Kenya Transit eTA
The Kenya Transit eTA authorises foreign nationals to enter Kenya for a short stopover before continuing to their final destination.
It covers a stay of up to 3 days. You must depart Kenya before this period ends.
Who Needs a Kenya Transit eTA?
Kenya Transit eTA Sample
You need a Transit eTA if you plan to leave the airport during your layover in Kenya.
If you remain inside the airport terminal for the full duration of your stopover, a Transit eTA is not required.
Apply before you travel. The eTA is not issued on arrival.
Permitted Activities Under a Transit eTA
Your activities in Kenya must remain within the scope of a short stopover.
- Permitted:
- Resting at a hotel during the stopover
- Sightseeing for a short time near the airport
- Briefly meeting family, friends, or contacts
- Not Permitted:
- Paid or unpaid work of any kind
- Extending your stay beyond the transit period
- Changing your purpose of visit from transit to any other category
Transit eTA Duration and Conditions
- The Transit eTA permits a stay of up to 3 days.
- If you remain airside throughout your layover, no eTA is required.
- The Transit eTA is issued in two forms: Single Entry and Multiple Entry.
- A Single Entry Transit eTA carries a validity of 90 days.
- A Multiple Entry Transit eTA carries a validity of 1 year.
Kenya Transit eTA Requirements
Every applicant must submit the following documents:
Passport Bio Page Scan
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and contain a minimum of one blank page. Renew your passport before applying if it does not meet these conditions.
Digital Applicant Photo
Submit a recent colour photograph taken within the last 6 months. It must be front-facing against a plain white or off-white background. Hats, dark glasses, and scanned photos are not accepted.
Accommodation Document or Sponsor Letter
Upload a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your sponsor confirming your place of stay. The application cannot proceed without this document.
Airline or Travel Booking Confirmation
Provide your full travel itinerary showing your arrival and departure dates along with all flight numbers. Authorities use this to confirm both the purpose and duration of your stay.
How to Apply for the Kenya Transit eTA
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Fill in all required fields, including your passport details and travel information. Select Transit as your travel purpose.
Step 2: Upload Documents and Pay
Upload digital copies of all required documents. After submitting the form, pay the eTA fee to finalise your application.
Step 3: Receive Your eTA by Email
Once your application is approved, the Kenya Transit eTA is sent to your registered email address. Print a copy before travelling.
Kenya Transit eTA Fee and Processing Options
The Kenya Transit eTA fee covers the application charge. A processing fee is added based on the option you select at the time of application.
|
Standard |
3-5 Days |
Applicants planning travel in advance |
|
Rush |
2 - 3 Days |
Applicants with limited preparation time |
|
Super Rush |
1 - 2 Days |
Applicants with an immediate departure date |
Kenya International Airports
Transit passengers may pass through the following international airports in Kenya:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
- Mombasa International Airport (MIA)
- Wilson Airport (WAP)
- Kisumu International Airport (KIA)
- Eldoret International Airport (EIA)
- Wajir Airport
- Lokichogio Airport
- Malindi Airport
- Isiolo Airport
What happens if my flight is delayed and I need to stay longer?
Contact the relevant Kenyan immigration authority immediately. Overstaying your permitted duration without authorisation may affect future travel to Kenya.