If you are a Beninese citizen planning a trip to Kenya, you may be concerned about the amount of time and paperwork required to obtain a tourist visa. Nevertheless, immigration authorities have granted the possibility to obtain the Kenya e-Visa for Beninese citizens. It means you won't have to waste time traveling to the embassy and waiting in long lines.
As of January 2024, overseas tourists must request for an ETA before leaving for Kenya. The ETA is a semi-automated internet mechanism for determining if visitors are eligible to enter Kenya.
Benin citizens can travel to Kenya without a visa if they obtain a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). To achieve this, individuals must fulfill Kenya's eTA standards for Beninese citizens.
Benin is one of few nations whose nationals are free from Kenya's visa requirement for short-term stays.
The Kenya eTA allows Beninese people to take advantage of the visa exemption. It is accessible through a simple internet application. The eTA is normally handled promptly, and the travel authorization is sent by email.
Instead, you can begin the process from the comfort of your sofa. You will also have the opportunity to receive Kenya Immigration Services website assistance. Our experts will guide you through the process so you don't have to deal with complicated paperwork.
Kenya eTA for Beninese citizens
1. What Is a Kenya eTA for Beninese citizens? : Latest update
From 01 January 2024, travelers to Kenya will not need a Visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is now in effect.
The Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines a visitor’s eligibility to travel to Kenya. An eTA authorizes travel and is authorized by the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
An eTA does not determine whether a traveler can enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon arrival of travelers.
Benin is one of many countries eligible to apply online for an eTA to Kenya.
The Kenya Evisa also known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) allows Beninese citizens to travel to Kenya for short stays for tourism, business, visiting family, or medical treatment. Citizens of Benin can visit Kenya using this online eTA and stay for a maximum of 90 consecutive days.
The Kenya eTA application is 100% online. Beninese fill out the application form electronically and receive the approved eTA by email.
Beninese can complete the simple Kenya eTA application form online with personal and passport information to receive an approved eTA.
Citizens traveling to Kenya for other purposes such as to work are required to contact a Kenya embassy in Benin
Type of Kenya eTA:
There are 4 versions of the Kenya e-Visa available to Beninese passport holders. Here is a quick overview of each type:
- Kenya transit e-visa: is required for individuals with connecting flights from Kenya to other locations, as long as the duration of stay does not exceed 72 hours.
- Kenya business e-visa: Beninese can apply for a Kenya business e-visa if they are visiting Kenya to do business-related activities. This is a single-entry visa that permits Beninese to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days from the arrival date.
- Kenya tourist e-visa: This visa is made for Beninese planning to visit Kenya for tourism purposes. The Kenya tourist e-visa is a single-entry permit that allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
- East Africa e-visa: If you want to see what East Africa has to offer, this is the way to go. This e-Visa allows you to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, ensuring that you have a rich experience in the region. This visa is a multiple entry permit with a 90-day stay in the three countries.
2. Kenya eTA / Evisa requirements for Beninese citizens:
In order to submit a Kenya online visa application, it is necessary to meet the following Kenya e-visa requirements for Beninese citizens:
- A valid passport document – a passport is a common document for Beninese nowadays. Obtaining one is very simple, but if you already have one, please double-check that it is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Kenya.
- Kenyan border stamps must be applied to at least two blank pages inside the passport.
- Beninese nationals must provide an image of their passport's biographical page.
- Digital photo: All travelers must have a recent passport-size photo with them when applying for a Kenya visa online.
- A flight ticket
- A valid email address – In order to receive your visa, you must provide a valid email address. Make sure to double-check your spelling. It must be correct; otherwise, you will not be able to obtain your visa. We need your email because the Kenya Electronic Visa is issued online, and we need an online means of communication.
- Business documents: To apply for a Business e-visa, you need to provide an invitation letter from your company's partner in Kenya, a company COI, and your information card (staff ID/business card).
Kenya eTA requirements for Beninese citizens
If the passport is due to expire before that date, Beninese applicants should renew their travel documents before applying. Citizens of Benin who hold dual citizenship must enter Kenya using the same passport they used to apply for the e-Visa. Otherwise, the entry may be refused.
3. How to get a Kenya visa waiver for Beninese citizens:
The Kenya visa online for Beninese citizens can be obtained in a matter of minutes. There are no embassy appointments required, and the application can be completed from any device that can connect to the internet.
