

Fill Out the Application Form

Provide the required information:2 • Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality) • Passport information • Travel details (arrival date, port of entry) • Accommodation information in Kenya • Contact details

Upload Required Documents

Upload digital copies of:1 • Your passport bio page (clear scan) • Recent passport-style photo • Any additional documents if requested

Pay the Application Fee

Pay the US$30 fee online using a credit or debit card.1

Submit and Wait

Submit your application and wait for processing. The eTA is typically approved within 3 working days.2

Download Your eTA

Once approved, download your eTA from the portal and print a copy to carry when traveling.

Visa Application Steps

1. Visit the Official eTA Portal
2. Create an Account
3. Fill Out the Application Form
4. Upload Required Documents
5. Pay the Application Fee
6. Submit and Wait
7. Download Your eTA

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	Kenya eTA (single entry): US$30	The fee is non-refundable once submitted, so ensure all your information is correct before paying.1

What you need to prove

For the Kenya eTA, you must provide:

Valid passport: At least 6 months validity with blank pages
Travel plans: Arrival date and accommodation details
Health requirements: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
Return means: Evidence of onward travel or return

Required documents

Valid Passport
Digital Passport Photo
Travel Itinerary
Accommodation Details
Contact Information
Payment Method
Yellow Fever Vaccination

Valid Passport

Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date • Minimum 6 months validity from arrival date; • At least one blank page for entry stamp; • Must be in good condition; • Clear, legible personal information page] (Tip: Scan your passport bio page for the online applicationEnsure passport will not expire during your stay)

Digital Passport Photo

Recent passport-style photograph for the online application • Recent photo taken within last 6 months; • Color photo with white or light background; • Face clearly visible, no glasses or head coverings (unless religious); • JPEG, JPG, or PNG format, under 500KB] (Tip: Use a smartphone with good lighting for acceptable qualityEnsure the file size meets requirements before uploading)

Travel Itinerary

Details of your planned travel including arrival information • Planned arrival date in Kenya; • Departure country (Ethiopia); • Intended duration of stay; • Port of entry (airport or land border)] (Tip: Have your flight details ready when applyingBe accurate with your arrival date)

Accommodation Details

Booking confirmation showing where you will stay in Kenya • Hotel name and address; • Booking confirmation reference; • If staying with friends/family, their address and contact] (Tip: Book refundable accommodation until eTA is approvedHave the full address ready for the application form)

Contact Information

Your email address and phone number for application updates • Valid email address (eTA will be sent here); • Phone number for contact] (Tip: Use an email you check regularlyCheck spam folder for application updates)

Payment Method

Credit or debit card to pay the eTA application fee online • Visa, Mastercard, or other accepted cards; • Card must be enabled for international online payments] (Tip: Ensure your card is activated for online international transactionsHave your card details ready when applying)

Yellow Fever Vaccination

International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is mandatory for entry • Must present valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate; • Vaccination must be at least 10 days before arrival; • Certificate valid for life after vaccination] (Tip: Get vaccinated well before your travel dateCarry the original yellow card certificate)

If your application is denied

If your eTA application is denied:
Review the reason: Check the email notification for specific reasons
Correct issues: Address any document quality or information problems
Reapply: Submit a new application with corrected information
Contact support: Reach Kenya immigration at [email protected] or call +254 110-922062 for assistance2
Common denial reasons include incomplete applications, poor document quality, or passport validity issues. These can usually be resolved by reapplying with correct information.

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incomplete Application
25%	Document Quality Issues
20%	Passport Validity
20%	Payment Issues

35% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Fill out all fields in the application form carefully. Review everything before submitting.

25% - Document Quality Issues

How to avoid: Ensure your passport scan is clear and legible. Photo should be recent with a white background and proper file format.

20% - Passport Validity

How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date and renew if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel.

20% - Payment Issues

How to avoid: Ensure your card is enabled for international online payments before starting the application.

Frequently asked questions

Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for Kenya?

Ethiopian citizens do not need a traditional visa for Kenya. Since January 5, 2024, all visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before arrival. This replaces the previous visa system.

How long does Kenya eTA processing take?

The eTA is typically processed within 3 working days. Apply at least 3 days before your planned travel date. In some cases, processing may take longer, so applying early is recommended.

What is the Kenya eTA fee for Ethiopian citizens in 2026?

The Kenya eTA application fee is US$30, payable online by credit or debit card during the application process.

How long can I stay in Kenya with an eTA?

The duration of stay is determined upon arrival by immigration officers, typically up to 90 days for tourism purposes. The eTA itself is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Kenya?

Yes, Ethiopian travelers must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever upon arrival in Kenya. This is a mandatory requirement for entry.

Can I apply for Kenya eTA at the airport?

No, the eTA must be obtained online before traveling to Kenya. You cannot apply upon arrival at Kenyan airports or borders. Apply at etakenya.go.ke before your trip.

Apply for Kenya tourist visa online

Sources

Kenya Immigration - eTA Portal

https://www.etakenya.go.ke

Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services

https://immigration.go.ke/eta/

Kenya Embassy in Addis Ababa

https://www.kenyaembassyaddis.org/services/consular-services/visa-services-old/

At a glance