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Kenya Visa for China Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Chinese citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Kenya, applied for online before travel; fee USD 34, processing around 72 hours, valid for a single visit of up to 90 days.

Guide last updated October 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry with at least 1 blank page
  • Digital passport-style photo uploaded during the online application
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or having transited a yellow-fever-endemic country
  • A valid credit or debit card to pay the eTA fee online
  • No biometrics required for the eTA itself; a photo is captured on arrival as part of standard immigration procedure

Visa types

  • Tourist eTA — single entry, valid for a stay of up to 90 days, for leisure travel
  • Business eTA — similar validity, supported by an invitation letter from the host company for smoother processing
  • Transit eTA — for layovers requiring entry into Kenyan territory, typically free or reduced fee
  • East Africa Tourist Visa — a separate multi-country option covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on one application, useful for travellers visiting more than one of these countries

How to apply online

  • Complete the eTA application on Kenya's official travel authorization portal, entering passport and travel details
  • Upload the passport bio page scan and a digital photo
  • Pay the eTA fee online by card
  • Processing is typically completed within about 72 hours; approval is sent by email as a document to print or save digitally
  • Present the eTA approval, passport, and return ticket to immigration on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or another entry point
  • A photo is taken at the immigration counter as part of standard entry procedure

Fees & processing time

  • eTA fee: USD 34, payable online by card
  • No separate third-party service fee since the application is submitted directly on the government portal
  • Total estimated cost: approx. USD 34-40 including minor card processing charges
  • Standard processing time: approximately 72 hours
  • No official same-day service; apply at least a week before travel to allow margin for any follow-up requests

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply online at least 1-2 weeks before departure to allow time for processing and any follow-up document requests
  • Common rejection reasons: blurry passport scan, mismatched travel dates, incomplete accommodation details
  • Carry both printed and digital copies of the eTA approval when travelling
  • If visiting multiple East African countries on one trip, consider the East Africa Tourist Visa instead of separate single-country approvals
  • Confirm current yellow fever certificate requirements before travel, as this is strictly checked for travellers arriving from endemic regions

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for China passport holders

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.