Kenya Visa for Irish Citizens 2026: eTA Requirements & Guide

Do Irish Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?

Yes. Irish citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya, effective January 2024 onwards. The eTA has replaced the traditional eVisa system and is mandatory for all foreign visitors, including infants and children. The eTA is not a visa but a pre-travel security clearance that simplifies entry and is processed entirely online.

Kenya eTA Types for Irish Citizens

The Kenyan government offers multiple eTA categories. Irish citizens traveling for tourism or business will apply for one of these:

• Tourist eTA (Single Entry) — Valid for 90 days from issue; allows one entry with a maximum stay of 30 days. Cost: $51 USD (standard processing) or $95 USD (via third-party service providers).
• Business eTA (Single Entry) — Same validity and duration as tourist eTA. Cost: $95 USD (via service providers).
• Transit eTA — For travelers passing through Kenya en route to another destination. Valid for 3 days; cost varies.
• East Africa eTA (Multiple Entry) — Allows multiple entries across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Tanzania within 90 days. Available to eligible travelers.

Most Irish tourists apply for the Tourist eTA (Single Entry). If you plan to leave Kenya and return within 90 days while the eTA remains valid—and you're visiting only eligible East African countries—you may be able to reuse the same eTA without a new application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the Official Government Portal

Go to etakenya.go.ke — the only official Kenyan government eTA platform. Avoid third-party websites; they charge higher fees for the same authorization. The portal was launched January 5, 2024, replacing the previous evisa.go.ke system.

2. Create an Account

Register using your email address and passport information. You will receive a confirmation email with login credentials.

3. Complete the Online Application Form

Provide the following information accurately:

• Full name (as it appears on your passport)
• Passport number and issue/expiry dates
• Date of birth
• Nationality (Ireland)
• Email address and phone number
• Intended arrival and departure dates
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
• Accommodation details (hotel name, address, or invitation letter)
• Return flight details

Tip: Double-check all entries before submission. Errors cannot be corrected after payment and will require a new application with a new fee.

4. Upload Required Documents

Prepare digital scans of the following:

• Passport biographical page — Color scan, high quality, showing your full name, passport number, date of birth, and expiry date. The page must be clearly legible.
• Passport-style photograph — Recent color photo, 5×5 cm (or as specified on the portal), white or light background, face clearly visible, taken within the last 6 months.
• Travel itinerary — Confirmed flight booking or reservation showing arrival and departure dates.
• Accommodation confirmation — Hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter from a host in Kenya.

All documents must be in English or certified English translations.

5. Select Processing Speed

Choose your preferred processing option:

• Normal Processing: Approved within 3 business days (72 hours). $30 USD base fee.
• Urgent Processing: Approved within 24 hours. Additional $100 USD.
• Super Urgent Processing: Approved within 12 hours. Additional $169 USD.

Most travelers apply for normal processing at least 7–10 days before travel to avoid delays.

6. Pay the Application Fee

Submit payment using an international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Save your payment receipt. All fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or you change travel plans.

7. Receive Your eTA Approval

Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation with your eTA document. Print the confirmation or save it on your phone. You do not need a physical stamp in your passport — the eTA is entirely digital and linked to your passport number in Kenya's immigration database.

Kenya eTA Fees & Payment Breakdown

eTA Type	Processing Speed	Cost (USD)	Approval Time
Tourist eTA (Single Entry)	Normal	$30	3 business days
Tourist eTA (Single Entry)	Urgent	$130 ($30 + $100)	24 hours
Tourist eTA (Single Entry)	Super Urgent	$199 ($30 + $169)	12 hours
Business eTA (Single Entry)	Normal	$30	3 business days
Business eTA (Single Entry)	Urgent	$130	24 hours
Business eTA (Single Entry)	Super Urgent	$199	12 hours

Important Notes:

• Fees quoted on the official etakenya.go.ke portal are the government rates. Third-party visa agencies may add service charges (typically $40–$70 USD extra).
• All fees are final and non-refundable once payment is processed.
• If you need to change your travel dates or purpose after payment, you must submit a new application and pay again.
• Group discounts may apply for 10 or more people; contact the official eTA support team for details.

Processing Times & eTA Validity

How Long Does It Take?

