Kenya has long been a dream destination for travelers from Belgium, offering everything from the sweeping savannas of the Masai Mara to the pristine beaches of Diani. For Belgian citizens planning a trip to this East African gem, the entry process has evolved significantly. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) has streamlined how travelers gain entry, replacing older visa systems with a more digital approach.
What types of Kenya eTA are available for Belgian passport holders
When applying for a Kenya eTA, Belgian citizens have options depending on their travel frequency and plans. Based on the current system, there are generally two primary categories you might encounter when selecting your travel authorization type.
eTA 90 days, Single entry This is the standard option for most holidaymakers and business travelers. It allows for a one-time entry into the country. Once you arrive, you are typically granted a stay of up to 90 days. This is ideal for a classic safari trip, a beach holiday, or a singular business engagement. It is valid for travel within a specific window after issuance, so it is best suited for those with confirmed travel dates in the near future.
eTA 1 Year, Multiple entry For Belgians who find themselves traveling to Kenya frequently perhaps for ongoing business projects, regular family visits, or simply because they have fallen in love with the country the 1 Year Multiple Entry option is highly beneficial. This authorization allows you to enter and exit Kenya multiple times within a one-year period without needing to reapply for a new eTA for every single trip. It offers flexibility and convenience for the frequent flyer.
What documents do I need to apply for a Kenya eTA as a Belgian citizen
Preparation is key to a successful application. Fortunately, the documentation required for Belgian citizens is standard for international travel. You will not need to gather a mountain of paperwork, but ensuring you have clear, valid digital copies of the following items is essential before you start.
Valid Belgian Passport Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Kenya. It should also have one or two blank pages for endorsement by immigration officers upon arrival.
Recent Passport-Style Photograph You will need a clear, recent digital photo of yourself. This can be a standard passport photo or a high-quality selfie taken against a white background. The key is that your face must be clearly visible, without glare, shadows, or hats (unless for religious reasons).
Travel Itinerary You will need to show proof of your travel plans. This means a flight confirmation showing your arrival and departure from Kenya. If you are applying for the multiple-entry option, your initial flight details will suffice.
Proof of Accommodation The authorities want to know where you will be staying. You should have a booking confirmation from your hotel, lodge, or resort. If you are staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from your host, along with a copy of their ID or passport, is typically required.
How can Belgian travellers apply for the Kenya eTA online
The application process has been moved entirely online to make it accessible from anywhere, allowing you to easily obtain your Kenya eTA from Belgium. Belgian travelers can complete the entire procedure from the comfort of their homes in Brussels, Antwerp, or anywhere else.
Fill Out the Form The online form will ask for your personal details as they appear on your passport. You will enter your full name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date. You will also answer a few health and security-related questions. Accuracy here is vital even a small typo in your passport number can cause delays.
Upload Documents Once the data is entered, you will upload the digital copies of your passport, photo, and travel documents. Ensure these files are clear and not blurry.
Payment After reviewing your application, you will proceed to the payment stage to cover the processing fees.
Receive Your eTA Once approved, the eTA is sent directly to your email as a PDF document. You should print a copy to carry with you and also keep a digital version on your phone.
How long does the Kenya eTA application take to be approved
One of the biggest concerns for travelers is how long the approval will take. The timing can vary depending on the service level you choose. We offer different tiers to suit your urgency.
Normal Processing (3-5 Days) This is the standard option and is best for travelers who have planned their trip well in advance. It is the most economical choice and leaves plenty of time for review.
Rush Processing (2 - 3 Days) If your trip is coming up soon and you want peace of mind quickly, the rush option prioritizes your application to ensure it is looked at faster than the standard queue.
Super Rush Processing (1 - 2 Days) For those last-minute trips or emergency travel needs, this option ensures your application is top of the priority list, aiming for the fastest possible turnaround.
How much does Kenya eTA cost and what payment methods are accepted
The Kenya eTA Fees is generally affordable compared to traditional visas of the past. While the final amount can fluctuate slightly based on exchange rates and specific service fees, applicants should expect a standard base fee for the authorization itself. Additional service charges are applied if you opt for expedited processing like Rush or Super Rush tiers to cover the priority handling. Naturally, the 1 Year Multiple Entry option carries a higher fee than the single entry version due to its extended validity and the flexibility it offers for frequent travel.
Secure Payments Your payments are processed through trusted partners like PayPal, Stripe and Braintree. We never store card details. All transactions are protected with strong SSL encryption to keep your information secure.
Accepted methods typically include major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and often digital wallets, making it easy for Belgian users to pay in a way that suits them.
How does the overall user experience compare between kenya-eta.info and the official Kenya eTA application system?
When applying for travel documents, the platform you choose can make a massive difference in your stress levels. Many Belgian travelers wonder if they should use the primary state portal or a specialized service like kenya-eta.info. Here is a look at how the user experience differs.
Ease of Use and Interface The primary state system is functional but often suffers from bureaucratic design. It can be text-heavy, with rigid sessions that time out if you take too long finding a document. In contrast, kenya-eta.info is designed with the user in mind. The interface is intuitive, clean, and guides you through each field. It is built to minimize frustration, making it clear exactly what is needed at each stage.
Support and Guidance One of the main pain points with state portals is the lack of immediate support. If you make a mistake or have a question, getting a response can take days, or you might be met with silence. A specialized service prioritizes customer support. If you are unsure about a photo requirement or a specific question, you can get help quickly. This human element provides reassurance that your application is being handled correctly.
Error Checking On the standard state channel, if you make a mistake like uploading a blurry photo or entering the wrong passport digit your application might simply be rejected without explanation, forcing you to start over and pay again. Platforms like kenya-eta.info often include a review phase where experts check your application for common errors before it is submitted to the authorities. This significantly increases the chances of approval on the first try.
Flexibility State portals typically have one speed. Specialized services understand that travel plans change and offer the tiered processing options mentioned earlier (Normal, Rush, Super Rush) to cater to different timelines.
In summary, while the state portal is the direct engine, using a streamlined interface offers a "concierge" style experience that saves time, reduces error anxiety, and provides support that the standard channels simply do not offer.
Can I extend my Kenya eTA while I’m already in Kenya
A frequent question for travelers who fall in love with the Kenyan vibe is whether they can stay longer than originally planned.
Strictly speaking, the eTA itself is not extendable in the online system once you have entered the country. The eTA is your "key" to enter. However, this does not mean you are forced to leave immediately if you want to extend your holiday.
Once you are in Kenya, immigration matters are handled by the local immigration offices. If you entered on a standard visitor eTA (valid for a 90-day stay), you can apply for an extension of your visitor's period (often called a Visitor's Pass endorsement) through the local immigration services digital portal (FNS) or by visiting an immigration office in Nairobi or Mombasa. This is how you arrange for a Kenya eTA Extension while already within the country.
You can typically extend your stay for another 3 months, bringing the total potential stay to 6 months. This process involves filling out an extension application, paying an additional fee, and showing that you still have funds and accommodation to support your extended stay.
It is crucial to apply for this extension before your current 90-day period expires. Overstaying without approval is taken very seriously and can lead to fines or being barred from future entry. So, while you cannot "renew" the eTA online from your hotel room in the same way you applied for it, you can legally extend your stay by following the local immigration procedures.
