Indian visitors to Kenya need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before they travel. It replaced Kenya’s earlier visa system from January 2024. Kenya’s embassy says to apply at least 3 days before travel, that an issued eTA is valid for 90 days, and that applications should only go through the official eTA website.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Kenya is a favourite for safari trips, and the entry process is online. Here is how the eTA works, based on guidance from Kenya’s diplomatic mission, and how flights from India reach Nairobi.
Do Indians need an eTA for Kenya?
Yes. According to the Kenya embassy’s guidance, the eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors except citizens of East African Community member states, and exemption lists have been revised since, so confirm yours on the official site. Children also need one, and a parent or guardian completes the application for anyone under 18. Indian passport holders are therefore covered by the requirement.
The eTA replaced Kenya’s earlier visa system. It was announced in December 2023 and took effect from 1 January 2024. An eTA is not a guarantee of entry. Immigration officers make the final decision on arrival.
How early should I apply and how long is it valid?
The embassy says to apply at least 3 days before travel. Standard processing is three working days, though it can vary by nationality and eTA type. In practice, apply much earlier than the minimum. A delay or a request for more documents can disrupt a trip with non-refundable bookings.
Once issued, an eTA is valid for 90 days. You must enter Kenya within that period or it becomes invalid. It is generally valid for a single entry. If you leave Kenya briefly for another East African Community partner state (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda), it remains valid for re-entry. Travel to other countries needs a new eTA.
Where do I apply, and what about the fee?
Apply only on Kenya’s official eTA website, etakenya.go.ke. The embassy warns that applications through third-party websites are automatically denied, so do not pay an intermediary.
Fee figures differ across sources, and we could not confirm a current amount from the official portal, so we are not quoting one. Check the fee on the official site at the time you apply.
Who does not need to apply? The embassy lists Kenyan citizens, residents with a permanent resident certificate or valid work permit, holders of previously issued e-visas, and transit passengers who stay within the airport or border precincts. If you are only changing planes and staying airside, you generally would not need an eTA, but confirm with your airline for your exact itinerary.
Which airlines fly from India to Nairobi?
Options include nonstop flights between Mumbai and Nairobi and one-stop itineraries through Gulf hubs.
- Kenya Airways: a schedule listing shows nonstop Mumbai to Nairobi service in the 2026 timetable, with the timings changing from late October.
- IndiGo: announced Nairobi as a destination with flights from Mumbai. Confirm the current schedule on IndiGo’s website.
- Gulf carriers: one-stop options via the Gulf are generally available. Compare total travel time and layover length, not only the fare.
We could not confirm every airline’s current frequency, so check live schedules for your dates. A small aviation touch: Nairobi is a major East African gateway, so many safari travellers connect onward by air to other parts of Kenya after landing.
Does a connecting flight change anything?
It can. If you fly from India via a Gulf hub, your first flight and your layover are separate from the Kenya entry step, but your airline may ask to see your approved eTA at check-in for the flight into Nairobi. Have the document ready on your phone and on paper before you reach the airport.
If you are on a single booking, ask the airline how the baggage is checked through and whether you must collect it at the connecting airport. Leave a comfortable layover, because a missed connection on separate tickets is your own risk. A single ticket across the whole journey is usually the safer choice.
For travellers combining Kenya with a neighbouring country, remember that the eTA is generally for a single entry, with re-entry allowed after a short trip to certain East African Community states, as listed above. Plan the order of countries accordingly.
A short planning checklist:
- Check the passport validity requirements on the official site before you apply.
- Apply well ahead of the 3-day minimum, then book non-refundable extras such as lodges.
- Save a copy of the approved eTA on your phone and carry a printout.
- Choose a fare that allows date changes if your plans are not fixed. Compare the fare families before paying.
- Consider travel insurance for an international trip.
Common Questions
Is Kenya visa-free for Indians?
Not in the sense of arriving with no paperwork. Indian visitors need an approved eTA before travelling.
How long is the Kenya eTA valid?
90 days from issue, according to Kenya’s embassy. You must enter Kenya within that period.
How early should I apply?
At least 3 days before travel, with standard processing taking about three working days. Applying earlier is safer.
Can I use an agent’s website to apply?
The embassy says applications through third-party websites are automatically denied. Apply only at etakenya.go.ke.
Does a child need an eTA?
Yes. A parent or guardian completes the application for anyone under 18.
Does the eTA guarantee entry?
No. Immigration officers decide admissibility on arrival.
Planning Nairobi or a safari? Search and compare flights on HappyFares, set a price alert for your dates, or ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help. Consider adding travel insurance for the trip.
Entry rules and fees change. Verify current requirements on Kenya’s official eTA website, with the Kenyan mission, and with your airline before you travel.