Standard processing takes 3 business days (72 hours) from the time your complete application is submitted. This typically means:

• Monday application → approved by Thursday
• Friday application → approved by Tuesday (excluding weekends)

Urgent and super-urgent options are available if you're traveling soon, but standard processing is sufficient if you apply at least 7–10 days in advance.

eTA Validity Period

Once approved, your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. During this 90-day window, you can enter Kenya once (single-entry eTA). Your allowed stay in Kenya is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry and is typically up to 30 days for tourism.

Example: If your eTA is approved on July 1, 2026, you must enter Kenya by September 28, 2026. If you miss this window, the eTA expires and you must apply again.

What Happens When You Arrive in Kenya

Immigration & Customs Checks

When you land at a Kenyan airport (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta, Mombasa, Kisumu, or other ports of entry), immigration officers will:

• Verify your passport and eTA approval in their system using your passport number.
• Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• Ask about the purpose of your visit and length of stay.
• Determine your final permitted stay duration (usually up to 30 days for tourists).
• Stamp your passport with entry and exit dates.

Important: The eTA grants you permission to travel to Kenya, but it does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers retain the right to deny entry if they have security concerns or if you lack sufficient funds, a return ticket, or accommodation details.

What to Present at Immigration

• Your passport (original, valid for at least 6 months)
• Proof of your eTA approval (printed or digital copy on your phone)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, or Airbnb confirmation)
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or credit cards)

Extensions, Overstays & Returning to Kenya

Can You Extend Your Stay?

If you wish to stay longer than the duration granted by immigration, you must apply for an extension before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are processed by the Directorate of Immigration Services in Nairobi. Contact the immigration office or visit the eCitizen portal for extension procedures and fees.

Overstaying Your eTA

Overstaying your permitted duration in Kenya can result in:

• Fines (typically 10,000–50,000 KES per day)
• Deportation and blacklisting from future entry
• Confiscation of your passport
• Legal prosecution

Always depart Kenya before your authorized stay expires.

Returning to Kenya After Your eTA Expires

If your eTA expires (90 days after approval), you must apply for a new eTA to return. There is no grace period. However, if you're visiting East African Community (EAC) countries immediately after Kenya—such as Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan—and your eTA is still valid, you may be able to re-enter Kenya without a new application, provided you don't visit any countries outside the EAC region.

Common Mistakes & Reasons for Rejection

Application Rejection Reasons

Your eTA application may be rejected if:

• Passport invalid or expiring soon: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Renew your Irish passport before applying if necessary.
• Incomplete or inaccurate information: Typos in your name, passport number, or travel dates will cause rejection. Double-check all entries.
• Poor-quality documents: Blurry passport scans, low-resolution photos, or photos with the wrong background will be rejected. Use a scanner or high-resolution camera.
• Missing documents: Ensure you upload all required files—passport bio page, photo, itinerary, and accommodation proof.
• Security concerns: If you have a criminal record or are flagged in international databases, your application may be denied. Contact the Kenyan embassy in Dublin for guidance in this case.
• Inconsistent information: Mismatches between your passport, application form, and supporting documents (e.g., different names or dates) will trigger rejection.

How to Avoid Rejection

• Apply at least 7–10 days before your travel date, not at the last minute.
• Use the official government portal (etakenya.go.ke) only.
• Ensure your Irish passport has at least 6 months validity remaining.
• Upload clear, color scans of documents with no glare or shadows.
• Match all information across your application form, passport, and supporting documents exactly.
• Use accurate email and phone details so you receive approval notifications.

Transit & Layovers Through Kenya

If you're transiting through Kenya to another country (e.g., flying Nairobi to Zanzibar), you still need an eTA unless:

• You remain in the international transit area and do not clear immigration.
• Your layover is under 12 hours and you are not leaving the airport.

If you leave the airport or your layover exceeds 12 hours, you must have an eTA. A Transit eTA (valid for 3 days) is available for this purpose and costs less than a full tourist eTA.

Health Requirements & Vaccinations

While the eTA itself has no vaccination requirements, Kenya may require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from endemic countries. Check current health advisories from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and the CDC before traveling. Consider reading our guides on vaccinations and health rules for Kenya for comprehensive health preparation advice.

