If you're dreaming about spotting lions on the Maasai Mara, relaxing on Diani Beach, or sipping coffee in the heart of Nairobi, there’s just one thing you need to sort out before you go: the Kenya eTA. Luckily, the process is much easier than it sounds—especially when you know exactly what to expect.
This Kenyan ETA for British guide is written especially for British Citizens heading to Kenya. It breaks everything down in a simple, friendly way so you can apply confidently and avoid the common mistakes that cause delays or rejections. We’ll also cover fees, processing times, emergency options, and even how to check your application status.
Do UK citizens need an ETA for Kenya?
Think of the Kenya eTA as your digital permission slip that tells Kenya, “Hey, I’m coming for a visit!” It’s not a traditional visa, but without it, you won’t be able to board your flight.
For British Citizens, the Kenya eTA is required whether you're traveling for:
A holiday
A business trip
A family visit
A short meeting or conference
Medical travel
The good news? You can do the entire application online—no paperwork piles or in-person visits involved. It’s fast, modern, and built to make the arrival process smoother for everyone.
What is required for a Kenya eTA?
The process is straightforward, but every detail matters. Here’s your easy checklist:
A Valid Passport
Your UK passport must have at least 6 months left from your date of arrival and at least one empty page.
A Clear Scan of Your Passport’s Bio-Data Page
No shadows, blur, glare, or fingers. A clean, sharp image is essential.
A Recent Passport Photo
Nothing fancy—just a clear photo with a plain background. Avoid filters, hats, and sunglasses.
Your Travel Itinerary
This doesn’t need to be complicated. Just make sure you know:
When you’re arriving
Where are you staying
Why are you visiting
How long are you staying
Proof of Accommodation
This could be a hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or a host’s invite letter.
A Return or Onward Ticket
Kenya wants to see that you plan to leave before your authorization expires.
Once you have these ready, the application itself is easy.
How much is the ETA fee for the UK?
Your total Kenya eTA cost includes. Understanding them helps avoid any surprises.
Government Fee: $35 USD
This is the mandatory fee that everyone pays.
Service Fee (if you use an agency)
Agencies charge a small fee to:
Double-check your documents
Fix mistakes before submission.
Guide you step by step.
Speed up processing
Help you avoid rejection.
Most British travellers prefer this route because it saves time and makes the process much smoother—especially if you’re not used to online government platforms.
How many days to process a Kenya eTA?
Most British Citizens receive their approval within:
3–5 days (standard)
24 hours or less (through an agent offering fast or urgent processing)
If any document needs clarification or an additional file is requested, it may take longer. This is another reason many travellers choose a visa service—they help you avoid delays by reviewing everything upfront.
How long can British citizens stay in Kenya?
With the Kenya eTA, you can stay for up to 90 days, which is plenty of time for a safari, beach holiday, cultural tours, and everything in between.
If you fall in love with Kenya and want more time (which happens to a lot of people!), You can request an extension once you’re already there.
How do I check the status of my Kenya eTA?
You can track your application using:
Your application ID
Your passport number
The email you registered with
Statuses typically include:
Received
Under Review
Additional Documents Needed
Approved
Rejected
Always watch your email—including your spam folder—because approvals sometimes hide in there.
Should You Apply for an e-Visa Through Kenya-eta.info or the Government Website?
This is a question every traveller asks, and it’s a very fair one.
Using the government website is the low-cost option, but it comes with tight instructions, no personal support, and no flexibility if you make a mistake. Even a tiny typo—like a wrong letter in your name—can lead to a rejection, and your fee won’t be refunded.
This is why so many British Citizens choose an agency instead.
A trusted agency:
Helps you avoid mistakes
Reviews your documents for accuracy
Makes the process much faster
Gives you support if you get stuck
Offers urgent and emergency processing
Reduces rejection risk dramatically
For travellers who want a smooth, stress-free process (or don’t have time to navigate a government system), an agent is the safer and easier option.
What is the most common reason for visa refusal?
Rejections don’t happen often, but when they do, it’s usually because of avoidable mistakes. Here are the most frequent culprits:
Blurry or Low-Quality Passport Scan
Any unclear detail can lead to an instant rejection.
Typos in Personal Information
A single wrong number in your passport field can delay or deny your application.
Wrong or Unacceptable Photo
This includes dark lighting, wrong background, filters, or shadows.
Missing Details in Your Itinerary
Kenya wants to know where you’ll be staying and for how long.
Submitting More Than One Application
Duplicate submissions confuse the system unless cancelled early.
Missing Additional Documents
If extra documents are requested and not provided on time, the application may be refused.
Incorrect Travel Details
Arrival and departure dates must match your ticket and itinerary.
These are big reasons travellers use an agency—professional support drastically reduces these risks.
Can we apply for an emergency ETA?
Yes, absolutely.
Many service providers offer rush, urgent, and super rush options for travellers who need their Kenya eTA as soon as possible. These are ideal if:
You booked a last-minute flight.
You forgot to apply
You need to travel for a meeting or event.
Plans changed suddenly
Emergency processing usually comes at a higher cost, but it saves your trip from last-minute panic.
Frequently Asked Questions: Kenyan ETA for British Citizens
How long does the Kenya eTA take for British Citizens?
Standard processing takes 3–5 days, but many travellers using an agency receive approval within 24 hours or less.
What documents do I need for the Kenyan ETA for British Citizens?
You need a valid passport, a clear passport scan, a recent photo, proof of accommodation, your travel itinerary, and a return or onward ticket.
Why do Kenya eTA applications get rejected?
Most rejections happen because of blurry scans, wrong information, poor-quality photos, missing accommodation details, or duplicate applications.
How long can British Citizens stay in Kenya with the eTA?
You can stay for up to 90 days. Extensions are possible once you’re inside Kenya.
