Kenya Visa for German Citizens 2026: eTA Requirements & Guide

Do German Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?

Yes, German citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. As of January 5, 2024, Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the eTA—a mandatory digital travel permit that all foreign visitors must obtain before arrival, with limited exemptions. German passport holders are not among the visa-exempt nationalities, so you must apply online before your trip.

The eTA is simpler and faster than a traditional visa: it's processed entirely online, costs significantly less, and typically takes just 3 business days to approve. You'll receive your approved eTA by email and must print it to carry alongside your passport.

Kenya eTA: Quick Facts for German Citizens

Requirement	Details
Visa Type	Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Required?	Yes, for all German citizens
Cost	$30 USD (standard); $130 USD (expedited)
Processing Time	3 business days (standard); immediate (expedited)
Validity	90 days from approval; allows up to 90-day stay
Stay Duration	Up to 90 consecutive days
Entries	Single entry (multiple entries not available for standard eTA)
Official Portal	https://etakenya.go.ke
Passport Validity	Minimum 6 months beyond entry date; at least 1 blank page required

eTA Types & Which One You Need

Kenya offers a single eTA product for tourist and business visitors. There is no separate tourist vs. business eTA—one authorization covers both purposes.

• Standard eTA (90-day validity): Costs $30 USD, processed within 3 business days. Valid for 90 days from approval; you can stay up to 90 consecutive days once you enter Kenya.
• Expedited eTA (immediate processing): Costs $130 USD total ($30 + $100 expedited fee), approved within hours. Useful if you're applying close to your travel date.

Note on multiple entries: The standard eTA permits single entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya during your trip, you'll need to apply for a new eTA or contact the Kenya immigration office for guidance on your specific itinerary.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Kenya eTA Online

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you start your application, have these items ready:

• Valid German passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended entry date and at least 1 blank page
• Passport bio page (scanned or photographed) — clear, color copy
• Passport-style or selfie photo — digital format (typically JPEG, at least 200×200 pixels)
• Email address and phone number — you'll receive your eTA approval here
• Travel itinerary — planned arrival and departure dates
• Accommodation details — hotel or lodge booking confirmation, or host contact information
• Payment method — credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard accepted)

Step 2: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the official Kenya eTA website: https://etakenya.go.ke This is the only authorized government platform. Avoid third-party visa agents unless you specifically want professional assistance (they charge additional service fees).

Step 3: Complete the Online Form

Fill in the application form with:

• Full name (as it appears in your passport)
• Date of birth
• Passport number and expiry date
• Email and phone number
• Intended arrival and departure dates
• Purpose of visit (tourism or business)
• Accommodation address in Kenya

Upload your passport bio page and photo. Review all information carefully—errors may delay processing or result in rejection.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

Select your processing speed:

• Standard ($30 USD): Processed within 3 business days
• Expedited ($130 USD): Immediate approval

Pay securely via credit or debit card. You'll receive a payment confirmation email immediately.

Step 5: Receive Your eTA

Once approved, you'll receive an email with your eTA document (a PDF). Print this email and the eTA PDF and carry them with your passport. The eTA is valid for 90 days from the approval date; you must enter Kenya within this window.

Step 6: Arrive in Kenya

Present your printed eTA and passport at immigration upon arrival at any Kenyan airport, seaport, or land border. Immigration will verify your eTA and stamp your passport.

eTA Fees & Payment Methods

Official Government Fees

Kenya's official eTA portal charges the following:

Processing Type	Fee (USD)	Processing Time
Standard	$30	Up to 3 business days (72 hours)
Expedited	$130 total ($30 + $100 expedited surcharge)	Immediate

Payment Methods

The official eTA portal accepts:

• Visa and Mastercard credit cards
• Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard enabled)
• Online payment gateways integrated with the portal

Important: Payments are non-refundable. If your application is rejected, you can reapply but must pay the fee again. If you make changes after paying, a new application fee applies.

Third-Party Visa Services

You can also apply through licensed visa service providers (e.g., eVisas.io, Sherpa), but they charge additional service fees on top of the government fee. For example, third-party services may charge $55–$95 in service fees, bringing the total to $85–$225 USD depending on processing speed. Using the official portal directly is the most economical option.

