The great wildebeest migration, Big Five safaris, and the beaches of Diani — Kenya is the Africa of every traveller’s dreams. But note an important change: Kenya has replaced its old e-visa and visa-on-arrival with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The Kenya eTA for Indians must be approved before you travel — no exceptions. This guide explains the new system, documents, application steps, and safari tips.
Eligibility for Indians: Kenya eTA
The Kenya eTA is mandatory for Indians. The verified facts:
- Kenya replaced the old e-visa and visa-on-arrival with the eTA system — all foreign nationals except East African Community partner-state citizens must hold an approved eTA before travel.
- There is no visa on arrival anymore — airlines can deny boarding without an approved eTA.
- Apply only on the official portal etakenya.go.ke; copycat sites charge extra.
- Apply well before your travel date and do not book non-refundable travel until the eTA is approved.
- Print the eTA approval and carry it with your passport.
Documents Required for the Kenya eTA
Keep clean digital copies ready:
| Document | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Indian passport | Valid ordinary passport, 6+ months validity beyond travel |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photo, white background, digital format |
| Flight bookings | Confirmed arrival and return flights |
| Hotel bookings | Accommodation reservations in Kenya (or safari operator confirmation) |
| Travel itinerary | Day-wise plan, especially for safari circuits |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever country — check current health rules |
Enter all details exactly as printed on your passport.
Kenya eTA Application Steps
- Visit the official portal etakenya.go.ke and confirm it is the genuine government site.
- Start a new eTA application for tourism.
- Fill in personal and passport details exactly as on your passport.
- Add travel details — arrival date, flight, accommodation, and itinerary.
- Upload your photograph and supporting documents.
- Pay the fee online — check the current fee on the official portal before paying.
- Wait for approval — check current processing timelines on the portal; apply well in advance.
- Print the eTA approval and carry it with your passport, plus a phone backup.
Travel Tips for Indians Visiting Kenya
- Best time for safari: July to October is the great migration season in the Masai Mara; January to March is also excellent for wildlife viewing.
- Money: the Kenyan shilling (KES). US dollars are handy for safari payments; ATMs are common in cities — carry cash in parks.
- Choose your parks: Masai Mara for the migration, Amboseli for elephants with Kilimanjaro views, Lake Nakuru for flamingos and rhinos.
- Book safaris wisely: use a licensed operator, confirm what is included (park fees, transport, guide, meals) in writing, and check recent reviews.
- Health: consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis and required vaccinations well before travel.
- Beach extension: Diani Beach near Mombasa is perfect after a dusty safari — turquoise water and white sand.
- Food: nyama choma (grilled meat) is the classic; Indian restaurants are widespread in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- Connectivity: a local SIM at Nairobi airport keeps maps and bookings smooth.
- Respect wildlife rules: stay in the vehicle, keep noise down, and never feed animals — your guide’s instructions are law.
Safari-planning reads: how to choose travel insurance is a must for an adventure trip, and our Schengen visa eligibility guide for Indians helps with Europe planning. For a beach-only escape, see the Maldives 4-day tour package guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Kenya now?
Kenya replaced visas with the mandatory eTA. Indians must hold an approved eTA before travel — there is no visa on arrival anymore.
What is the difference between the Kenya eTA and the old e-visa?
The eTA is a pre-travel authorisation system that replaced both the e-visa and visa on arrival. Approval must be secured before you fly.
Which is the official Kenya eTA website?
etakenya.go.ke — the official government portal. Avoid lookalike sites.
When should I apply for the Kenya eTA?
Well before travel — check current processing timelines on the official portal and never book non-refundable travel before approval.
Can I get a Kenya visa on arrival as an Indian?
No. Visa on arrival has been discontinued. An approved eTA is mandatory before boarding your flight.
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