Kenya entry requirements for Australian citizens

The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for non-visa travellers starting in 2025. This system, similar to the US ESTA, will require most visitors to obtain an ETA or eVisa before travelling to the UK. The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveller's passport, costing £10, and allows multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period.

ETA rollout schedule:

• From January 8, 2025: All non-European nationals will need an ETA.
• From April 2, 2025: European citizens will also require an ETA.
• Applications: Open for non-European nationals on November 27, 2023, and for European citizens on March 5, 2025.

Who needs an ETA?

It will cover all non-European and European nationals (except British and Irish citizens).

Exemptions:

British and Irish passport holders, those with British Overseas Territories passports, existing visa holders, and individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need to apply for an ETA.

Restrictions:

While the ETA permits stays for tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family for up to six months, it does not allow activities like getting married, claiming benefits, residing in the country through frequent visits, or self-employed work.

• Electronic travel authorization for 90 days (Standard)

  Travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Kenya for Tourism. Travellers can submit the eTA application online. Once the application is approved, travellers receive their eTA confirmation electronically.
  Apply online
  The Kenya eTA is only valid for a single entry, except for in cases where travellers are visiting Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda immediately after visiting Kenya, do not visit any other countries before returning to Kenya, and their Kenyan eTA is still valid upon return. Travellers fulfilling those conditions can use their eTA to return to Kenya. The eTA requirement doesn’t apply to: -Travellers with an East African Tourist Visa issued by Uganda or Rwanda who travel directly between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya without visiting any other country; -Travellers who are permanent residents or valid work permit holders of Kenya; -Cruise ship travellers who arrive and depart on the same vessel without disembarking.

• Mandatory proof of accommodation

  Travellers must have proof of accommodation during their stay in Kenya. If travellers will be hosted by a relative or friend, the host must have an invitation letter, an identity card, a passport or an entry permit of the family member.

• Mandatory proof of return or onward ticket from Kenya

  Travellers require proof of a ticket showing their entrance and exit from Kenya.
  This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travellers: -Nationals of Kenya; -Foreign nationals residing in Kenya.

• Passenger locator form may be required

  On arrival in Kenya, travellers who show flu-like symptoms must complete the passenger locator form on the jitenge platform.
  Complete online

• Recommended vaccinations for Kenya

  Travellers should consider: -Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines; -Typhoid vaccine for visits to smaller cities or rural areas; -Routine vaccines including Polio and Measles; -Meningococcal vaccine for areas that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season; -Yellow Fever vaccination (generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the following areas: the entire North Eastern Province, the states of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi and Tanariver in Coastal Province, and the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa). Travellers visiting other areas are recommended to have Yellow Fever vaccination. Additional vaccine recommendations may apply. Consult your healthcare provider and check the source for details.

• Travel is allowed with restrictions

  Travellers can enter Kenya. Before travelling, please check the documentation, quarantine, and testing requirements.

• Travellers require a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry

  Travellers need a valid passport to enter Kenya. The traveller's passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the traveller arrives in Kenya. The passport must have at least 1 blank page.