Nairobi Entry Requirements

Children require their own eTA regardless of age. Each child must have their own passport (children cannot be included in parent's passport for entry to Kenya). If traveling with children under 18: both parents traveling together should carry the child's birth certificate; if one parent is traveling alone with the child, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent plus the child's birth certificate; if traveling with children who are not your own (grandparents, guardians, etc.), carry notarized consent letters from both parents, birth certificate, and proof of guardianship if applicable. Unaccompanied minors require special documentation and airline arrangements. These requirements are strictly enforced to prevent child trafficking.

Pets (dogs and cats) require: Import Permit from Kenya Veterinary Services (apply at least 30 days before travel); Valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days old but not more than 1 year old); Health certificate from licensed veterinarian in country of origin (issued within 7 days of travel); Microchip for identification; Pets must enter through designated ports (JKIA allows pet entry). Upon arrival, pets undergo veterinary inspection and may require quarantine depending on origin country and documentation. Airlines have specific requirements for pet travel - confirm with your airline. Service animals have different requirements - contact immigration in advance. Note: Kenya has strict regulations, and failure to comply may result in quarantine at owner's expense or refusal of entry for the pet.

Tourist eTA is valid for up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer: apply for extension through the eCitizen portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke) before your current authorization expires; extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at immigration's discretion; apply at least 2 weeks before expiry; you may need to provide additional documentation (proof of funds, accommodation, reason for extension); overstaying your authorized period results in fines (USD $20 per day) and potential deportation or ban from re-entry. For long-term stays: consider applying for a work permit, student visa, or residence permit depending on purpose; these require different documentation and are processed separately from tourist eTAs; business travelers planning frequent visits may apply for multiple-entry eTA valid for longer periods. Always maintain legal status - overstaying can have serious consequences.

Business visitors can enter on a standard eTA but must indicate 'business' as purpose of visit. For business activities: carry invitation letter from Kenyan company/organization; have proof of business registration from your home company; business card and documents explaining purpose of visit. Business eTA allows attendance at meetings, conferences, and negotiations but does NOT permit actual employment or paid work in Kenya. For work assignments: you must obtain a proper work permit (Class D, G, or K depending on type of work) before starting employment; working on a tourist or business eTA is illegal and can result in deportation and ban. Business travelers may apply for multiple-entry eTA if frequent visits are planned. Keep all business documentation accessible as immigration may ask detailed questions about your business activities.

Students planning to study in Kenya require a Student Pass (Class F), not a tourist eTA. Requirements: admission letter from recognized Kenyan educational institution; proof of financial means to support studies; medical certificate; police clearance certificate; apply through eCitizen portal and Kenyan embassy/consulate in your country. Student passes are typically issued for one year and renewable. Researchers require a Research Permit from National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) in addition to appropriate visa/pass. Apply well in advance (3-6 months) as processing can take time. Do not enter on tourist eTA if you plan to study - this is illegal and can result in deportation.

Kenyan citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and exit Kenya using their Kenyan passport. If you hold Kenyan citizenship (by birth, descent, or naturalization) even if you also hold another nationality, you cannot enter Kenya on a foreign passport with an eTA. Obtain or renew your Kenyan passport before travel. Kenyan diaspora who have lost citizenship can apply for reinstatement. Those born in Kenya to non-Kenyan parents should verify citizenship status before travel. Contact nearest Kenyan embassy for guidance on your specific situation.

Journalists, photographers, and film crews require special accreditation beyond the standard eTA. Must obtain: Media Accreditation from Media Council of Kenya; Film License from Kenya Film Commission (for commercial filming); Work Permit if employed by Kenyan media house. Apply well in advance (at least 30 days). Carry accreditation documents at all times. Filming in certain areas (government buildings, military installations, airports) requires additional permissions. Penalties for working as journalist without proper accreditation can be severe. Contact Kenya Film Commission (www.filmingkenya.com) or Media Council of Kenya for detailed requirements.