Processing Times & eTA Validity

Standard Processing (3 Business Days)

The Kenya eTA website states that standard applications are "generally processed within three (3) business days/72 hours," though processing may extend depending on verification requirements. Business days exclude weekends and Kenyan public holidays.

Best practice: Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your planned travel date to account for processing time and any additional verification requests from immigration.

Expedited Processing (Immediate)

For an additional $100 USD fee, your application is processed immediately and approved within hours. This is ideal if you're booking a last-minute safari or have an urgent trip.

eTA Validity Period

Once approved, your eTA is valid for 90 days from the approval date. You must enter Kenya within this 90-day window. Once you arrive and are stamped into Kenya, you can stay for up to 90 consecutive days.

What If Your Application Is Delayed?

If standard processing exceeds 3 business days, you can contact Kenya immigration directly:

• Email: etakenya@immigration.go.ke
• Phone: +254 110-922062, +254 110-922063, or +254 110-922064

Passport & Documentation Requirements

Passport Validity

Your German passport must:

• Be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya
• Contain at least 1 blank page (some sources recommend 2 for safety)
• Be a standard tourist passport (diplomatic or official passports follow different rules)

If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before applying for the eTA.

Photo Requirements

Your photo must be:

• Recent (taken within the last 6 months)
• A clear, color passport-style photo or high-quality selfie
• Minimum 200×200 pixels
• Your face clearly visible, centered, with neutral expression
• No filters, sunglasses, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)

Entry Requirements at Kenyan Immigration

What to Present at the Border

When arriving in Kenya, have ready:

• Your printed eTA approval (the PDF email you received)
• Your valid German passport
• Your return or onward ticket (flight or transport confirmation)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, safari lodge confirmation, or host letter)

Immigration Checks

At the airport, land border, or seaport, immigration officers will:

• Scan your eTA and passport
• Verify your identity and travel dates
• Ask about the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.)
• Check for return travel plans
• Stamp your passport with an entry stamp and date

Tip: Keep your printed eTA in an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on bag. Immigration may request it before you reach the desk.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

While not strictly a visa requirement, Kenya has health entry rules:

• Yellow fever vaccination: Recommended if you're arriving from endemic countries; proof may be requested. Carry your vaccination certificate.
• COVID-19: As of 2026, COVID restrictions have been relaxed, but confirm current requirements with the Kenya Ministry of Health before travel.

For detailed health guidance specific to German travelers, see Kenya entry requirements for all travellers in 2026.

Transit & Airport Layovers

If you're transiting through Kenya to another destination and not leaving the airport, you typically do not need an eTA—but this depends on your airline and specific circumstances.

If you plan to leave the airport during a layover or stay overnight in Kenya, you must obtain an eTA, as you are technically entering the country.

Extending Your Stay in Kenya

The standard eTA permits a single 90-day stay. To extend beyond 90 days, you must:

• Apply for an extension in person at the Kenya Immigration office in Nairobi before your 90 days expire
• Provide proof of funds, accommodation, and a valid reason for extension
• Pay an extension fee (amount varies; confirm with immigration)

Planning a longer safari or business trip? Consider applying for the full 90-day stay initially, then apply for extension if needed once in Kenya.

Overstaying Your eTA: Penalties

Do not overstay your permitted duration. Kenya enforces strict immigration rules:

• Fines: Overstaying incurs substantial daily fines (typically 5,000–10,000 Kenyan Shillings per day)
• Deportation: Serious overstays may result in deportation and a ban from re-entry
• Future visa denials: Overstays are recorded and may affect future visa applications to Kenya and other countries

Mark your departure date clearly in your calendar and arrange your return flight in advance.

Common Mistakes & Rejection Reasons

Why eTA Applications Are Rejected

The most common reasons for rejection include:

• Blurry or poor-quality photo: Ensure your photo is clear, well-lit, and meets size requirements
• Passport information mismatch: Double-check that your name, date of birth, and passport number are entered exactly as they appear in your passport
• Expired or invalid passport: Your passport must have 6+ months validity from your entry date
• Incomplete application: Missing accommodation details, travel dates, or contact information can cause delays or rejections
• Suspicious travel patterns: Immigration may flag multiple applications in a short time or inconsistent travel dates
• Past immigration violations: Previous overstays, deportations, or visa violations in Kenya or other countries may result in denial

What to Do If Rejected

If your eTA is rejected:

• You'll receive a rejection email with a reason
• You can reapply immediately, correcting the issue
• You must pay the fee again ($30 USD standard or $130 expedited)
• If the reason is unclear, contact Kenya immigration: etakenya@immigration.go.ke

Visa-Free & Visa-Exempt Countries

For your reference, some nationalities do not require an eTA to visit Kenya (though most do). Germany is not on this list, so German citizens must obtain an eTA.

