Home/from/Canada/to/Kenya
2026 visa changes — what's new2026 visa policy changes: what's different this year
🇨🇦Canada
🇰🇪KenyaCA-KE

Canada to Kenya visa requirements

Canadian passport holders need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel. Kenya abolished the traditional visa/eVisa for all nationalities in January 2024, replacing it with a mandatory eTA obtained online at etakenya.go.ke. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Canadians for ordinary tourism. As of 2026, every visitor to Kenya, including Canadian ordinary passport holders, must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight. Kenya scrapped its visa regime on 5 January 2024 and is now described by its government as "visa-free," but in practice all travelers (except holders of certain exempt East African and other listed passports) must still complete the eTA process online. The eTA is single-entry, valid for travel within 90 days of issuance, and permits a tourist stay of up to 90 days, with the exact period granted at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. The official eTA processing fee is USD 30, with a small mandatory bank/card surcharge bringing the typical total to roughly USD 32-34. Applications are processed within about 3 working days, and travelers are advised to apply at least 3 days before departure. Canada is NOT among the countries for which Kenya has waived the eTA fee. The only official portal is etakenya.go.ke; numerous third-party sites charge inflated service fees and should be avoided. A passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry with a blank page, a photo, itinerary, and accommodation details are required.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe Canada (PR)Living in Canada as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - applied online before travel
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days (final period granted by immigration officer on arrival)
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 30 official fee (typical total ~USD 32-34 with bank/card surcharge)
consular fee only
Processing time
About 3 working days; apply at least 3 days before departure
standard track
Validity
Valid for travel within 90 days from date of issuance
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Gather your documents
Have a Canadian passport valid at least 6 months beyond your arrival date with one blank page, a digital passport-style photo or selfie, your flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and a credit/debit card ready.
· Passport 6+ months· Digital photo
/02
Go to the official eTA portal
Open etakenya.go.ke - the only official Government of Kenya site. Avoid look-alike third-party agents that charge much higher fees.
· etakenya.go.ke
/03
Complete the online application
Select tourism as your purpose, enter your personal and passport details, upload your photo and supporting documents, and provide your arrival/departure itinerary and accommodation.
· Tourism purpose
/04
Pay the eTA fee
Pay the USD 30 processing fee online by credit or debit card. A small bank surcharge applies; the fee is non-refundable even if the application is declined.
· USD 30· Non-refundable
/05
Wait for approval
Most applications are processed within about 3 working days; some may take longer. Apply at least 3 days before departure.
· ~3 working days
/06
Carry your approved eTA
Download and print the approved eTA (or keep it on your phone) and present it with your passport at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
· Print copy
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Canada -> Kenya · Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - applied online before travel
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredCanadian passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival with one blank page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved Kenya eTA obtained before departure
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent digital passport-style photo or selfie
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredCredit or debit card to pay the eTA fee online
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredTravel itinerary with arrival and departure dates
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedYellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an at-risk country
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance for the duration of stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedPrinted or offline copy of the approved eTA
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization - Official Government Portal
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
eTA processing feeUSD 30Official Government of Kenya fee, non-refundable
Bank/card surcharge~USD 2-4Mandatory payment processing surcharge added at checkout
Optional expedited processingVariesOnly via third-party agents; not offered on the official portal
Total estimateUSD 30USD 34incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Third-party expedited service
As fast as 24-72 hours
Private agents offer rush processing for extra service fees; not necessary for most travelers.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Mandatory pre-travel authorization
Since January 2024 Kenya requires every visitor, including Canadians, to obtain an eTA online before boarding; there is no longer a traditional visa or visa-on-arrival channel.
High
/02
Single entry only
The standard tourist eTA is valid for one entry; travelers leaving and returning to Kenya must apply for a new eTA.
Medium
/03
Beware of unofficial websites
Many third-party sites mimic the official portal and charge inflated fees; always use etakenya.go.ke.
High
/04
Fee is non-refundable
The eTA fee is charged at application and is not refunded if the request is denied, so ensure details are accurate.
Medium
/05
Final stay decided on arrival
The 90-day limit is a maximum; the actual period is granted at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Canada to Kenya route verified
Confirmed via the official Kenya eTA portal and the Government of Canada travel advisory that Canadian ordinary passport holders require an eTA (USD 30, single entry, valid 90 days from issuance, up to 90-day stay) for tourism.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Canadians need a visa for Kenya?
Not a traditional visa. Kenya abolished visas in January 2024, but Canadians must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling. Without an approved eTA you will not be allowed to board or enter.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?+
How long does the eTA take to process?+
How long can I stay in Kenya on the eTA?+
Is the eTA single or multiple entry?+
What is the official website to apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Canada passport

See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.