What you need to enter Kenya with a Hong Konger passport

Authorisation system

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Since January 2024 the eTA has replaced the Kenyan visa. Every visitor who is not exempt needs one, infants and children included, and it is not issued on arrival. The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules 2025 exempt citizens of the East African Community (for up to 180 days), nationals of one list of countries (for up to 90 days) and nationals of another list of African countries (for up to 60 days); both full lists are on etakenya.go.ke. Transit passengers who do not leave the airport are also exempt. Applications go only through the official etakenya.go.ke portal or its official app. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours, and an urgent option is processed immediately for a surcharge.

Apply on the official site →

Visa, e-Visa, or electronic authorisation? What's the difference →

Fee

30 USD

From USD 30 with standard processing (up to 72 hours); urgent, immediate processing costs an extra USD 100. The fee is neither refundable nor transferable, even if the application is refused.

Processing time

Standard processing takes three working days (72 hours), though it can take longer when extra checks are needed. The official portal recommends applying at least two weeks before travel.

Required documents

• An approved eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before your journey begins. It is mandatory for every visitor who is not exempt, infants and children included
• A passport valid for at least 6 months with at least one blank page
• Proof of accommodation: a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya
• A travel itinerary showing your arrival and departure dates
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate, required depending on the country you are travelling from
• Nationals of East African Community partner states (Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda) are exempt from the eTA for periods of up to 180 days

Health insurance

Not mandatory for this destination.

When travel insurance is mandatory → Travel insurance policies ↓

Transit rules

Transit passengers who arrive and leave on the same aircraft, or who change aircraft without leaving the airport precincts, do not need an eTA. For those entering the country, the eTA gives permission to travel but does not guarantee entry: admission is decided at passport control on arrival.