Kenya Visa for Canadian Citizens 2026: eTA Requirements & Guide

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?

Yes. Canadian citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya for tourism, business, or transit purposes. As of January 5, 2024, all visitors—including infants and children—must obtain an approved eTA before arrival. The eTA is not a traditional visa stamp; it is a digital authorization linked to your passport that you must print and carry with you.

The eTA allows you to stay in Kenya for up to 90 consecutive days. Once you arrive, the exact duration of your stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Types of Kenya eTA for Canadian Travellers

Kenya offers three main eTA types relevant to Canadian citizens:

• Tourist eTA (Single Entry): For sightseeing and short-term leisure travel. Allows one entry into Kenya.
• Business eTA (Single Entry): For business meetings, conferences, or professional visits. Also allows one entry.
• Transit eTA: For travellers passing through Kenya to another destination. Valid for stays not exceeding 72 hours and requires proof of onward travel.

The Government of Canada notes that tourist visas are not required for Canadian citizens, but you must apply for the eTA instead. Children under 16 accompanying their parents are exempt from visa fees but still require valid travel documents at the point of entry.

Kenya eTA Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Before applying, gather these documents:

• Valid Canadian passport: Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival in Kenya and at least 2 blank pages.
• Digital photograph: A recent colour passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months, meeting the portal's specifications.
• Return or onward flight ticket: Proof of departure from Kenya (required for all eTA types).
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking, invitation letter, or travel itinerary showing where you will stay.
• Valid email address: Your approved eTA will be sent here.
• Payment method: International credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or bank transfer.

For transit visas only: You must also provide an onward ticket proving travel to a third country within 72 hours.

Step-by-Step eTA Application Process

Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to etakenya.go.ke (the official government website operated by the Directorate of Immigration Services). Avoid third-party visa agencies unless you prefer to pay additional service fees; the government portal is free and straightforward.

Step 2: Create an account and complete the application
Sign up with your email address and password. Fill in the online form with:

• Your full name, date of birth, and passport number
• Your intended arrival and departure dates
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, or transit)
• Contact information and accommodation details

Double-check every entry for accuracy before proceeding.

Step 3: Upload required documents
Scan and upload a high-quality colour copy of your passport's biographical data page and a recent passport-style photograph (typically 4x6 cm, white background).

Step 4: Review and pay
Review your application one final time. Proceed to payment using your international credit/debit card or bank transfer. Save your payment receipt and application reference number.

Step 5: Wait for approval
Your eTA will be processed within 3 business days under normal circumstances. You will receive an email with your approved eTA, which you must print and carry with your passport.

Kenya eTA Fees for Canadian Citizens

Kenya charges two types of fees: the government fee and any service fees (if using a third-party agency).

eTA Type	Government Fee (USD)	Validity
Tourist eTA (Single Entry)	US$51	90 days from issuance
Business eTA (Single Entry)	US$51	90 days from issuance
Transit eTA	US$21	3 days maximum stay
East Africa Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)	US$101	90 days from issuance

Payment methods: The official portal accepts international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and bank transfers via the Bank of Cyprus. All government fees are non-refundable once processing has begun.

Third-party agency fees: If you use a visa agency or service provider, they may add service charges (typically US$45–US$169 depending on processing speed). These are separate from the government fee and are also non-refundable.

Processing Times & eTA Validity

Standard Processing (Normal): 3 business days. Recommended for travellers with flexible travel dates.

Urgent Processing: 24 hours (available through third-party agencies for an additional fee).

Super Urgent Processing: 12 hours (available through third-party agencies for an additional fee).

eTA Validity: Your approved eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You must enter Kenya within this window. Once you arrive, the immigration officer will determine how long you can stay (up to 90 days).

We recommend applying at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure to allow for processing and any unforeseen delays.

What Happens at Immigration on Arrival in Kenya

When you arrive at a Kenyan port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport), have the following ready:

• Printed eTA: A paper copy of your approved eTA email (not just the digital file).
• Valid passport: The same passport used in your eTA application.
• Return ticket: Proof of your onward travel.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable): If you are arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country, you may be required to show proof of vaccination or you could be denied entry. Consult health requirements for Kenya travellers for full details.

The immigration officer will scan your passport, verify your eTA, and may ask about the purpose of your visit, accommodation, and return date. Processing is typically quick. The officer will then stamp or electronically record your entry and inform you of your permitted stay duration.

Note: Certain travellers are exempt from the eTA requirement, including permanent residents or valid work permit holders of Kenya, and cruise ship passengers who arrive and depart on the same vessel without disembarking.

Transit Visas & Layovers

If you are transiting through Kenya to another country and will stay less than 72 hours, you may apply for a transit eTA instead of a tourist eTA. The transit eTA costs US$21 and requires proof of onward travel (a flight ticket to your final destination).

Transit exemption: You do not need a transit visa if you remain in the international transit area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and do not leave the airport precincts. In this case, no eTA is required.

