Kenya — the land of the Great Migration, Maasai Mara, Mount Kilimanjaro views, and the Swahili Coast — is Africa’s most iconic safari destination for Indian travellers. Whether you’re dreaming of watching wildebeest cross the Mara River or unwinding on Diani Beach, Kenya delivers extraordinary experiences. For Indian passport holders, Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) — an easy online process that takes minutes to apply. This guide covers everything: Kenya eTA fees for Indians in 2026, the complete documents checklist, step-by-step application, and top tips for a memorable Kenya trip.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Kenya?
Yes — Indian passport holders require authorisation to enter Kenya. Since January 2024, Kenya replaced its traditional e-Visa system with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most visitors, including Indians. The eTA is applied for online before travel, is straightforward to complete, and is typically approved within 2–3 working days.
There is no visa on arrival for Indian citizens — you must have your eTA approved before boarding your flight to Kenya. The entire process is online through Kenya’s official portal.
Types of Kenya Visa / eTA for Indians
| Visa / eTA Type | Purpose | Stay Allowed | Fee (USD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eTA (Single Entry) | Tourism, safari, leisure | 90 days | USD 32.50 | ~₹2,800 |
| Transit eTA | Airport transit through Kenya | 72 hours | USD 10 | ~₹860 |
| Business eTA | Business meetings, conferences | 90 days | USD 32.50 | ~₹2,800 |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda together | 90 days | USD 100 | ~₹8,600 |
For most Indian tourists, the Tourist eTA (USD 32.50 / ~₹2,800) is the correct choice. Note that the eTA allows a generous 90-day stay — far more than most visitors need, and ideal for multi-stop safari itineraries. If you also plan to visit Uganda and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers all three countries.
Kenya eTA Fees for Indians 2026
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eTA Fee | USD 32.50 | ~₹2,800 |
| Bank / Payment Processing Fee | USD 1.80 | ~₹155 |
| Total eTA Cost | USD 34.30 | ~₹2,955 |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (optional) | USD 100 | ~₹8,600 |
| Transit eTA | USD 10 | ~₹860 |
Payment is made online via Visa or Mastercard on the official Kenya eTA portal. Fees are non-refundable after submission. The eTA approval is valid for 90 days from date of approval — ensure your trip falls within this window.
Documents Required for Kenya eTA for Indians ✅
- ✅ Valid Indian passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended arrival in Kenya; at least one blank page; upload a high-quality JPEG scan of the bio-data page and last page
- ✅ Recent passport-size photograph — 2″ × 2″ (51mm × 51mm), white background, colour, taken within last 6 months; clear frontal face
- ✅ Confirmed hotel / safari lodge booking — reservation confirmation for your full stay in Kenya
- ✅ Return / onward flight tickets — confirmed booking showing departure from Kenya
- ✅ Detailed travel itinerary — arrival and departure dates, cities/parks to be visited, flight details
- ✅ Sufficient funds — proof of financial capacity; credit card statement or bank statement showing adequate balance
- ✅ Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — required if travelling from or through a yellow fever endemic country (not always required for direct India–Kenya routes, but strongly recommended)
How to Apply for Kenya eTA from India: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official Kenya eTA portal: Go to etakenya.go.ke — the official Kenya Immigration Service portal. Avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees for the same service.
- Create an eCitizen account: Register with your email address. Kenya’s eTA is processed through the eCitizen platform used for all government services.
- Start a new eTA application: After logging in, navigate to the eTA application section. Select your travel type (Tourist, Business, or Transit) and nationality (Indian/India).
- Fill in personal and travel details: Enter your full name (as on passport), date of birth, passport number and expiry, planned arrival and departure dates, purpose of visit, and Kenya accommodation details.
- Upload required documents: Upload clear JPEG scans of your passport bio-data page, passport photograph, hotel booking confirmation, return flight ticket, and travel itinerary. Ensure all images are clear and fully legible.
- Pay the eTA fee: Pay USD 32.50 (plus USD 1.80 processing fee) using a Visa or Mastercard. Keep the payment confirmation receipt.
- Submit and await approval: After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your application reference number. The eTA is typically approved within 2–3 working days. You’ll be notified by email once approved.
- Download and print your eTA: Download your approved eTA from your eCitizen account and print it. You must present the printed eTA alongside your passport at Kenya immigration.
Apply at least 5–7 days before travel to ensure you have your approved eTA in hand well before your departure date.
