Kenya Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and eTA. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip. This letter should include travel dates, destination, and contact information. If traveling with only one parent, carry the child's birth certificate and consent letter from the other parent. In cases of sole custody, carry relevant legal documentation. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines and may need additional documentation from immigration authorities.

Importing pets into Kenya requires advance planning. You must obtain an import permit from the Kenya Veterinary Services Department before arrival. Required documents include: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and proof of microchipping. Dogs and cats must be at least 4 months old. Some breeds may be restricted. Pets arriving without proper documentation may be quarantined at owner's expense or refused entry. Contact the Directorate of Veterinary Services well in advance (at least 6 weeks) to begin the application process.

Tourist eTAs typically allow stays up to 90 days. To extend your stay, apply through the eCitizen portal or visit Immigration offices in Nairobi (Nyayo House) or Mombasa before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and typically require valid reasons, proof of sufficient funds, and may incur fees. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. For stays longer than 6 months or for work/study purposes, you must apply for appropriate permits or passes (work permit, student pass, etc.) through the immigration department, which requires sponsorship and additional documentation.

Business visitors can enter on a standard eTA for business activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but cannot engage in gainful employment. Carry an invitation letter from the Kenyan company or organization you're visiting, stating the purpose and duration of your visit. For longer-term business activities or employment, you must obtain a work permit before arrival, which requires sponsorship from a Kenyan employer and approval from immigration authorities. Business travelers should also carry business cards and documentation about their company.

Individuals planning to volunteer or engage in missionary work in Kenya should not enter on a tourist eTA. You must apply for the appropriate class of permit or pass that allows for such activities. This requires sponsorship from the Kenyan organization you'll be working with and approval from immigration authorities. Religious workers may need additional clearance. Volunteering on a tourist eTA is not permitted and can result in deportation and future entry bans.

Students accepted to Kenyan educational institutions must obtain a student pass, not a tourist eTA. The educational institution must sponsor your application. Required documents include admission letter, proof of fees payment, academic transcripts, and proof of accommodation. Student passes are typically issued for the duration of the course. Apply through the eCitizen portal well before your intended start date.

Passengers transiting through Kenya without leaving the airport typically do not need an eTA if staying airside and continuing their journey within 72 hours. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay longer, you must obtain a transit eTA (approximately USD $20). Ensure you have confirmed onward tickets and necessary visas for your final destination. Some nationalities may require a transit eTA even when staying airside - check the eCitizen portal for your specific nationality.