The Kenya Tourist Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • All Indian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure; no traditional visa-on-arrival or e-visa for individual tourists.

   • Indian passport must be original, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival in Kenya, and contain at least two blank pages.

   • Travel strictly for genuine tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family; paid work, business, study, migration, or settlement are prohibited.

   • Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to India (employment, property, family), clear intent to return, good health, and no serious criminal or immigration violations.

2. Document Checklist & Required Evidence

   • Original passport (6+ months validity, two blank pages) and clear photocopies of biodata and previous visa pages.

   • Recent color passport-size photograph meeting Kenyan specifications (white background, taken within 6 months).

   • Completed online application via Kenya's official eTA portal (all details must match passport information exactly).

   • Confirmed round-trip flight booking and detailed travel itinerary (entry/exit dates, destinations, activities).

   • Proof of confirmed accommodation for every night in Kenya (hotel reservations or invitation letter with host's address and ID for private stays).

   • Evidence of sufficient funds: bank statements for the last 3–6 months or other financial documentation.

   • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever-endemic countries).

   • Cover letter stating travel purpose, trip duration, funding source, and return assurance.

   • For minors: birth certificate, notarized parental consent from both parents, and parents' passport copies.

   • Any additional supporting documents requested by Kenyan authorities, especially for complex family/group trips or sponsored stays.

   • Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and hospitalization (strongly recommended).

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: leisure tourism, cultural sightseeing, visiting friends/family, attending unpaid short-term events within the approved stay period.

   • Prohibited: paid employment, business activities, profit-making ventures, studies, long-term or religious residency, migration intent, or undeclared purposes. Violations may result in penalties.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • Kenya mandates eTA for all visitors, including Indians paper/embassy visas and physical visa-on-arrival are discontinued for regular tourism.

   • Processing typically takes 2–5 business days; apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel.

   • Enhanced scrutiny of document authenticity, accommodation proof, financial evidence, and onward travel arrangements.

   • Group travel, medical visits, or special events may have additional requirements always verify the latest guidelines before applying.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Complete and submit the eTA application online via Kenya's official portal, uploading all required documents in the specified format.

   • Pay electronically and retain digital and printed confirmation of your eTA.

   • Track application status on the portal; approval is sent by email-print and carry your eTA approval when traveling.

   • Upon arrival, present passport, eTA approval, accommodation proof, travel itinerary, financial documentation, return/onward ticket, and yellow fever certificate if required.

   • Incomplete, incorrect, or unverifiable documents may cause delays or entry refusal.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen traveler eligibility, advise on current restrictions, and provide a customized, up-to-date document checklist.

   • Review, format, and organize all paperwork to comply with Kenyan standards, minimizing common errors that lead to refusals.

   • Manage the digital application process, document uploads, and proactive communication for any clarifications or resubmission needs.

   • For families, groups, or sponsored cases, coordinate collective applications and handle supplementary requirements expertly.

   • Professional support streamlines the process, reduces stress, and improves approval prospects while clarifying that final entry decisions rest solely with Kenyan immigration officers and no service can guarantee 100% approval or expedited processing.