For decades, Kenya has remained one of the world's most popular destinations for adventure seekers. The country is located on the Indian Ocean, but it is not just the amazing beaches and coastal cities, such as Mombasa, that draw tourists.
Kenya will always be a popular destination for safaris and other excursions due to its extensive national park system. With a burgeoning financial center in Nairobi, Kenya is no longer just a destination where tourists visit the game reserves and then return home.
Airports and airlines all over the world have responded to the continued interest in Kenya by establishing more direct flights and simplifying routes to meet demand. Furthermore, the country has worked hard to simplify its eTA system for many countries around the world. Czech passport holders can now apply for and receive their eTA to Kenya entirely online.
Travelers planning a trip from the Czech Republic to Kenya should continue reading to learn more about how the Kenya eTA for Czech citizens works.
Kenya eTA for Czech citizens
1. Kenya eTA for Czech citizens:
The Kenyan Government introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in January 2024, replacing visas for Czech. Currently, an ETA is REQUIRED for Czech citizens who plan to visit Kenya.
Each Czech Republic citizen who wishes to visit Kenya for any reason must obtain a Kenya eTA before entering the country. However, unlike in other countries around the world, there is no available option for a Kenya visa arrival
The good news is that the Kenya eTA implementation means that the entire process, from start to finish, is completed online. There is no need for travelers to visit their home country's embassy or consulate.
Czech nationals planning to visit Kenya for tourism, business, medical reasons or to see friends and family are required to obtain a Kenya eTA.
A Kenya eTA for Czech citizens is designed for single entry and is valid for up to 90 consecutive days from the date of issuance.
The Kenya eTA processing times is fully online, Czech nationals can fill out the application form from home and submit the request electronically.
Czech travelers who wish to visit Kenya for reasons other than tourism, medical care, or business, or who wish to stay for more than 90 days, must first visit a Kenyan embassy or consulate, such as the Kenyan Embassy in the Czech Republic . Officials will assist you in locating the best eTA for you.
Type of Kenya eTA:
- Kenya transit eTA: This type of eTA allows you to stay in Kenya for a short time before traveling to another country. It is legal for you to stay in the country for up to 72 hours. Within this time, you can leave the airport and get a glimpse of this lovely land. The following documents are required for obtaining a transit eTA: a copy of the applicant's passport, a photo of the applicant, and an onward ticket.
- Kenya business eTA: The business eTA is intended for people who want to participate in business-related activities such as attending exhibitions, meeting with partners in Kenya, looking for business opportunities, etc...You can have a 90-day stay in Kenya from the arrival date with a Single Entry. This type of eTA is valid for 03 months from the issued date.
- Kenya tourist eTA: For sightseeing and visiting your friends or relatives, you need to have a tourist eTA for your entry. The eTA is valid longer than the transit eTA. This single-entry eTA is valid for three months, allowing you to remain in the country for up to 90 days from the arrival date.
2. Kenya eTA requirements for Czech citizens:
The Kenya eTA for Czech citizens was designed to be simple to complete. However, there are a few requirements that each individual will need to gather before submitting their application. The following are the main items on the list:
- A valid Passport: Czech citizens must carry a passport issued by the Czech government. The passport must also be valid for 6 months after arrival in Kenya
- Digital photo of the applicant: it must be recent and comply with passport photo requirements.
- Obtain a scanned copy of the information page of the passport.
- A return ticket to the Czech Republic or any proof of onward travel from Kenya
- A valid email address is required for applicants to receive updates on their Kenya electronic eTA status and its eventual approval.
- Proof of Accommodation - The dates in this document must match the travel dates selected in the application.
- For Business eTA: An invitation letter from your company's partner in Kenya, a company COI, and your information card (staff ID/business card).
Furthermore, Czech citizens applying for the Kenya eTA should ensure that their passport has at least two blank pages. These will be required to receive entry/exit stamps from Kenyan border authorities when entering and exiting the country.
Kenya eTA requirements for Czech citizens
3. How to get a eTA for Kenya from the Czech Republic:
To apply for a Kenya eTA online for Czech citizens, each traveler must fill out the application form with the information such as:
- Full name and gender
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Country of citizenship
- Date of arrival and departure
Applicants who meet the Kenya eTA requirements for Czech citizens can apply online in 3 steps:
Step 1: Fill out the online application form
Step 2: Pay the Kenya eTA fee
Step 3: Download and print out the Kenya eTA
Read more: How to get a Kenya eTA online
Applicants should wait for a maximum of three days to receive their eTA. Upon receiving your approved eTA, you must print a hard copy and present it to border officials when you arrive in Kenya. This is simply an additional safeguard against fraud.
Upon submitting your completed application form, your Kenya eTA for Czech citizens is processed quickly, often within 05 to 72 hours. It is recommended to allow at least seven days for processing, especially during busy seasons.
