🇰🇷South Korea

🇰🇪KenyaKR-KE

South Korea to Kenya visa requirements

Q: How much does the Kenya eTA cost for Korean travellers?

The base government fee is USD 30. With card and processing surcharges the total usually comes to about USD 32.50-34.80. Optional expedited processing costs around USD 100.

Q: How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?

Standard processing is up to 3 working days. You should apply at least 3 days before travel; applications can be submitted up to 90 days in advance.

Q: How long can I stay in Kenya on an eTA?

The eTA allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is single entry and is valid for travel within 90 days of issuance.

Q: Can I get the eTA on arrival in Kenya?

No. The eTA must be approved before you board your flight. Airlines verify it at check-in, so it cannot be obtained on arrival.

Q: Is Kenya part of the Schengen area or ETIAS?

No. Kenya is in East Africa and is not a Schengen country, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Only Kenya's eTA is required.

South Korea ordinary passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying to Kenya. Kenya abolished traditional visas on 1 January 2024 and replaced them with a mandatory online eTA for almost all foreign visitors. South Korea is NOT on Kenya's eTA-exempt list, so you must apply and be approved before departure. Kenya operates a "visa-free" regime in name, but in practice all non-exempt foreign nationals, including South Korean ordinary passport holders, must obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before boarding. The system launched on 1 January 2024 via the official portal etakenya.go.ke and replaced the previous eVisa. The eTA carries a base government fee of USD 30 (total roughly USD 32.50-34.80 once card/processing charges are added), is single-entry, permits a stay of up to 90 days, and is valid for travel within 90 days of issuance. Standard processing is up to 3 working days. On 30 May 2025 Kenya widened its exemption list to cover most African nationals and a set of previously visa-exempt countries, but South Korea is not among the exempt nationalities. Korean travellers should therefore apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before travel. Kenya is not in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply.

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 →South Korea (PR)Living in South Korea as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) - mandatory pre-arrival online authorisation

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days per entry

per entry

Entries

Single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

USD 30 government fee (total approx. USD 32.50-34.80 with card/processing charges)

consular fee only

Processing time

Standard up to 3 working days; apply at least 3 days before travel

standard track

Validity

Valid for travel within 90 days of issuance

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your South Korean ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya and has at least one blank page.

· 6 months validity· 1 blank page

/02

Gather supporting documents

Prepare a passport bio-page scan, a recent passport-style photo, return/onward flight details, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter).

· Passport scan· Photo· Flight + hotel

/03

Apply online at the official portal

Create an application on the official Kenyan government site etakenya.go.ke. Do not use unofficial third-party sites, which charge inflated fees.

· etakenya.go.ke· Official only

/04

Complete the form and pay the fee

Fill in personal, travel, and accommodation details and pay the USD 30 fee (plus any card surcharge) by credit/debit card. You can apply up to 90 days before travel and must apply at least 3 days ahead.

· USD 30· Card payment

/05

Receive and check your eTA

Approval normally arrives by email within 3 working days. Verify all details match your passport, then download and print the approved eTA.

· Email approval· Up to 3 working days

/06

Travel and present at the border

Carry the printed eTA with your passport. Present it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya; immigration grants entry for up to 90 days.

· Print eTA· Show at arrival

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

South Korea -> Kenya · Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) - mandatory pre-arrival online authorisation

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredSouth Korean passport valid 6+ months beyond entry

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredAt least one blank passport page

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredApproved Kenya eTA (printed copy)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredDigital scan of passport bio-data page

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredRecent passport-style photograph

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 or host invitation letter

Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements

required

RequiredCredit/debit card to pay the eTA fee

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

ConditionalYellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

conditional

RecommendedSufficient funds for the duration of stay

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

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.

Official sourcesOfficial Kenya eTA Portal (etakenya.go.ke)Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services - eTA Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Japan - eTA information

Application link included: Official Kenya eTA Portal (etakenya.go.ke)

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

eTA government feeUSD 30Base fee set by Kenyan immigration authorities

Card/processing surchargeUSD 2.50-4.80Bank and payment-processing charge added at checkout; total typically USD 32.50-34.80

Expedited processing (optional)USD 100Optional faster handling; not required for standard travel

Total estimateUSD 32.50 — USD 34.80incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard eTA processing

Up to 3 working days

Apply at least 3 days before travel; approval delivered by email. Suitable for most travellers.

Expedited processing

Faster turnaround (same/next day)

Optional paid upgrade (around USD 100) for last-minute travel.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Kenya requires an eTA from all non-exempt visitors

Since 1 January 2024 Kenya replaced visas with a mandatory online eTA that every non-exempt foreign national must hold before boarding.

High

/02

South Korea is not on the exemption list

The 30 May 2025 expansion of exemptions covers most African and certain previously visa-exempt nations, but not South Korea.

High

/03

Authorisation must be approved before departure

Airlines check for an approved eTA at check-in; you cannot obtain it on arrival, so applying ahead is essential.

High

/04

Single-entry limitation

The standard eTA is single entry, so a separate eTA is needed for a later trip unless re-entering via the EAC arrangement.

Medium

/05

Only the official portal should be used

Numerous third-party sites mimic the official etakenya.go.ke portal and overcharge applicants.

Medium

/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

South Korea to Kenya route verified

Confirmed via the official Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke), the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services, and Kenya's published visa policy that South Korean ordinary passport holders require an approved eTA (USD 30 base fee, single entry, up to 90 days stay). South Korea is not on the 30 May 2025 expanded exemption list.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do South Korean citizens need a visa for Kenya?—

Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist visas. South Korean ordinary passport holders instead need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) obtained online before travel.

How much does the Kenya eTA cost for Korean travellers?+

How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?+

How long can I stay in Kenya on an eTA?+

Can I get the eTA on arrival in Kenya?+

Is Kenya part of the Schengen area or ETIAS?+