Kenya is a stunning African country. The unique wildlife attractions and other historical places promote Kenya as a must-visit tourist destination to visit and explore. Besides entering Kenya for business activities and vacations, many travellers use Kenya’s international airport as a transit route. Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is an important hub for numerous international flights. The international airport connects numerous destinations such as Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and many more.

Travellers who wish to explore Kenya during their transit time can do so by getting a Kenya transit eTA. It authorizes the travellers to leave the airport premises and explore Kenya during the layover time.

Kenya Transit eTA

Travellers can explore popular tourist attractions and other places with Kenya transit eTA. It is an electronic travel authorization that is mandatory for transit travellers to leave the airport premises and enter Kenya. The Kenya transit eTA permits the transit traveller to explore Kenya for up to 72 hours. With Kenya transit eTA travellers can leave the airport during their layover and return to the airport to board their connecting flight.

Please note that transit travellers cannot leave the airport premises without a Kenya transit eTA, and they must stay within the airport during their layover time. Kenya transit eTA entitles travellers to visit the country’s attractions, it is a great chance for the travel enthusiast who does not want to sit in the airport during the layover.

Is Kenya Transit eTA Mandatory?

As mentioned above, Kenya transit eTA is mandatory for travellers with a layover time longer than 72 hours and for travellers who are planning to explore Kenya leaving the airport premises. Transit travellers do not need a Kenya transit eTA, if they have a short layover and decide to stay within the Kenya airport premises or transit area during their layover time.   

Kenya Transit eTA Requirements

Understanding the Kenya transit eTA requirements is a crucial process and it is important to determine the traveller’s eligibility. The following list also includes the documents required to apply for Kenya transit eTA.

  • Applicants must get Kenya transit eTA before arriving at any of the Kenya international airports.
  • A passport (with at least six months validity) and a clear copy of the traveller’s passport bio-page are mandatory.
  • A confirmed onward flight ticket (connecting flight ticket) is required to apply for Kenya transit eTA.
  • A recent colour photo of the travellers with a white and plain background.
  • The stay duration cannot exceed 72 hours.
  • Travellers cannot participate in business or employment activities. It permits only sightseeing activities.

The additional documents list includes a travel itinerary, accommodation proof, health document (yellow-fever vaccination certificate) and financial proof.

Kenya Transit eTA Application Process

Applying for Kenya transit eTA is easy as it only has a few steps. The important step is to gather all the necessary documents. The Kenya transit eTA application process involves the below steps.

  • Transit travellers can submit an application by accessing the Kenya eTA website.
  • Click the Kenya eTA online or Apply Now tab to get an eTA application form.
  • The application form requires the traveller’s passport, travel and personal details.
  • After completing the application form, upload the document copies (photo, passport bio-page and onward flight ticket).
  • Thoroughly check the application form for errors and mismatching details.
  • Choose any of the payment options.
  • Complete the Kenya transit eTA fee payment and submit the online form.

The standard processing time of Kenya transit eTA is three days (72 hours). However, there can be delays due to numerous factors. The processing time can vary, so travellers are advised to apply at least four days in advance of their departure date. The extra time will help to handle the unexpected delays in the application process.

Useful Information

Transit travellers definitely need a Kenya transit eTA to leave the airport and spend their layover time exploring the country’s popular spots. Travellers who did not obtain a permit cannot enter Kenya, they must remain within the airport premises. A Kenya transit eTA must be obtained prior to the traveller departure date, and travellers cannot get transit eTA after arriving in Kenya. The application fee is standard, and travellers are advised to check the Kenya transit fee structure before applying.

Travellers cannot extend the Kenya transit eTA beyond its initial validity period. Please note that a Kenya transit eTA allows travellers to explore Kenya for up to 72 hours. Travellers who are willing to stay more than 72 hours must apply for Kenya tourist eTA. It authorizes a stay duration of 90 days (three months).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is exempt from getting Kenya transit eTA?

Transit travellers who have decided to stay within the airport transit area do not need a Kenya transit eTA. They cannot leave the airport area without Kenya transit eTA.

What are the prohibited activities under Kenya transit eTA?

Travellers can only engage in sightseeing activities with Kenya transit eTA. They cannot participate in business meetings and work-related activities with Kenya transit eTA. 

Can I extend the validity period for my Kenya transit eTA?

Transit travellers with Kenya Transit eTA can explore the country for 72 hours (three days), and an extension option is not available for Kenya Transit eTA. Travellers who want to stay beyond 72 hours are advised to get Kenya tourist eTA, which offers 90 days of stay.

Do I have to get Kenya transit eTA to change flights in Kenya?

Travellers who are only changing flights within Kenya airport and not planning to leave the airport premises or transit area do not require a Kenya transit eTA.

What document do I need from the Kenya transit eTA application process?

Travellers will need a passport (valid and with a blank page), colour photo and onward ticket. Travellers might also require additional documents, so check them beforehand to be prepared.

READ MORE:
Travellers can get Kenya eTA for their business trips to Kenya. Travellers visiting Kenya with eTA can stay for 90 days and it is a single-entry travel permit. Learn more at Kenya Business eTA.


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