The following are the three steps to apply for a Kenya eTA online from Benin:
- Step 1: Fill out the Kenya eTA form
- Step 2: Pay the Kenya processing fee
- Step 3: Download and Print out Kenya eTA.
The process is very simple, and most people will complete the form in less than 10 minutes.
Applicants must pay the application fee after completing the application form and submitting the required documents. Most eTA are then approved in a maximum of 03 business days and emailed to the applicant. It is best to apply ahead of time if at all possible.
4. Kenya eTA / Evisa fees for Beninese citizens:
Kenya eTA fees for Beninese citizens
Fill out your basic information in the first step of the application form. It is so simple to complete that you will probably only need about five minutes of your time. Then you must choose a processing time. Keep in mind that your selection will affect the Kenya eTA fees. At Kenya Immigration Services, we give you 03 options, which are as follows:
- Normal: This is a popular option, possibly because it is the least expensive. Your eTA will be ready for you within 03 days
- Urgent: This reduces the amount of time you have to wait by half, so your application will be processed within one day.
- Super urgent: We provide an urgent or emergency option as well. Your application will be processed in just 05 hours this time.
To apply for a Kenya eTA online, you have to pay two (02) kinds of eTA fees, which are called the Service Fee and the Government Fee. In addition, we recommend that you should buy Kenya travel Insurance, and Kenya sim cards or use a car pickup service in Kenya so that you can be assured to enjoy your trips to the fullest.
Methods of payment: Beninese citizens pay the Kenya eTA fees securely online using a debit or credit card, Visa card, American Express, MasterCard, PayPal, or Wire Transfer to the Bank of Cyprus.
Kenya Visa Requirements for Benin Citizens FAQs
Do Beninese citizens need a visa to Kenya?
No, Beninese citizens don't need a visa to travel to Kenya. To enhance tourism and encourage more foreign investment in Kenya, the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has replaced the previous visa requirements. This is meant for visa-exempt foreign nationals going to or transiting through our country, especially via air.
All visitors, including infants and children who intend to travel to Kenya, must have an approved eTA before the start of their journey. Visitors should apply for the eTA via Kenya immigration services website.
Once a Kenya eTA for Beninese citizens is issued, the visitor must enter Kenya within 90 days of the date of issue. If the visitor does not enter within 90 days, the eTA issued becomes invalid.
The online application procedure is quick and straightforward, lasting only a few minutes. The accepted visa is normally provided via email within 72 hours after submission.
Travelers can present their authorized ETA electronically using a digital device. Alternatively, they can print the eVisa and present a paper copy. It is best to travel with both to prevent any delays.
How to travel to Kenya from Benin?
When you think of Africa, you most likely see Kenya. Kenya is one of those gorgeous countries that most travelers have on their Africa bucket list, and for good reason. There are a ton of magical places to visit in Kenya, each offering their own unique charm and attractions. If you plan to travel to Kenya, Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Kenya from Benin:
- Obtaining a Kenya ETA: Beninese passengers must have a valid ETA to travel to Kenya from Benin. Without a valid travel authorization, visitors from Benin do not have permission to enter. Kenya eTA for Beninese citizens+ is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and you must travel during this period. It is only required for entry into Kenya. There is no need to reapply for an eTA if it expires while you are in Kenya.
- Flight to Kenya from Benin: Most Beninese tourists travel to Kenya by plane. The fastest flight from Benin to Kenya is from Cotonou to Nairobi, with an average flight time of 8 hours 25 minutes. There are several airlines that operate direct flights from Benin to Kenya, including ASKY, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines and Kenya Airways.
- Buying travel insurance in Kenya: If you don’t have travel insurance, you will be responsible for paying for any problems that arise while you are gone. You may also lose money if you have to cancel a vacation and are unable to receive a refund.
- Getting a travel esim: We recommend that you get a travel esim for Kenya before departing in Kenya. If you buy a Kenya eSIM, it means you have access to local services online quickly, without the stress or hassle. Because they work on the local network, they provide the same unrivaled coverage in Kenya.
- Places to stay in Kenya: From the highlands to the beaches, from the tropical landscapes to the realms of animals, select any of these great hotels in Kenya to experience authentic African culture and hospitality. Some popular hotels in Kenya are Mara Expedition Camp, Elsa's Kopje Lodge, Mara Plains Camp, Angama Mara, Mara Bushtops, Giraffe Manor, Enaidura Camp and more.
