A Nigerian’s guide to applying for a Kenyan visa free travel

Nigerian passport holders can now submit applications for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Kenya for up to 90 days. The eTA offers travel permissions to successful recipients and is authorized by the Government of the Republic of Kenya.

This year, Kenya launched its visa-free policy. This policy applies to all foreign visitors and replaces the previous visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. Visa-exempt visitors must obtain an eTA to board a plane to Kenya.

This applies to 53 African countries including Nigeria.

eTA applications are required to submit biographic information and answer eligibility questions to qualify. The Kenyan government advises interested individuals to submit eTA applications at least 3 days before they intend to travel to ensure adequate time for authorization.

They advise travellers to apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months before travel.

How to Apply

Below are the steps to applying for an eTA:

1. Visit www.etakenya.go.ke
2. Click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions
3. Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly
4. Submit the application
5. An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you
6. An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you

What are the requirements?

1. A valid Nigerian passport.
2. A recent passport picture or a selfie picture taken during the application process.
3. Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
4. Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights).
5. Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted).
6. Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable.

The fee for the eTA is USD 34.09 per traveller, which includes the cost of the eTA and bank processing fees.

What Next?

Upon decision by the immigration officer, an email confirming approval/refusal will be sent to you. eTA applications are usually processed within 3 days, but in some cases it may take longer.

If your application has been approved, you can either print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, download the document to your mobile device or save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorisation that needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points.

If your application has been denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya for the moment.

The eTA application fee is non-refundable. The immigration policy states that once you submit it, you cannot transfer it to another person. This also applies if your eTA is denied or if for any reason, there are deviations to a planned journey.

Rejected applicants can contact [email protected] to report their situation and obtain further details.

You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://www.etakenya.go.ke

Applicants are only allowed to travel after their application has been approved by the Government of Kenya.

Other information

eTA applicants are allowed to correct all data imputed before submission. If submitted with mistakes, an applicant might need to submit a new application. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted.

For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. The policy recommends that families apply as a group.

Successful eTAs are valid for a single entry into Kenya. However, there are exceptions if travellers visit EAC Partner States including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The exception hinges on the assurance that they do not visit any other country within the validity period of their travel authorization (90 days).

It further states that An eTA does not guarantee permission to travel. eTA holders might still be denied boarding if they fail to present other required documents such as their passport or boarding pass.

They may also be subjected to questioning at the point of departure or arrival which might result in denied access

Individuals with valid eVisas issued by the Republic of Kenya do not need an eTA to travel.