Like other nationalities around the world, Ecuadorians do not need a consular visa to spend their vacation in Kenya. This is because they are eligible for a Kenyan e-visa, or an electronic visa.
The Kenyan authorities recently modified the admission criteria. Previously, you would have needed to apply for an e-visa before arriving. They have since replaced this with an ETA, which must still be requested for before entering the country.
Is there a requirement for the Kenya Visa for the citizens of Ecuador? No, Ecuadorian nationals do not require a Kenya visa to visit Kenya. To enter and remain in Kenya for tourist, only a Kenya ETA is required.
By having an Ecuadorian passport, the traveler can apply for a Kenya visa waiver, and Kenya immigration services are here to help. Keep reading to learn more about the Kenya ETA / Visa requirements for Ecuadorian citizens.
Kenya eTA for Ecuadorian citizens
1. Kenya eTA for Ecuadorian citizens:
The Kenyan Government introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in January 2024, replacing visas for Ecuador. Currently, an ETA is REQUIRED for Ecuadorians who plan to visit Kenya.
Ecuadorian passport holders traveling to Kenya are required to obtain an eTA. It is best to apply for a Kenya eTA at least 07 days before their trip to ensure they receive it before they depart.
The application for a Kenyan eTA is entirely completed online. This eliminates the need for a trip-planning visit to an embassy or consulate.
Furthermore, applicants must not be in Ecuador to submit their applications. They can apply from anywhere with Internet access as long as they have the necessary documents.
The Kenya online eTA for Ecuadorian citizens is an electronic travel document that allows a single entry into the country for up to 90 days.
You will need to apply for a Kenya eTA if you are traveling for tourism, medical treatment, or business and will be staying in the country for less than 90 days.
This Kenya eTA is required for the following reasons:
- Vacations
- Business
- Family visits
- To undergo medical treatment
To stay in Kenya for an extended period of time, Ecuadorian visitors should contact the embassy or consulate for information on long-term eTA options.
Type of Kenya e visas:
- Kenya tourist e-visa: The Tourist e-Visa is the better option for travelers from Ecuador looking for a more in-depth experience of Kenya. You'll have 90 days to explore Kenya's culture, food, and beautiful sights. The Tourist E-Visa is valid for 90 days after it is issued and allows for one entry. You can obtain your Tourist e-Visa right here.
- Kenya transit e-visa: If you only have a short visit, the Transit e-Visa is a great option. You'll have three days in Kenya, making this e-Visa ideal for long layovers. Get your Transit e-Visa here if you're just passing through Kenya for a few days.
- Kenya business e-visa: this is a visa for people who wish to do business within the country. It is valid for a stay of up to 90 days and like other e-visas, it is a single entry visa.
- East Africa e-visa: This is the ticket to the ultimate East African experience for visitors from Ecuador and around the world. If you obtain an East Africa e-Visa, you will be able to visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda during your 90 -day trip. With this e-Visa, you can enter and exit among Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda whenever you want. Apply for an e-Visa to East Africa here.
2. Kenya eTA / Evisa requirements for Ecuadorian citizens:
There are some requirements travelers need to follow in order to apply for a Kenya visa for Ecuadorian citizens. Here is a list that includes the Kenya ETA requirements
- Valid Ecuadorian passport: Ecuadorian citizens traveling anywhere in the world require a passport, and Kenya is no exception. This passport should be valid for at least 06 months from the intended arrival date in Kenya. Getting a passport is a simple process. All you need to do is go to your country's issuing authority.
- A scan of the passport’s biographical page
- A recently digitized color photograph of the Ecuadorian applicant for the e-Visa (any format is acceptable)
- Return ticket to Ecuador or proof of onward travel from Kenya
- A valid email address is required for applicants to receive updates on the status of their Kenya electronic visa and its eventual approval.
- For Business e-visa: To get qualified, 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).
The applicant will be unable to submit their Kenyan visa application unless these basic requirements are met.
A Kenyan e-visa application from Ecuador is usually processed within 05 hours to 03 business days. Nonetheless, petitioners should submit their applications at least 7 days before the expected travel date.
Once approved, the e-visa will be securely emailed to the applicant. You should make a couple of copies of your e-visa to Kenya in case immigration officials ask for it at the border.
Kenya eTA requirements for Ecuadorian citizens
3. How to get a Kenya eTA online from Ecuador:
Applying for a Kenya eTA online for Ecuadorian citizens is simple and requires just a few minutes. Travelers from Ecuador can apply for a Kenyan eTA using their smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.
