Update from 13th October 2026
All persons, entering Kenya, except Kenyan and East African Citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
This includes infants and children. The ETA must be obtained online using https://etakenya.go.ke/ before start of travel.Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to the travel date. Upon approval, an ETA receipt containing a reference number will be sent to the email address used during the application. The standard processing time is three working days.
Requirements for the ETA application:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and one blank page (you will upload or take a photo of it in the process)
- Scan of a passport type photo or webcam to take a selfie
- Arrival and departure details (airlines, flight numbers and you need to upload your flight ticket)
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s) (you also need to upload those)
- Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment
- All ETA applications for children below 18 years must include the official Parent/Guardian Consent Form, which you can download here.
Since 6 October 2026, foreign visitors to Kenya have been required to obtain local travel health insurance prescribed by the Kenyan government.
A separate policy must be purchased for each traveller, including children and babies. Existing private travel health insurance does not replace this mandatory Kenyan policy.
How to Obtain the Insurance
Option A: You have not yet applied for your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
The insurance purchase is integrated into the official ETA application process. Follow the instructions during your online application on the official government website: Kenya ETA Portal.
Important: The insurance purchase does not always work directly within the ETA application at present. If you encounter problems, open the separate eCitizen Insurance Portal and purchase the insurance there. Then return to your ETA application. The system recognises the insurance already purchased through your passport number and allows you to continue with the application.
Option B: You already have your ETA
If your ETA has already been issued, you can purchase the insurance separately through the official eCitizen Insurance Portal https://insurance.ecitizen.go.ke. Select “Inbound Travel Health Insurance” and then click “Apply”.
Make sure to use the same passport details as those provided for your ETA.
Yellow fever vaccination
Is required if travelling from a yellow fever endemic country, see here.
