Passmere is a private company, not a government agency. This guide is free information, not legal advice. Each fact links to the official source and shows the date we checked it.
Entry requirements
Kenya entry requirements for U.S. citizens
What a U.S. tourist needs to enter Kenya: the eTA, the official site, the government fee, passport rules, yellow fever proof and the travel advisory, with sources.
What you need to enter Kenya
Entry document for a tourist trip: under review — see the official source1. You request it online, before you travel, on the official site, under review — see the official source2.
Check the length of stay your eTA allows on the official site before you book.
Passport rules for Kenya
under review — see the official source4 under review — see the official source6Rules change often, and the government of Kenya decides who enters. Check the official site before you travel.
If your passport does not meet these rules, renew it before you apply for the eTA. Routine processing takes under review — see the official source7, plus mailing time: see Renew your U.S. passport by mail. under review — see the official source8 Read Urgent travel: getting a passport fast.
Yellow fever proof
under review — see the official source9Check whether this applies to your route. If it does, talk to a doctor or a travel clinic early and carry the proof with your passport.
Working or volunteering in Kenya
under review — see the official source10 For these plans, check the official source or ask an immigration attorney.
Travel advisory
The U.S. Department of State currently rates Kenya at under review — see the official source5. Advisory levels can change at any time. Read the current advisory before you book and again before you leave.
Step by step
- Check your passport against the validity and blank page rules above.
- Check whether your route requires yellow fever proof.
- Apply for the eTA yourself on the official site, under review — see the official source2.
- Pay the government fee shown on the official site.
- Wait for approval before you travel, then keep a copy of the eTA with your passport.
- Shortly before you leave, check the official site and the travel advisory again.
Checklist
Before you fly to Kenya
- Passport that meets Kenya's validity rule
- Blank passport pages that meet Kenya's rule
- Approved eTA, with a copy
- Yellow fever proof, if your route requires it
- Current U.S. travel advisory read
- Official site checked again for rule changes
Do and don't
Do
- Apply on the official site, under review — see the official source2, and keep a copy of what you submit.
- Get the eTA before you start your trip.
- Keep a copy of the approved eTA with your passport.
Don't
- Don't plan to work or volunteer on a tourist trip. under review — see the official source10
- Don't pay a website that only looks official. Check the address before you enter your passport details.
- Don't travel on a passport that misses Kenya's validity rule.
Fees
This is a government fee, paid to the government of Kenya. Passmere does not process visas and does not charge for this guide.
| What | Paid to | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard single-entry eTA | Government of Kenya | under review — see the official source3 |
Faster processing costs more. The official site, under review — see the official source2, shows the current fee for each option.
Frequently asked questions
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Kenya?
You need an eTA for a tourist trip: under review — see the official source1. Apply on the official site, under review — see the official source2.
How many blank pages does my passport need?
under review — see the official source6 Rules change often, and the government of Kenya decides who enters. Check the official site before you travel.
How long can I stay in Kenya?
Check the length of stay your eTA allows on the official site, under review — see the official source2, before you book. For a long stay or a complex case, ask an immigration attorney.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Kenya?
Can Passmere apply for my eTA?
No. Passmere is a private company that prepares U.S. passport paperwork. It does not process visas or travel authorizations and is not part of any government. You apply for the eTA yourself on the official site.
Sources and verification
- Entry document for tourism — U.S. Department of State: Kenya International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Official eTA website — U.S. Department of State: Kenya International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Government eTA fee — Directorate of Immigration Services, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Republic of Kenya: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). under review — see the official source
- Passport validity — U.S. Department of State: Kenya International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- U.S. Travel Advisory level — U.S. Department of State: Kenya Travel Advisory. under review — see the official source
- Blank passport pages — Directorate of Immigration Services, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Republic of Kenya: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). under review — see the official source
- Routine processing time — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Processing Time. under review — see the official source
- Urgent travel: passport agency appointment — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Passport Fast. under review — see the official source
- Yellow fever vaccination — U.S. Department of State: Kenya International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Working or volunteering in Kenya — U.S. Department of State: Kenya International Travel Information. under review — see the official source