Entry requirements
Kenya eTA for Your Maasai Mara Trip
Kenya runs an electronic travel authorization (eTA) system, applied for online before you travel. Here's what the official process typically asks for, and — just as important — where to apply so you're not paying a third-party markup.
Reviewed August 2026. Entry requirements change and vary by nationality — this page is general orientation, not a substitute for the official portal.
The direct answer
Kenya operates an electronic travel authorization (eTA) system that requires travel information to be submitted before departure for travelers subject to the scheme. Exemptions vary by nationality and circumstance, so the first thing to do is confirm your own requirement directly on the official government portal — not a third-party site.
What the official application typically asks for
Based on the current official eTA portal, applicants are generally asked to provide:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your travel date, with at least one blank page
- A recent photo or selfie
- Contact information
- Your travel itinerary
- Accommodation confirmation for your stay
- A payment method for the application fee
Apply only through the official portal
The official Kenya eTA portal is etakenya.go.ke. Third-party sites that mimic government portals commonly charge extra "service fees" on top of the real cost — go direct.
When to apply
Apply before you travel, with enough lead time to handle any follow-up requests for information without it affecting your departure date. Processing times shift, so check the official portal for its current estimate rather than working to a fixed number of days.
"The first thing to do is confirm your own requirement directly on the official government portal — not a third-party site."
The Direct Answer
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kenya eTA the same as a visa?
It functions similarly to a visa in that it authorizes your entry, but it's processed as an electronic authorization rather than a stamped visa. Which category applies to your nationality is listed on the official portal.
Do children need their own eTA?
Each traveler's application is generally tied to their own passport, including children, though the exact requirement for minors can vary by nationality — the official portal confirms what applies to your children's ages.
What if my accommodation isn't fully booked yet when I apply?
Since accommodation confirmation is commonly part of the application, it's worth finalizing your camp/lodge bookings with Roar Safaris before you start your eTA application, rather than the other way around.
Can Roar Safaris apply for my eTA on my behalf?
Entry authorization is a personal government application tied to your own passport and details, so you'll need to complete it yourself on the official portal. Roar Safaris can help make sure your itinerary and accommodation confirmation are ready in time to support it.
Where can I check my specific country's requirement?
The official portal, etakenya.go.ke, is the authoritative source — it will confirm what applies to your specific nationality.
Getting your dates and accommodation locked in?
Once you know your travel window, Roar Safaris can confirm your itinerary and accommodation early so your eTA application has everything it needs.
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