Kenya eTA for Indians 2026: How to Apply, Cost & What to Expect
By Ananya Singh (Ananya Singh writes step-by-step first-international-trip guides for Indians — passport rules, visa cascade timing, immigration walkthroughs, and the unglamorous logistics that separate a smooth trip from a stranded one.) · Published · 14 min read
Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for all nationalities including Indians in January 2024, and the policy continues in 2026. Apply online at the official Kenya eTA portal, pay USD 30, and receive approval within 3 business days. The eTA allows a 90-day stay per visit.
TL;DR — Kenya eTA for Indians
Kenya replaced its tourist visa with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in January 2024, and this system is in force throughout 2026. Every visitor, including Indians, must obtain a Kenya eTA before arrival — there is no visa on arrival anymore. The eTA costs USD 30 (approximately ₹2,500), takes around 3 business days to process, and allows a 90-day stay per visit.
Fees and features change — verify on the official Kenya eTA portal (eta.immigration.go.ke) before you rely on them.
What Changed: Kenya Visa vs Kenya eTA
Until late 2023, Indians could get a Kenya visa on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi or online via the old e-visa portal. In January 2024, Kenya introduced the eTA for all nationalities, abolishing the traditional visa.
Key differences for Indians:
| Feature | Old Kenya Visa | Kenya eTA (2024–2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online or on arrival | Online only (before travel) |
| Cost | USD 50 (single entry) | USD 30 |
| Processing | 3–5 days online / immediate on arrival | Typically 3 business days |
| Stay allowed | 90 days | 90 days |
| Entry type | Single | Multiple entry |
The eTA is cheaper and allows multiple entries — a net improvement for Indian travellers compared to the old single-entry visa.
How to Apply for the Kenya eTA Step by Step
- Go to the official portal: Visit eta.immigration.go.ke. This is the only authorised government platform. Avoid third-party sites charging inflated fees.
- Create an account: Register with your email address and create a password.
- Fill the application: Enter your personal details as they appear in your passport. Provide travel information (intended entry date, purpose — tourism/business, accommodation details).
- Upload required documents: Passport bio-data page scan and passport-size photo at minimum. Additional documents may be requested depending on your purpose of visit.
- Pay the fee: USD 30 per person by international credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard).
- Wait for processing: Typically 3 business days. You will receive a confirmation email and can track status in your portal account.
- Download your eTA: Approved eTAs are downloadable as PDF. Carry a printed copy or a clear digital copy on your phone with offline access.
What Documents Do Indians Need for the Kenya eTA?
Required documents for the standard Kenya eTA application:
- Valid Indian passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. At least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
- Passport scan: Clear colour scan of the biographical data page (all text, photo, and MRZ lines fully visible).
- Recent passport photo: White or light background, JPEG format. The portal specifies exact size requirements.
- Travel itinerary: Approximate entry and departure dates, and purpose of visit.
- Accommodation details: Hotel name and address, or a host's address and contact number.
- Return or onward ticket: Some applications ask for your flight details. Having a confirmed booking or at least a dummy ticket helps.
- International payment card: Visa or Mastercard for the USD 30 fee.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (which includes several African nations and some South American ones). If flying directly from India, it is not mandatory but recommended for Kenyan entry — confirm with your airline.
How Long Does Kenya eTA Processing Take?
The official processing time is 3 business days. In practice, eTAs for straightforward tourist applications are often approved within 1–2 business days. There is no official expedited option on the government portal.
Apply at least 7–10 days before travel to allow buffer time. If your application is pending beyond 5 business days, use the portal's status inquiry feature or contact the Kenya Immigration Service.
Do not travel to Kenya without confirmed eTA approval — airlines are required to check for eTA confirmation before boarding, and you will be denied boarding without it.
What to Expect at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the main gateway for flights from India to Kenya. There are no direct non-stop flights from Indian cities to Nairobi as of 2026 — connections are typically via:
- Dubai or Abu Dhabi (most common routing — Emirates, Kenya Airways, Air Arabia)
- Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines, often the cheapest option)
- Doha or Istanbul (Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines)
At NBO immigration, present your original passport and your Kenya eTA approval (printed or digital). The officer scans the QR code, checks biometrics, and stamps your passport. The process is typically smooth for eTA holders.
Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA) also accepts eTA holders for coastal arrivals.
| Indian City | Via | Airline | Approx. Fare (one-way) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | Addis Ababa (ADD) | Ethiopian Airlines | ₹22,000–₹45,000 | ~11–13 hrs |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Dubai (DXB) | Emirates / Kenya Airways | ₹25,000–₹50,000 | ~10–12 hrs |
| Bangalore (BLR) | Doha (DOH) | Qatar Airways | ₹27,000–₹52,000 | ~12–15 hrs |
Kenya Beyond Safari: Mombasa, Zanzibar Combo, and the Indian Ocean Coast
Many Indian visitors focus entirely on Kenya's safari circuit, but the Kenyan coast is an equally compelling — and very different — reason to visit. Mombasa and the surrounding beaches (Diani Beach, Watamu, Malindi) are some of the finest in East Africa.
Mombasa: Kenya's second city has a strong Swahili-Arab cultural heritage. Fort Jesus (a 16th-century Portuguese fort, UNESCO World Heritage Site) sits at the entrance to the old harbour. The Old Town's narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, and spice markets feel closer to Oman or Zanzibar than to Nairobi. The Indian community has been present in Mombasa for centuries — you will find Gujarati temples, Indian restaurants, and Bollywood music on the streets, which makes Indian travellers feel unexpectedly at home.