Visa-exempt countries include Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and a few others. If you hold a passport from one of these countries as a secondary citizenship, you may be eligible for visa-free entry—contact the Kenya Embassy for clarification.

Planning Your Kenya Safari with Your eTA

With your eTA approved, you're ready to book your safari adventure. Whether you're planning a budget safari package near Nairobi, a wildlife tour in the Maasai Mara, or a multi-country trip combining Kenya and Tanzania, your eTA is valid for the entire 90-day period.

On SafariFind, you can browse and compare safari operators and lodge options to find the best fit for your dates and budget.

Contact Information & Resources

Official Kenya eTA Portal: https://etakenya.go.ke

Kenya Immigration Services:

• Email: etakenya@immigration.go.ke or info@immigration.go.ke
• Phone: +254 110-922062, +254 110-922063, +254 110-922064
• General inquiry: +254 (20) 2222022

Kenya Embassy in Berlin:

• Address: Philipp-Scheidemann-Str. 2, 10557 Berlin, Germany
• Phone: +49 30 47 39 50
• Email: info@kenyaembassy.de

Verification Note: Last checked July 2026 — always confirm eTA requirements, fees, and processing times with the official Kenya eTA portal (https://etakenya.go.ke) before travelling, as regulations and fees may change.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processing times are subject to change. Verify all information with official Kenyan government sources and your airline before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do German citizens need a visa for Kenya?

Yes, German citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors (with limited exemptions) as of January 2024. German passport holders are not visa-exempt and must apply online before arrival.

How much does a Kenya eTA cost for German citizens?

The standard eTA costs $30 USD and takes up to 3 business days to process. An expedited option costs $130 USD total ($30 + $100 expedited fee) and is approved immediately. Payment is made via credit or debit card on the official portal.

How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA?

Standard processing takes 3 business days (72 hours), though it may extend depending on verification requirements. Expedited processing is approved immediately for an additional $100 fee. It's best to apply at least 1–2 weeks before your travel date.

How long can German citizens stay in Kenya with an eTA?

The eTA allows a stay of up to 90 consecutive days for tourism and business purposes. Once you enter Kenya and are stamped in, you have 90 days from your entry date. To stay longer, you must apply for an extension in person in Kenya.

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

You need: a valid German passport (6+ months validity, 1+ blank page), a clear passport bio page scan, a recent passport-style photo or selfie, your email and phone number, planned arrival/departure dates, and accommodation details in Kenya.

How do I apply for a Kenya eTA online?

Visit the official portal at https://etakenya.go.ke, fill in your personal and travel details, upload your passport bio page and photo, select standard ($30) or expedited ($130) processing, and pay via credit/debit card. You'll receive your approved eTA by email within 3 business days (or immediately for expedited).

What is the validity of a Kenya eTA?

The eTA is valid for 90 days from the approval date. You must enter Kenya within this 90-day window. Once you arrive and are stamped in, you can stay for up to 90 consecutive days.

Can I extend my Kenya eTA stay beyond 90 days?

Yes, you can apply for an extension in person at the Kenya Immigration office in Nairobi before your 90 days expire. You'll need to provide proof of funds, accommodation, and a valid reason for extension, and pay an extension fee.

What happens if I overstay my Kenya eTA?

Overstaying incurs daily fines (typically 5,000–10,000 Kenyan Shillings per day), and serious overstays may result in deportation and a ban from re-entry. Overstays are recorded and may affect future visa applications.

What should I present at Kenyan immigration with my eTA?

Present your printed eTA approval, valid German passport, return/onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or safari lodge confirmation). Immigration will scan your eTA, verify your identity, and stamp your passport.

Is yellow fever vaccination required for German citizens entering Kenya?

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you're arriving from endemic countries, and proof may be requested. Carry your international vaccination certificate. Confirm current health requirements with Kenya's Ministry of Health before travel.

Can I apply for a Kenya eTA if my passport expires within 6 months?

No, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into Kenya. If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying for the eTA.