Travelers who meet the Kenya eTA requirements for Ecuadorian citizens can apply online in 3 steps:
Step 1: Fill out the Kenyan eTA application form for Ecuadorians
Step 2: Pay the Kenya eTA fee for Ecuadorian citizens
Step 3: Receive the approved Kenya eTA
The eTA application process for Ecuadorian travelers is simple. Travelers will need to fill out a form on the application with information such as their:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Country of citizenship
- Date of arrival and departure
Once the application is complete, travelers will need to pay a fee and wait for an email confirmation. Travelers should then print a copy of the approved eTA ready to present at the border on arrival.
4. Kenya eTA fees for Ecuadorian citizens:
Kenya eTA fees for Ecuadorian citizens
Once you've gathered all of your requirements, you must complete the Kenya visa application form. That should be simple for you because Kenya Immigration Services designed a short and simple payment system. Furthermore, if you require assistance, Kenya Immigration Services provides excellent customer service. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is completely free of charge.
The form requires you to enter personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, e-mail address, and so on. Passport information, as well as details about your trip, such as the reason for travel, are required. You must also select a processing time, which determines the Kenya ETA fees
- Normal: You will get a response to your documentation in a reasonable amount of time and at a low cost. You will receive your document within 72 hours
- Urgent: Get a response to your documentation more quickly, but at a slightly higher cost. Your application will be processed within 24 hours
- Super urgent: The main feature of this type of process is the speed with which the visa is obtained, as it is obtained in less than 5 business hours.
In addition, we also provide services to assist our customers while traveling to Kenya such as Kenya travel insurance, Kenya eSim cards, and Car Pick-up service in Kenya.
Kenya Visa Requirements for Ecuador Citizens FAQs
Do Ecuadorian citizens need a visa for Kenya?
No, Ecuadorian citizens require a visa to enter Kenya. Foreign nationals, including Ecuador, will be able to enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days beginning January 1, 2024. Ecuadorian travelers just need to get a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that verifies visitors' eligibility for travel to Kenya.
Getting the Kenya eTA online from Ecuador is quite convenient. Anyone can apply at any time and on any day. If you want an urgent ETA, you can choose one of our premium services. It is recommended that you obtain the eTA 3 to 5 days before your departure. The process is straightforward and may be completed in three easy steps. They are:
- Step 1: Fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
- Step 2: After completing the application form, the mode of payment must be selected. Ecuadorian citizens can pay it online by debit card or credit card.
- Step 3: After paying for the application, one must wait from 5 hours to 3 days for the confirmation email to appear. The Kenyan eTA will be delivered to the email address supplied by the Ecuadorian citizen. The applicant must bring the Kenyan eTA together with any other documents necessary at the airport. Kenyan ETAs are issued online. After reviewing all documentation, including the Kenyan eTA printout, the immigration official will stamp the passport.
How to get to Diani Beach from Nairobi
From Nairobi to Diani By Train and by Uber
One of the most beautiful and affordable ways to get to Diani Beach from Nairobi is by train. There is an express train from Nairobi railway station that runs twice a day from Mombasa to the beach at 3pm or 10pm.
The train journey costs around 1,000 KES ($10 USD) per person and takes around 5 hours to reach the Mombasa train station.
The train will take you through several national parks such as East Tsavo National Park and West Tsavo National Park, and you will be able to see some wildlife along the way. So if you want to see these animals, make sure you take the 3 pm train.
From the train station, you can take an Uber or Bolt, and cheaper taxis that will take you to Diani Beach, about 33 kilometers away. Due to the way the city and its commercial harbor are set up, the journey takes about 2 hours.
With Uber, you'll need to take a ferry to the south, and you don't have to worry about extra costs as the ferry service is free. All you need to do is sit in your car and wait for the ferry to reach the other side.
The speed of the ferry service depends on the amount of traffic at the time, and you may have to wait anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on when you get there. When you arrive in Mombasa on the 3pm train, traffic should not be heavy at 8pm.
After crossing the channel, it will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach your resort, for a total of approximately 7 hours to reach Diani Beach from Nairobi by Uber and train via Mombasa.
From Nairobi to Diani By Planes
You can fly straight from Wilson Airport to Ukunda Airport, which is only a few kilometers from Diani Beach.
Flights from Nairobi City to Diani Beach are operated by a number of charter companies including Safarilink, Jambojet, Skyward Express, East African Safari Air Express, Fly540 and Silverstone Air among others.
The entire journey from Nairobi City to Diani Beach takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The greatest choice if you are short on time and don't mind spending a little more for convenience is to fly from Nairobi to Diani Beach. This is the most convenient method to get to Diani from Nairobi without any fuss and saves time. You can take a private vehicle or an Uber from the airport to your resort, which should take you around fifteen minutes.
Is Karura Forest safe?
Yes. Karura Forest is a highly safe location. Once considered a hazardous area more than 15 years ago, it is now one of Nairobi's safest neighborhoods because of its amazing efforts. The woodland is surrounded by an electric fence to guarantee that only those who are approved to enter are allowed in. The only wild creatures you'll likely encounter are monkeys, so don't be concerned about them.