- Exchange currency in Kenya: The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. Although US dollars are accepted in some places such as large hotels, it's a good idea to travel into the country with Kenyan shillings. You can choose to exchange currency at banks, airports, ATM, Hotels, and more.
Is it safe to travel with cash in Kenya?
In Kenya, carrying a fair quantity of cash is safe. However, here are some things to remember if you plan on traveling with cash in Kenya:
- Avoid transporting big sums of money by dividing them across many places.
- Wear a fanny pack or safety belt to carry some cash.
- Avoid displaying enormous sums of money in public.
- Make incremental payments rather than displaying a huge amount of money all at once.
- Keep your wallet in your front pockets for increased security.
- Use great caution with your belongings in crowded public venues like party streets, trains, and buses.
Read more: Navigating Kenya's Currency Exchange: A Comprehensive Guide
Is it safe to go to the Nairobi airport?
Yes. Nairobi Airport is quite safe for everybody.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the main airport in Nairobi and one of the busiest in East Africa. As a traveler, safety is probably your main priority, therefore you might be asking how safe Nairobi Airport is. In this answer, here are things you know about safety measures in place at Nairobi Airport.
Security measures at Nairobi Airport
Nairobi airport has implemented various security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. There are security checkpoints throughout the airport and all passengers are subject to security checks before boarding. In addition, the airport has a dedicated security team that monitors the airport around the clock.
The airport has also installed CCTV cameras in the terminals and parking lots to help deter and detect criminal activity. Trained K9 units are also stationed at the airport to detect explosives and other illegal substances.
General safety tips for travellers visiting NBO
While Nairobi Airport has adopted a number of safety measures, as a traveler, you should always exercise vigilance. Here are some general safety guidelines to remember when flying through Nairobi Airport:
- Always keep an eye on your luggage and never leave it unattended.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry.
- Be wary of strangers who offer to help or try to sell you goods or services.
- Use a licensed cab service or arrange transportation through your residence to ensure safe travel to and from the airport.
- Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to airport staff or security.
Overall, Nairobi Airport has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff. However, travellers should still exercise caution and follow general safety tips when travelling through the airport.
How to get to Diani from Nairobi?
Diani Beach is one of Kenya's top beaches because of its distant position and lack of crowds compared to other beaches on Kenya's east coast. Diani Beach offers a long gorgeous sandy beach, a clear sea, and a plethora of beachfront hotels and resorts available to travelers from all over the globe.
If you are visiting Kenya and seeking a beach to relax on and enjoy the tropical atmosphere, Diani Beach is the perfect place. Here are the best ways to travel to Diani from Nairobi
By Air
There are regular flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Ukunda (Diani Airport). There are other flights between Nairobi Wilson and Ukunda Airport.
The airlines which fly the route are:
- Jambojet
- Safarilink
- Skyward Express
- East African Air
By Rail
Take the SGR Mandaraka Express from Nairobi to Mombasa. You may then take a cab or shuttle from the SGR station in Mombasa to Diani. Ocean Tribe can also organize cabs and transportation.
By Road
You may take the overnight bus from Nairobi to Ukunda. This is a long voyage of around 12 hours, but it is usually the most cost-effective method to go to Diani.
If you're driving, take the Mombasa route from Nairobi to Mombasa, then cross the ferry at Likoni from Mombasa Island and proceed to Ukunda before taking the road to Diani Beach.
What language is spoken in Nairobi?
Kenya has two official languages and Nairobi is the capital of the country. English and Kiswahili are the two official languages.
However, none of the languages are labeled as exclusive to Nairobi.
Of the two national languages, you are most likely to hear Kiswahili spoken more than English in Nairobi. Unless you are in some of the very high-end neighborhoods, English is spoken the most even in everyday communication.
Aside from Nairobi's Central Business District, some areas of Nairobi are often described as Eastlands and Westlands.
Westlands includes the high-end neighborhoods of Kilimani, Rawdon, Parklands, Kittisuru and Musaga. Here, you will probably hear more English than Swahili.
On the other hand, in Eastlands, which is usually considered a low to middle income neighborhood, Kiswahili is the most common of the two national languages.
In addition to the local language, Eastlands is also known as the place where Shing slang originated. Sheng slang is mainly a combination of English and Kiswahili. The slang is so unique that many people in other parts of Kenya find it difficult to understand it.
In short, the most widely spoken languages in Nairobi are English and Kiswahili. Whether you are in Eastlands, Westlands or the Central Business District, you can easily speak English in Nairobi because everyone understands it.