4. Kenya eTA fees for Czech citizens:
These two elements are interconnected. The Kenya eTA for Czech citizens consists of the service fee to Kenya immigration services and the Government fee to the Indian Immigration Department. Depending on your preferences, Kenya Immigration Services offers 03 excellent options. Keep in mind that the higher the fee, the faster your application will be processed. Here are your choices:
- Urgent: People frequently select this option because it is the least expensive. Your application is processed in 72 hours.
- Urgent: comparing it to the previous option, the Kenya eTA processing time is faster, and your Kenya eTA will be ready within 24 business hours.
- Super urgent: This is the quickest option available from Kenya Immigration Services. If you are in a hurry and are already on your way to the airport, this is the best option. You can obtain a Kenya eTA in 05 hours.
Kenya eTA fees consist of a government fee and a service fee. It’s generally less expensive to apply for a eTA online than at the embassy.
Besides, Kenya immigration services also provide service packages to help customers have a great trip and ensure safety such as Kenya travel insurance, Kenya eSim cards, and Car Pick-up service in Kenya
Kenya Visa Requirements for Czech Republic Citizens FAQs
Do Czech Citizens Need A Visa For Kenya?
No, Czech Citizens don’t Need A Visa For Kenya. Kenya began improving its online visitor registration service in December of last year, after President William Ruto declared a visa-free regime for overseas tourists, ostensibly facilitating passage into the country and enhancing the tourism industry. International travelers to Kenya will be visa-free, however, they will need to apply for a Kenya ETA online. The Kenya eTA plan went into action at the beginning of 2024 as part of President Ruto's vow to make Kenya a visa-free country for individuals from all around the world.
A Kenya ETA is good for three months and permits one entrance. The Kenya visa's validity term begins on the date it is obtained. During this time, you are permitted to stay in Kenya for up to 90 consecutive days. If you receive a new passport, you'll need a new eTA. With a valid eTA, you can visit Kenya as frequently as you wish for short visits (often up to six months). You do not need an eTA to travel within Kenya.
How to travel to Kenya from the Czech Republic?
If you're planning a trip to Kenya and looking for the country's most extraordinary experiences, here are some things you need to know:
- Applying for a Kenya ETA online: To enter Kenya, Czech travelers must have a valid ETA. If you're visiting Kenya for leisure, transit, or business, you may complete the majority of the ETA application process online with the Kenya immigration services website
- Booking your flight: The fastest flight from the Czech Republic to Kenya is from Prague to Nairobi, with an average flight time of 12h 25m. The most popular airlines for this route are Qatar Airways, easyJet, Kenya Airways.
- Buying travel insurance: Kenya Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars, and more. We recommend that you buy travel insurance for Kenya
- What to pack: Packing for overseas travel is an art form, and it may be one of the most difficult chores while traveling abroad. Packing the correct items helps to guarantee that your journey abroad is enjoyable, safe, and stress-free. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also consider bringing essential items such as clothing, travel documents, Electronic equipment, Hand sanitizer and holder, a toilet bag, and toiletries.
- Get a travel sim: Getting a Kenya eSIM is one of the simplest and most cost-effective methods to stay connected throughout your vacation. eSIM allows you to acquire a data plan, put it on your smartphone, and connect to a mobile network upon arrival.
- Currency exchange: Kenya's currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). You may convert Czech koruna (CZK) for Kenyan shillings at the airport, shopping malls, hotels, banks, Union Forex Bureau, Satellite Forex Bureau- Currency Exchange, and more.
What is the largest lake in Kenya?
The largest lake in Kenya is Lake Turkana. Lake Turkana in Kenya, commonly known as The Jade Sea, is renowned for its greenish-blue hues and notoriously powerful desert winds.
Lake Turkana, commonly known as the Jade Sea, was first named Lake Rudolph in 1888 and renamed Lake Turkana in 1975. Lake Turkana is known for its greenish-blue tints, earning the moniker "Jade Sea." This is the world's biggest alkaline lake.
Lake Turkana is 300 kilometers long and 50 kilometers broad, making it the biggest lake in Kenya (although Lake Victoria, shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is larger). It is also the world's biggest permanent desert lake. The water is safe to drink, but it tastes unpleasant.
Three rivers feed into the lake, but there is no outlet; all water loss occurs through evaporation.
Lake Turkana, at barely 300 meters above sea level, is one of Kenya's hottest spots, with temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius.
Lake Turkana, the world's biggest alkaline lake, offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities. Here are some ideas on things to do during your trip.
- Wildlife: Visit and discover Lake Turkana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kenya. The Sibiloi National Park and its two islands, Central Island and South Island, are home to a varied range of species. This contains crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species (on the islands). Sibiloi is home to cheetahs, lions, and hyenas, among other animals.
- Visit the Tribes: The El Molo Tribe is Kenya's smallest and least-known ethnic community, residing on the shores of Lake Turkana. You may discover their own culture and way of life.
- Astronomy: Lake Turkana's pristine sky and lack of light pollution make it an ideal place for stargazing.
- Enjoy the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival: If you visit during the annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (which takes place in Loiyangalani in May), you'll see traditional dances, singing, and other cultural presentations from fourteen ethnic communities.