Karura Forest Nairobi is a haven of peace in the heart of one of Africa's fastest-growing and most chaotic cities. Karura Forest spans 2500 acres and is home to waterfalls, towering trees, tangled vines, and wild creatures, all connected by calm walkways. Nairobi locals head to Karura Forest to walk, ride, exercise and eat lunch at the serenely lovely River Café.
Karura Forest Nairobi is home to one of the world's largest gazetted woods, which lies entirely within the city. A natural wonder that reminds us of the splendor of Kenya's countryside. This part of Nairobi was previously highly wooded, and the remnant old woodland stands in stark contrast to the chaos of houses and highways that lie beyond.
What to do in Nairobi for 2 days?
This 2-day plan is an excellent recommendation for the top things to visit in Nairobi. It offers daily activities, travel recommendations, and the best spots to visit.
Day 1: Exploring Nairobi's Wildlife and History
Morning
Begin your day with an early excursion to Nairobi National Park, the world's only wildlife park within a major city. Enjoy a safari drive to observe creatures such as lions, giraffes, and rhinos in their natural environment.
Afternoon
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program. You may learn about conservation initiatives and even adopt an elephant. Next, go to the Giraffe Centre to get up close and personal with these gorgeous animals.
Evening
Relax at one of Nairobi's renowned restaurants, which provides a variety of local and foreign food.
Morning
Visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the renowned author of 'Out of Africa.' Learn about her life and Kenya's history during the time. Continue to the Kazuri Beads Factory, where you can watch how exquisite handmade ceramic beads are manufactured while also supporting local women's employment.
Afternoon
Explore the bustling Maasai Market, a dynamic outdoor market with a diverse selection of African goods, textiles, and jewelry. Ideal for picking up souvenirs and presents.
Evening
Visit a neighborhood club or pub to experience Nairobi's nightlife and enjoy live music while dancing the night away.
How to get from Nairobi to Masai Mara
There are roughly 280 kilometers between Nairobi and Masai Mara. There are two main ways to get there: by plane or by automobile. Your choices will depend on your time constraints, financial constraints, and personal preferences.
Driving is less expensive than flying, but it takes longer. If you just have a short time in Kenya, flying safaris makes more sense because you can reach Masai Mara faster.
Nairobi to Maasai Mara by Road
Driving to the park takes around 5-6 hours in a custom-made safari land cruiser. The land cruiser includes a pop-up roof that will be closed throughout the travel but opened for game drives.
One of the biggest benefits of driving is that you can get to view some of Kenya's breathtaking landscapes. We pause at the overlook of the Great Rift Valley, where you may take pictures of this amazing natural wonder.
Along the trip, you'll witness Mt. Longonot and Mt. Suswa, as well as several farms. When you arrive in Narok, the main town near the park, you may buy any last-minute supplies you may need.
Nairobi to Masai Mara by Air
One advantage of flying to the reserve is that the safari distance between Nairobi and Maasai Mara is decreasing. Every day, many local airlines fly from Nairobi to Masai Mara via Wilson Airport. The flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes around 45 minutes.
If you are departing for the Masai Mara shortly after arriving from India, we will take you from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Wilson Airport for your local flight.
Your plane will land at the airport closest to your Masai Mara accommodation, as there are several of them. When you arrive, your safari land cruiser will be ready to transport you to the accommodation. You may even charter a flight from Nairobi to the reserve.
What is Amboseli National Park known for?
Among the many animals that call Amboseli National Park home are lions, cheetahs, elephants, and Maasai giraffes. The park is the best place to witness massive herds of elephants and other animals in Africa. Other park features include the opportunity to meet Maasai people and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest free-standing peak.
Amboseli National Park provides a variety of enjoyable activities for guests. However, most activities in the park revolve around animals, providing a fun-filled natural experience. The primary activities include the following.
Wildlife excursions (game-viewing safaris): Wildlife excursions are the most popular activity in Amboseli National Park. Tourists may roam about the park and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Game drives and off-road trips are also offered.
- Cultural Visits: Amboseli's native inhabitants are the Maasai. Interacting with these folks is a rewarding experience since you will learn about their culture, history, and food.
- Filming and photography: The large herds of elephants are worth photographing. However, biologists and documentary filmmakers frequent Amboseli to film animals. During game drives, one can capture images of the animals in the park.
- Bird Watching: With over 400 bird species in Amboseli National Park, you can't miss seeing them. Some birds include the marabou stork, African fish eagle, falcons, kori bustard, and many others.
- Sightseeing: The park offers an observation hill from where one may overlook the lovely scenery of Amboseli. One can also see Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Amboseli.