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2026 visa changes — what's new2026 visa policy changes: what's different this year
🇵🇱Poland
🇰🇪KenyaPL-KE

Poland to Kenya visa requirements

Polish passport holders need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travel — it is approved online, not on arrival, and replaces the old visa. Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced its visa system with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for nearly all foreign visitors. In July 2025, Kenya exempted citizens of African countries (except Somalia and Libya) from the eTA, but Poland is not on the exempt list. Therefore an ordinary Poland passport holder must apply for and obtain an approved eTA online at the official portal etakenya.go.ke before boarding a flight to Kenya. The eTA is a single-entry authorisation that permits a tourist stay of up to 90 days and is valid for 90 days from issuance. The base government fee is USD 30 (shown as roughly USD 32.50 with the card/service surcharge), and applications are processed within 3 working days. Kenya is in East Africa and is not part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Travelers should apply only through the official government site, as numerous look-alike third-party sites charge inflated fees.
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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 30 (approx. USD 32.50 with service charge)
consular fee only
Processing time
Within 3 working days
standard track
Validity
90 days from date of issue
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport validity
Ensure your Polish passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Kenya and has at least one blank page.
· 6 months validity· Blank page
/02
Gather supporting documents
Prepare a passport bio-page scan, a passport-style photo, a confirmed hotel reservation or host details, and a return/onward flight booking.
· Passport scan· Photo· Accommodation proof· Return ticket
/03
Apply on the official eTA portal
Go to etakenya.go.ke (the only official site) or the Kenya eTA mobile app and complete the online application form at least 3 days before travel.
· etakenya.go.ke· Apply 3+ days ahead
/04
Pay the eTA fee
Pay the USD 30 government fee (around USD 32.50 with the card surcharge) by debit or credit card. The fee is non-refundable even if refused.
· USD 30 base· Non-refundable
/05
Wait for approval
Applications are processed within 3 working days. You will receive the approved eTA by email as a PDF.
· 3 working days· Email delivery
/06
Travel with your eTA
Print or save the approved eTA and present it with your passport at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
· Print copy· Show on arrival
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Poland -> Kenya · Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPolish passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival
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 (PDF, printed or on phone)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredDigital passport bio-page scan
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 accommodation / hotel booking
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredReturn or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
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
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the 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.
Application link included: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Official Government Portal
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
eTA government feeUSD 30Base fee charged by Kenyan immigration; non-refundable
Card/service surchargeapprox. USD 2.50Payment processing surcharge; total shown around USD 32.50
Total estimateUSD 30USD 33incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Expedited processing
Up to 72 hours / faster
An expedited option may be offered for an additional fee, with approval as fast as operational capacity allows.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Poland is not on Kenya's eTA-exempt list
The July 2025 exemption covers African nations only (except Somalia and Libya); Polish nationals remain required to hold an eTA.
High
/02
eTA replaced visas for nearly all visitors
Since January 2024 Kenya requires an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation instead of a traditional visa for tourism.
High
/03
Authorisation must be obtained before boarding
The eTA is not issued on arrival; airlines require an approved eTA before allowing you to board.
High
/04
Single-entry limitation
The standard eTA is valid for one entry only; re-entry after visiting non-EAC countries needs a new eTA.
Medium
/05
Yellow fever rules for certain routes
A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from or transiting an endemic country.
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
Poland to Kenya route verified
Confirmed via the official Kenya eTA portal and Directorate of Immigration Services that Polish ordinary passport holders require an approved eTA (single entry, 90-day stay, USD 30 fee, 3-day processing). Poland is not covered by the July 2025 Africa-only exemption.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Polish citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Not a traditional visa, but you do need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) obtained online before you travel. Poland is not on Kenya's eTA-exempt list.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?+
How long can I stay in Kenya on an eTA?+
Is the Kenya eTA single or multiple entry?+
How long does the eTA take to process?+
Which website is the official one?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Poland passport

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