Extending Your Stay & Overstays

If you wish to stay longer than the duration granted by the immigration officer, you must apply for an extension before your permitted stay expires. Extension applications are processed by the Directorate of Immigration Services in Nairobi. Contact them at info@immigration.go.ke or call +254 20 2222022 for extension procedures and requirements.

Overstaying: Remaining in Kenya after your permitted stay expires can result in fines, detention, and deportation. Do not overstay; plan your exit carefully.

Common Mistakes & Application Rejections

Protect your application from rejection by avoiding these common errors:

• Passport validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your arrival date, not from the application date. Passports expiring soon will be rejected.
• Inaccurate information: Spelling errors, wrong dates, or mismatched details between your passport and application will cause delays or rejections. Double-check every field.
• Poor-quality photos: Photos with incorrect backgrounds, wrong dimensions, or taken more than 6 months ago may be rejected. Use a recent, high-quality colour photo with a white or light background.
• Missing documents: Ensure you upload both your passport biographical page and a valid photo. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
• Unverifiable accommodation: Provide a valid hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter. Vague or unverifiable addresses may raise suspicion.
• No onward travel proof: Always include a return or onward flight ticket. Without proof of departure, your application may be rejected.
• Payment issues: Ensure your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds. Declined payments will stall your application.

If your application is rejected, you will receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply, correcting the issues. Each new application requires a fresh payment.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

While Kenya does not require vaccinations to obtain an eTA, you may be denied entry if you cannot show proof of yellow fever vaccination when arriving from an endemic country. The CDC and World Health Organization recommend routine vaccinations (measles, polio, etc.) and vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis depending on your itinerary. For comprehensive guidance, consult Kenya entry requirements for all travellers and speak with a travel medicine clinic before departure.

Planning Your Safari After Visa Approval

Once your eTA is approved and you're ready to travel, you can explore Kenya's world-class safari destinations. Popular options include Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, and Tsavo. You can compare Kenya national park fees and availability and book guided safari tours through reputable operators. SafariFind offers a marketplace to compare prices and reviews of safari packages near Nairobi and throughout Kenya.

Verification & Important Disclaimers

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Visa requirements, fees, and processing times can change at any time. Before your trip, verify the latest information on the official Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) or contact the Kenya Embassy in Washington, D.C. at (202) 387-6101 or information@kenyaembassydc.org.

This article is informational only and not legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet Kenya's entry requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Kenya?

Yes. Canadian citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya for any purpose (tourism, business, or transit). The eTA is a digital authorization valid for 90 days from issuance and must be printed and carried with your passport.

How much does a Kenya eTA cost for Canadian citizens?

A tourist or business eTA costs US$51. A transit eTA (for stays under 72 hours) costs US$21. An East Africa Tourist Visa (multiple entry) costs US$101. All fees are paid in USD via credit card or bank transfer and are non-refundable once processing begins.

How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA?

Standard processing takes 3 business days. Urgent processing (24 hours) and super urgent processing (12 hours) are available through third-party agencies for additional fees. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel to allow for processing and contingencies.

What documents do I need to apply for a Kenya eTA?

You need a valid Canadian passport (6 months validity), a recent colour passport photo, proof of onward travel (return or flight ticket), and proof of accommodation. For transit eTAs, you must also provide an onward flight ticket to a third country within 72 hours.

Can I apply for a Kenya eTA online?

Yes. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke, the official government portal operated by Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services. The process is 100% online and takes 10–15 minutes. You will receive your approved eTA via email.

How long is a Kenya eTA valid?

Your approved eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You must enter Kenya within this window. Once you arrive, the immigration officer will determine your permitted stay (up to 90 days).

What is the difference between a Kenya eTA and a visa?

An eTA is an Electronic Travel Authorization—a digital approval linked to your passport. Unlike a traditional visa stamp in your passport, the eTA is sent via email and must be printed. It serves the same purpose: granting you permission to enter Kenya.

Do children need a Kenya eTA?

Yes. All visitors, including infants and children, must have an approved eTA before entering Kenya. However, children under 16 accompanying their parents are exempt from visa fees but still require valid travel documents at the point of entry.

What happens if my eTA application is rejected?

You will receive an email explaining the reason (e.g., poor photo quality, passport expiry, missing documents, inaccurate information). You can reapply after correcting the issues. Each new application requires a fresh payment.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya?

No vaccination is required to obtain an eTA. However, if you are arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country, you may be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination at the port of entry or you could be denied entry. Consult a travel medicine clinic before departure.

Can I extend my stay in Kenya after arrival?

Yes. If you wish to stay longer than your initial permitted duration, you must apply for an extension before your permitted stay expires. Contact Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services at info@immigration.go.ke or +254 20 2222022 for extension requirements.

What should I do if I lose my printed eTA at the airport?

Keep a digital copy of your approved eTA email on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose the printout, you can request a reprint at the airline counter or contact etakenya@immigration.go.ke immediately. Have your passport number and application reference number ready.