Kenya eTA Processing Time for Indians
| eTA Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Tourist / Business eTA | 2–3 working days |
| Transit eTA | 1–2 working days |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | 3–5 working days |
Processing is generally quick, but apply at least a week before travel. During peak safari season (July–October for Great Migration), the portal may see higher volumes — apply 10+ days in advance.
Best Time to Visit Kenya for Indians
Kenya offers world-class wildlife year-round, but timing matters for specific experiences:
- 🦁 July–October: Peak safari season — witness the Great Migration in Maasai Mara (wildebeest river crossings). Dry, clear skies; great visibility. Most expensive period.
- 🌿 January–March: Excellent for wildlife (dry season in south Kenya), fewer crowds, good value
- 🐘 June: Start of dry season, migration building up — good balance of price and wildlife activity
- 🌧️ April–May & November: Long and short rainy seasons — lush green landscapes, lowest prices, fewer tourists. Some parks may be less accessible.
Common Kenya eTA Rejection Reasons for Indians
- ❌ Blurry or incomplete document uploads — Passport scan must show all corners, be in focus, with all text fully readable
- ❌ Passport validity under 6 months — Will be rejected at application stage and at immigration
- ❌ No confirmed accommodation booking — A specific hotel or safari lodge must be confirmed; “will book later” is not accepted
- ❌ No return/onward ticket — Must show confirmed departure from Kenya
- ❌ Using unofficial portals — Third-party sites can lead to fraudulent approvals. Only use etakenya.go.ke
- ❌ Incomplete itinerary — Your dates, entry and exit points, and accommodation must be fully specified
Top Tips for Indian Travellers Visiting Kenya
- ✅ Apply for eTA at least 7–10 days before your flight
- ✅ Print your approved eTA — Kenya immigration requires a physical copy
- ✅ Get comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation (essential in remote safari areas)
- ✅ Check if you need a Yellow Fever certificate — required if travelling from endemic countries
- ✅ Book reputable safari operators early — the best Maasai Mara camps sell out months in advance
- ✅ Carry USD cash for tips, local purchases, and national park fees (some smaller parks may not accept cards)
- ✅ Pack light neutral-coloured clothing for safaris — avoid bright colours which disturb wildlife
- ✅ If also visiting Uganda and Rwanda, get the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) — much better value
Plan Your Kenya Safari with VisaForTrip
Our visa experts at VisaForTrip help Indian travellers navigate the Kenya eTA process smoothly, ensuring all documents are correct and your application is approved before your adventure begins.
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Also explore: Australia Visa for Indians | UK Visa for Indians | Visa Free Countries for Indians
Frequently Asked Questions: Kenya Visa for Indians 2026
1. Do Indians need a visa for Kenya?
Yes — Indian passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya. The eTA is applied for online at etakenya.go.ke before travel and is typically approved within 2–3 working days. There is no visa on arrival option for Indians.
2. What is the Kenya eTA fee for Indians in 2026?
The Tourist eTA costs USD 32.50 (~₹2,800) plus a USD 1.80 (~₹155) bank processing fee. Total: approximately USD 34.30 (~₹2,955). The optional East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) costs USD 100 (~₹8,600).
3. How long can Indians stay in Kenya on an eTA?
The Kenya Tourist eTA allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit. This is a generous allowance — most Indian safari travellers use 7–21 days of their permitted stay.
4. How long does Kenya eTA take to process for Indians?
Kenya eTA is typically processed within 2–3 working days. During peak safari season (July–October), apply at least 7–10 days in advance to allow extra buffer time.
5. What is the best time for Indians to visit Kenya?
The most spectacular time is July–October for the Great Migration in Maasai Mara — the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle. January–March is also excellent for wildlife with fewer crowds. April–May and November are rainy seasons but offer the best value.
6. What is the East Africa Tourist Visa and should Indians get it?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100 / ~₹8,600) covers travel across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa valid for 90 days. If you plan to visit all three countries, it’s excellent value. Apply through Kenya’s eCitizen portal — it requires agreement from all three countries and may take 3–5 working days.
7. Do Indians need Yellow Fever vaccination for Kenya?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from or transiting through Yellow Fever endemic countries. For direct flights from India to Kenya, it is not always mandatory — but it is strongly recommended as it may be requested at immigration. Check with your airline and the Kenya High Commission for the latest requirements before travel.