Kenya Visa for UK Citizens
British citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Kenya. The Standard eTA costs $30 (approximately £24) for a single entry, valid for 90 days. Kenya replaced its old e-Visa system with the new eTA, making the process faster and cheaper. Direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi take around 8 hours, making Kenya one of the most accessible African safari destinations for UK travelers.
Visa At a Glance
- Visa Type
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Best Option
- Standard eTA
- Cost
- $30
- Processing
- 2-5 days
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entries
- Single
E-Visa Application
RecommendedCost
$30
Processing
2-5 business days
Stay Permitted
90 days
Entries
Single
How to Apply for E-Visa
Go to etakenya.go.ke and create account
Select 'Standard eTA' for single entry ($30)
Fill in application form with travel details
Upload passport photo (JPEG, 500x500px)
Upload passport bio page scan
Upload return/onward flight ticket
Upload hotel booking or safari itinerary
Pay $30 via credit/debit card
Wait 2-5 business days for approval
Download eTA approval to show at immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid UK passport (6+ months validity beyond entry)
- Passport-size photo (digital, white background)
- Scanned passport bio page
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, safari itinerary, or invitation)
- Credit or debit card for payment
Passport Requirements
- Validity: At least 6 months beyond entry date
- Blank Pages: At least 2 blank pages
- Condition: Good condition, no damage
East Africa Tourist Visa
Visiting multiple East African countries? The East Africa Tourist Visa might be a better option.
Cost
$
Validity
days
Entries
Multiple
Countries
Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda
When to choose: If visiting multiple East African countries (when available)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •UK passport
- •Printed or digital eTA approval
- •Return flight ticket
- •Accommodation details
Tips
- •Have documents easily accessible
- •Know your hotel or lodge name
- •Yellow fever certificate not required from UK
- •Digital eTA on phone usually accepted
Typical processing time: 10-20 minutes with eTA
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not applying for eTA before travel (no visa on arrival)
- Applying too late (allow 7 days minimum)
- Using unofficial visa websites
- Passport validity less than 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Yes, British citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The Standard eTA costs $30 (about £24) for 90 days.
How much is Kenya eTA for British citizens?
Standard eTA is $30 (about £24). One-year multi-entry is $300 (about £240).
Can UK citizens get Kenya visa on arrival?
No. Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival. You must apply for eTA online at etakenya.go.ke before travel.
How long can British citizens stay in Kenya?
The Standard eTA allows 90 days, with possibility of extension.
Do I need yellow fever vaccine for Kenya from UK?
Not required for direct flights from UK. Only needed if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.