- Visit Craters: Various craters may be found across the islands. Tourists are drawn to the Nabiyotum crater, which is a salty, alkaline lake in a volcanic crater on the southern side of Lake Turkana.
How to get to Lodwar from Nairobi?
By air
Skyward Express flights leave from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and, in rare cases, Wilson Airport. Depending on the flight, the length ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours. The ticket costs between 74 and 120 USD per person.
Remember that flight travel schedules and availability might vary, so always contact the airlines directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
After arriving at Lodwar, it takes another hour to reach the edge of Lake Turkana. You can select between Kalokol and Eliye Springs. Kalokol is best suited for budget-conscious, self-guided tourists. Eliye Springs normally offers more scheduled trips, which are more expensive.
By road
The distance between Nairobi and Lodwar is around 800 kilometers, and you may use either private or public transportation. If you rent a vehicle, it will take 10-14 hours to arrive at Lodwar or 14-16 hours by bus, but keep in mind that these estimations may change.
Guardian Bus and Eldoret Express are two bus companies that operate along this route. They usually provide overnight buses that depart from Nairobi's city center in the evening and arrive in Lodwar the next day. The ticket cost around 15 USD.
Confirming the departure location while purchasing your ticket is always a smart idea.
Because it's a lengthy journey from Nairobi, consider spending the night in Eldoret or Kitale before continuing to Lodwar. If you stay in Kitale, we recommend going to Mount Elgon National Park. You may take a Matatu from Nairobi to Kitale, followed by another from Kitale to Lodwar the next day. They go extremely regularly.
Is it safe to visit the north of Kenya?
The level of security depends on where you plan to visit in northern Kenya. There are some unstable areas, but tourist areas in northern Kenya are usually safe tourist destinations. You can choose to discover the best attractions in Northern Kenya including Samburu National Reserve, South Island National Park, Sibiloi National Park, and Marsabit National Park. The security situation varies considerably from region to region in Kenya. Some areas may be vulnerable to incidents of banditry or inter-tribal conflict, while more remote areas have limited infrastructure and services. While many tourists visit northern Kenya without any problems, it is crucial to be aware of the current situation as it may change.
The security situation in Kenya is generally good, but visits to certain parts of the country require appropriate planning. For example, some areas such as the northeast, the north coast, border towns, etc. are considered high-risk areas. Therefore, it is recommended to be vigilant or avoid traveling to these destinations.
Be sure to keep your belongings safe and avoid walking alone at night to unfamiliar places. Furthermore, an understanding of the security situation on the ground is essential to avoid potential protests or demonstrations.
If you're going to areas with high malaria rates, especially coastal and lake areas, remember to carry antimalarial drugs and insect repellents. In addition, drink bottled or pure water and eat carefully to prevent foodborne diseases and ensure safe and healthy travel.
What are the Safest Places to Visit in Kenya?
If you plan to travel to Kenya, you will always have a safe place to explore. These include lesser-known destinations such as Manbrui in Malindi, as well as popular wildlife attractions such as the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park. Here are some of the safest places to visit in Kenya:
- Nairobi: As the country's largest city, Nairobi attracts a wide variety of tourists, but it also has several dangerous areas. However, it also has many safe tourist attractions, including elephant conservation centers, giraffe centers, Nairobi National Park, and Karula Forest. Click here to learn more about Nairobi's activities and more.
- Mombasa: Kenya's coastal cities are the gateway to incredible destinations like Ouattamu, Diani, and Malindi. In addition to beautiful beaches, fine resorts and friendly locals, these are also home to the heart of the attraction, where the safety of visitors is guaranteed.
- Nanuki: This equatorial town is one of Kenya's safest tourist destinations. Its inhabitants are locals from different ethnic groups and foreigners of different origins. Several attractions around Nanuki are safe for visitors, including Mount Kenya and the Olpejeta Reserve.
- Diani Beach: Diani Beach is generally a safe place in Kenya. Diani Beach, located on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast, is a wonderful paradise famed for its breathtaking, immaculate white sandy beaches, crystal blue seas, and lush palm trees. With a 17-kilometer stretch of beachfront, this gorgeous tropical location becomes a sanctuary for those looking for a peaceful retreat. Diani Beach is known for more than just its blue waves and lush foliage; it also has stunning coral reefs, the Colobus Conservation Centre, which cares for rare colobus monkeys, and a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, skydiving, and kitesurfing. The breathtaking environment, along with the warm African culture, provides an unparalleled experience, making Diani Beach an internationally renowned tourist destination.
- Lodwar: With its vivid clothes, one-of-a-kind beading, and mythology, the city provides an excellent glimpse into the nomadic Turkana people's traditional local life. Lodwar is particularly known for its stunning scenery, including the sandy beaches of Eliye Springs and the center Island National Park, which is home to three active volcano craters. Furthermore, this area is well-known for its archaeological sites, which have helped to further our understanding of human development. Lodwar is a wonderful location for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, combining cultural enlightenment, natural beauty, and historical depth.