Diani Beach: About 30 km south of Mombasa, Diani is consistently rated one of Africa's best beaches — powder-white sand, warm turquoise Indian Ocean water, and a reef that makes snorkelling excellent. Beachfront resorts range from budget to luxury. A week in Diani after a Maasai Mara safari is the classic combination for Indian honeymooners visiting Kenya.
Combining with Zanzibar (Tanzania): Indian travellers frequently combine Kenya with Zanzibar island — a short flight from Nairobi or Mombasa. Zanzibar requires a separate Tanzanian visa or a Zanzibar eVisa (around USD 50), but it is well worth the additional step for Stone Town's UNESCO old city, the spice farms, and the pristine beaches of Nungwi. Since the Kenya eTA is multiple entry, you can fly Kenya → Zanzibar → Kenya within the 90-day window.
Nairobi as a city destination: Nairobi itself deserves more than a transit night. The Karen Blixen Museum (Out of Africa author), the Nairobi Giraffe Centre (hand-feed Rothschild giraffes for a small fee), the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage (book in advance — free to visit), and the lively Westlands neighbourhood for restaurants and nightlife make Nairobi a genuinely interesting city stop of 2–3 days.
Kenya Safari Costs: What Indian Travellers Should Budget
Kenya is one of the world's premier safari destinations, but it is not cheap — particularly the national park entry fees, which are set at non-resident rates for foreign tourists. Here is what to expect in 2026 (all figures approximate and should be verified before booking):
| Expense | Budget Range (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara park entry | ~USD 200/day (~₹16,700) | Non-resident rate; children under 3 free |
| Budget group safari (2–3 nights) | ₹25,000–₹45,000 total | Shared jeep, basic tented camp |
| Mid-range safari (3 nights) | ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 total | Private jeep, comfortable lodge |
| Luxury safari (3 nights) | ₹1,50,000–₹4,00,000+ | Private camp, all-inclusive, fly-in |
| Nairobi city hotel (per night) | ₹3,000–₹10,000 | Mid-range; Westlands/Karen areas |
| Domestic flight (Nairobi → Maasai Mara) | ₹8,000–₹20,000 | ~45 min, multiple operators |
A complete 7-day Kenya trip (3 nights safari + 2 nights Nairobi + return flights from Delhi) typically works out to ₹1,20,000–₹2,50,000 per person for a mid-range experience — a significant investment, but the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration (July–October) is genuinely world-class and unlike any safari experience in Southeast Asia.
LRS and TCS note: Large foreign travel spends attract TCS under India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme — verify current rates and thresholds on the Income Tax India or RBI website before booking. Paying in advance from India via a forex card manages this more predictably than swiping Indian credit cards abroad.
Safari Planning: Practical Tips for Indians Visiting Kenya
Currency: Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, national parks, and safari lodges (many price in USD). ATMs in Nairobi accept Visa/Mastercard and dispense KES. A zero-markup forex card loaded in USD is excellent for ATM withdrawals.
Best time: July–October is the Great Migration peak in the Maasai Mara — zebras and wildebeest cross the Mara River. January–February is also excellent with fewer crowds. Long rains (April–May) bring lower prices but some road closures.
Health: Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for Kenya — consult your doctor before departure. Anti-malarial tablets (such as Doxycycline or Malarone) typically need to be started before travel. Use DEET-based mosquito repellent, especially in low-altitude safari areas. Nairobi (1,700 m altitude) is low malaria risk; the Mara lowlands are higher risk.
Yellow fever: If your routing includes a yellow fever endemic transit stop, carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Nairobi is not a high-risk zone itself, but officers check certificates for transit-country passengers.
Connectivity: A local Kenyan SIM (Safaricom M-PESA) costs around ₹300–₹500 for a tourist data pack and is available at NBO airport. Safaricom has the best network coverage across the Mara and Amboseli. M-PESA (mobile money) is ubiquitous for small payments, but you can generally use international cards for major purchases.
Also read: Vietnam visa guide for another popular Indian travel destination, and check the /visas panel for a side-by-side view of Indian visa requirements. Need a dummy ticket for your eTA application? See our guide on dummy tickets and flight reservations for visa.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get a Kenya visa on arrival as an Indian?
No. Kenya abolished visa on arrival in January 2024 and replaced it with the mandatory eTA system. All visitors, including Indians, must obtain an approved eTA before travelling to Kenya. Airlines will not board you without eTA confirmation.
Is the Kenya eTA a multiple-entry authorisation?
Yes. Unlike the old single-entry visa, the Kenya eTA allows multiple entries during its validity period. The eTA is typically valid for 90 days and allows re-entry within that window, making it convenient for travellers who plan to enter Kenya multiple times (for example, combining Kenya with Tanzania or Uganda and returning).
How many days can I stay in Kenya on the eTA?
The Kenya eTA allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit. This is generous enough for even a long safari and coastal holiday combination. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for an extension from the Department of Immigration Services in Kenya before your 90 days expire.
Is the USD 30 Kenya eTA fee refundable if rejected?
No. The Kenya eTA application fee is non-refundable. However, rejection rates for straightforward Indian tourism applications are low. Ensure your documents are clear, your passport has adequate validity, and your travel details are consistent.
Do Indian children need a separate Kenya eTA?
Yes. Each traveller, including minors, requires their own eTA. Children travelling on a parent's passport must have their own Indian passport and submit their own eTA application. Unaccompanied minors should also carry a notarised letter of consent from their parents or guardians.
What happens if my Kenya eTA is not approved before my travel date?
Do not travel without confirmed eTA approval. If your application is still pending close to your travel date, contact the Kenya Immigration Service directly via the portal or their official helpline. If time is very short, consider rescheduling your flight. Airlines will deny boarding to passengers without eTA confirmation.