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Kenya Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

British citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya, applied for online before departure at etakenya.go.ke for USD 34, with approval usually issued within 72 hours.

Guide last updated October 6, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry, with at least one blank page
  • Completed online eTA application via the official etakenya.go.ke portal
  • A digital passport-style photo uploaded during the application
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and a return or onward ticket to upload or present on arrival
  • Proof of sufficient funds may be requested
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and a photo are captured on arrival at Kenyan ports of entry
  • Travel health insurance is recommended; a Yellow Fever certificate is required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission

Visa types

  • Single-entry eTA for tourism, business meetings, or transit - valid for entry within 90 days of approval, permitting a stay of up to 90 days
  • East Africa Tourist Visa - a separate multi-entry option covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days, applied for through the same eTA-linked system, fee around USD 101
  • No separate long-stay visitor category exists under the eTA system; longer stays require an extension or different permit from Kenyan immigration

How to apply online

  • Apply at the official portal etakenya.go.ke, Kenya's sole authorized eTA channel
  • Steps: create an account, complete the application form with passport and travel details, upload your photo and supporting documents, then pay online
  • Fee: USD 34 for the standard single-entry eTA, payable by card
  • Processing time: typically within 72 hours, though it can be approved faster; apply at least a few days before travel to allow for any requests for extra documents
  • Approval arrives by email as a PDF authorization, which should be printed or saved on your phone and shown at check-in and on arrival

Fees & processing time

  • eTA fee: USD 34 for the standard single-entry authorization
  • East Africa Tourist Visa (multi-country): around USD 101
  • No separate agency or VFS fee since the eTA is applied for directly through the government portal
  • Standard processing time: up to 72 hours
  • No official express service is offered, so apply well ahead of travel

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Apply at least a week before travel to leave margin for processing delays or requests for more information
  • Common rejection reasons include blurry uploaded photos, mismatched passport details, or an application made too close to the travel date
  • Use only the official etakenya.go.ke site - several unofficial third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same service
  • If visiting Uganda or Rwanda on the same trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa can save on separate application fees
  • Extensions beyond 90 days must be requested from the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi before the authorized stay expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.