Countries and Citizens Exempt from Electronic Travel Authorisation

Here is a list of countries whose citizens are exempt from applying for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when visiting Kenya.

These include mostly the East African Partner States: 

1. Burundi
2. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
3. Rwanda
4. South Sudan
5. Tanzania, and 
6. Uganda.

Exemption from the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is applicable to specific groups of people. These include:

1. A person with valid Kenyan Passports or one-way Emergency Certificates issued by Kenyan Missions abroad.
2. Those holding Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits, and Passes.
3. Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Documents issued by the Government of Kenya.
4. Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations accredited to Kenya.
5. Transit passengers who stay within airport premises during their layover.
6. Ship passengers who arrive and depart on the same vessel without disembarking.
7. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya without leaving the airport premises.
8. Crew members of ships, aircraft, trains, and vehicles, listed in the manifest and continuing to travel.

Diplomats, foreign delegates (including United Nations officials), and holders of a Laissez Passer document are exempt from paying the standard fee for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, if you require expedited processing, you have the option to pay for faster service.

Here is a list of holders exempt from paying the eTA service fee.

1. A person possessing Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports while on official duty.
2. A person holding specific Laissez Passers for official business purposes and associated with international and regional organizations. These include;
   • United Nations Organization 
   • African Union
   • African Development Bank
   • Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
   • African Development Bank
   • Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
   • International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa
   • Desert Locust Control Organization
   • COMESA
   • International Monetary Fund and World Bank
   • Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
   • African Airlines Travel Association (IATA)
   • Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI)
   • Union of Radio, Television Network of Africa (URTNA)
   • International Labour Organization (ILO)
   • European Union
   • CIP (International Potato Centre)
   • African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC)
   • African Housing Fund (AHF)

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)