For travelers
Arriving in Nairobi with a Kenya eTA: what to expect
The answer
Verified 30 October 2026What happens at the airport when I arrive in Kenya with an eTA?
When you arrive in Kenya with an eTA, you show your passport and eTA at immigration, and the officer decides whether to admit you and for how long. Have your approved eTA, return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready. Airlines can refuse to board you without an approved eTA.
TL;DR
- Without an approved eTA, airlines can refuse to let you board.
- At immigration, the officer decides your entry and length of stay.
- Keep your eTA, onward ticket and accommodation details to hand.
Before you fly
The official portal warns that travelling without an approved eTA may lead to being denied boarding, or a penalty on arrival. Check that your eTA is approved and that its details match the passport you're travelling with. If you're only changing planes, see when transit needs an eTA.
At immigration
Show your passport and your approved eTA. An eTA lets you travel to Kenya, but it isn't a guarantee of entry: the officer decides whether to admit you, and how long you can stay.
Have these to hand, on paper or saved offline in case you have no signal:
- your approved eTA;
- your return or onward ticket;
- the address of where you're staying, and the booking;
- any invitation letter you applied with.
If you didn't need an eTA
Some nationalities are exempt and only need their passport; check who needs a Kenya eTA. If you do need one, prepare your documents with our checklist before you apply.