Irish Embassy & Support

The Irish Embassy in Nairobi provides consular services for Irish citizens, including passport renewal and emergency assistance. For visa-related queries about Kenya, contact:

• Embassy Website: www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/kenya/
• Address: Irish Embassy, Nairobi
• Email: nairobi@dfa.ie (for general inquiries)

For specific eTA application issues, contact the Kenyan immigration authority directly:

• eTA Support Email: etakenya@immigration.go.ke
• Phone: +254 110-922062 / +254 110-922063 / +254 110-922064

Planning Your Safari After Your eTA Approval

Once your eTA is approved, you're ready to book your safari. Ireland-based travelers can explore visa requirements for other East African countries if you're planning a multi-country trip. SafariFind's marketplace allows you to compare and book guided safari packages, lodges, and tours across Kenya's top destinations—Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs will be populated in the faqs array below.

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Last checked July 2026 — Always confirm current fees, processing times, and requirements with the official Kenyan eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs before traveling. Visa policies and fees change; this article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Irish citizens need a visa for Kenya?

Yes. Irish citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. The eTA is a mandatory pre-travel security clearance issued online and has replaced the traditional eVisa system since January 2024. All foreign visitors, including infants and children, must obtain an eTA before arrival.

How much does a Kenya eTA cost for Irish citizens?

A Tourist eTA (single entry) costs $30 USD for standard processing (3 business days). Urgent processing (24 hours) costs $130 USD, and super-urgent (12 hours) costs $199 USD. Third-party visa agencies may charge additional service fees ($40–$70 USD extra), but applying directly on the official government portal (etakenya.go.ke) avoids these markups.

How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA?

Standard processing takes 3 business days (72 hours) from submission. Urgent options provide approval within 24 hours (urgent) or 12 hours (super-urgent) for an additional fee. Most travelers apply at least 7–10 days in advance to allow time for processing and any unexpected delays.

How long is a Kenya eTA valid for?

Once approved, your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. During this window, you can enter Kenya once (single-entry eTA). Your stay in Kenya is typically limited to 30 days for tourists, as determined by the immigration officer at arrival.

What documents do I need to apply for a Kenya eTA as an Irish citizen?

You need: (1) a valid Irish passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, (2) a color scan of your passport biographical page, (3) a recent passport-style photograph (5×5 cm, white background), (4) your travel itinerary with confirmed flight dates, and (5) proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter).

Can I apply for a Kenya eTA on behalf of my child?

Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own eTA. You apply on their behalf using their passport details. Each child requires a separate eTA application and payment.

What is the official Kenya eTA website?

The official government portal is etakenya.go.ke. This is the only authorized platform for eTA applications. Avoid third-party websites; they charge higher fees and may not be secure. The portal replaced the previous evisa.go.ke system on January 5, 2024.

Can I extend my stay in Kenya if my eTA is about to expire?

If you wish to stay beyond your authorized duration, you must apply for an extension through the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services before your current permission expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and involve separate application procedures and fees. Plan ahead if you anticipate needing extra time.

What happens if I overstay my Kenya eTA?

Overstaying can result in fines (10,000–50,000 KES per day), deportation, blacklisting from future entry, passport confiscation, and legal prosecution. Always ensure you depart Kenya before your authorized stay expires.

Can I re-enter Kenya with the same eTA?

No—a single-entry eTA allows only one entry. If you leave Kenya and wish to return after your first entry, you must apply for a new eTA. However, if you visit East African Community countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, etc.) immediately after Kenya without visiting other regions, and your eTA is still valid, you may be able to re-enter Kenya under certain conditions.

Do I need a Kenya eTA if I'm only transiting through Nairobi?

If you remain in the international transit area and don't clear immigration, you may not need an eTA for very short layovers (under 12 hours). However, if you leave the airport or your layover exceeds 12 hours, you must have an eTA—consider applying for a Transit eTA (valid 3 days) for this purpose.

What should I do if my Kenya eTA application is rejected?

Common rejection reasons include invalid passport, incomplete information, poor-quality documents, or security flags. Review the rejection email, correct the errors, and submit a new application. Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity, documents are high-quality, and all information matches exactly. If you have security concerns, contact the Irish Embassy in Nairobi for guidance.