Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival. Since January 2024 the government replaced the old paper visa system with a fully digital Electronic Travel Authorization, known as the eTA. The change was a significant one for travellers, and in 2026 the system has been expanded further to make Kenya one of the most accessible destinations on the continent. The eTA is applied for online through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke. You fill in your details, upload a passport-style photo, provide your flight information and accommodation confirmation, pay a processing fee of USD 30, and the authorization is linked directly to your passport number. You do not visit an embassy, you do not mail your passport anywhere, and the whole process takes under an hour. Processing typically completes within 48 to 72 hours, though many applicants receive approval within the same day. The strong advice is to apply at least seven days before departure to give yourself a comfortable buffer. Every international visitor needs an approved eTA before boarding, including infants and children. Airlines verify authorization status at check-in and will deny boarding if you arrive without one. There are exemptions. Citizens of East African Community member states — Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC — can enter using a valid passport or national identity card without applying for an eTA. Most African Union member states now benefit from expanded visa-free access that Kenya rolled out at the start of 2026, which was a deliberate policy move to deepen regional integration and attract more intra-African travel and business. For travellers planning to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda in a single trip, the East African Tourist Visa is an excellent option. It costs USD 100 and covers entry to all three countries on one authorization, which makes it the smart choice for anyone building a multi-country East Africa itinerary combining a Kenyan safari, gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, and beach time on the coast. A few things to have ready when you apply: your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates and must have at least one blank page. You will need a clear digital photo, your full travel itinerary with flight details, and confirmed accommodation bookings. If you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country, you will need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. This applies to travellers coming from much of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. The eTA is issued as a single-entry permit valid for one visit, though Kenya also introduced a multiple-entry eTA in 2024 that is valid for up to five years and allows 90-day stays per visit. The multiple-entry option is particularly useful for frequent business travellers or those who want to visit Kenya as part of a wider regional itinerary that crosses in and out of the country. Once you land in Nairobi or Mombasa, immigration is straightforward. There are no forms to fill on the plane. Your eTA is already linked to your passport and the officer scans and verifies it in seconds. FAQ Can I get a Kenya visa on arrival in 2026? No. Visa on arrival was discontinued when the eTA system launched. All visitors who require authorization must obtain the eTA before departure. How long does Kenya eTA processing take? The official processing time is up to three business days. Many applicants receive approval within a few hours. Apply at least seven days before travel to be safe. Do children need an eTA? Yes. Every traveller including infants and children needs a separate approved eTA. Each person requires an individual application and payment.   Is the eTA fee refundable if my application is denied? No. The USD 30 fee covers processing and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. At Xtreme Republic Tours, we help every client navigate the entry process before travel. If you have questions about the eTA, visa requirements for your specific nationality, or the East African Tourist Visa, get in touch with our team and we will guide you through it step by step.