Yes, a visa is required to travel from United States to Kenya.
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Do I need a visa for Kenya from United States?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Yes. U.S. citizens must obtain an electronic travel authorisation before entering Kenya; it is applied for online, before departure.
American travellers can no longer arrive in Kenya without prior clearance: the country has replaced the traditional visa with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) issued through the official portal etakenya.go.ke. The application is completed entirely online, from the United States, before boarding. Carry a passport valid for at least six months.
Do you need a visa?
Yes, an authorisation is required for U.S. travellers: Kenya mandates an eTA secured in advance, and you should not rely on issuance at the border. It normally covers tourism and short stays. Confirm the exact validity and number of entries on the official portal.
How and where to apply
Go to the official site etakenya.go.ke, create an account and complete the online form from the United States. You upload your supporting documents and pay the fee by card. No embassy visit is needed for a standard tourist trip.
Documents and fees
Prepare a passport valid for at least six months, a passport photo, the passport bio page, your itinerary, proof of accommodation and a return ticket. Depending on where you are travelling from, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate may be required. The exact fee should be verified on the official portal at the time of application.
Processing and tips
Submit your application several days before departure to absorb any processing delay. Keep the approval printed or on your phone for boarding and arrival checks. Make sure the details you enter match your passport exactly.
Common mistakes
Do not travel expecting to sort it out on arrival: the eTA must be approved before boarding. Avoid unofficial middleman sites that overcharge; use etakenya.go.ke only. Finally, a passport with under six months' validity is a frequent cause of refusal.
Official sources
- Kenya eTA — portail officiel
- Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services
- U.S. Department of State — Kenya International Travel Information
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential Kenya information
Kenya is an East African country renowned for its geographic diversity including savannas, lakes, and mountains like Mount Kenya. It features a dynamic economy with sustained growth of 4.9% in 2025 per the 2026 Budget Policy Statement. The government implements the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda for development.
Weather in Nairobi
Practical travel information
- Swahili
- English
Essential preparations
- Police : 999
- Ambulance : 999
- Fire brigade : 999
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Kenya from United States?▾
Yes, an e-visa (electronic visa) is required. It is applied for online before departure and allows a stay of 90 days.
How long can you stay in Kenya?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 90 days.
What other visa types exist for Kenya?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Kenya offers among others: Class D Work Permit, Student Pass, Spouse permit, Class K Retirement permit, Class G Investor permit, Transit visa.
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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