Kenya eTA/Evisa requirements for Ethiopian citizens in 2025

Kenya visa requirements for Ethiopian citizens: Contrary to popular belief, visa requirements to Kenya vary according to a traveler's country of origin. So, understanding the Kenya visa requirements is essential for comfortable and hassle-free entry into this country.

Luckily, the process of obtaining a Kenya e visa for Ethiopian citizens is reasonably straightforward. However, it is important to note that there are various options when it comes to Kenya electronic visas, and that the right one should be selected according to your travel plans.

Kenya Immigration Services will also provide information on how to obtain the Kenya e visa from Ethiopia, including: the Kenya e visa fees and services, as well as detailed information about the Kenya visa processing time for Ethiopian citizens. Through this, we wish Ethiopian customers will be fully prepared for your trip and enjoy the best moments in Kenya. Let’s get started!

1 Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for Kenya?

NO. Ethiopian nationals contemplating a trip to Kenya do not require a visa for short stays (tourism). However, an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) is necessary to enter Kenya.

2. What is The Kenya Evisa/ETA for Ethiopians?

Announced by the President Ruto on 12 November 2023, with effect from 1 January 2024, Republic of Kenya lifted e-visa regime (short-term visas) - to be replaced by eTA (electronic travel authorisation).

All other visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.

Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to enter Kenya

Nationals of Ethiopia can visit Kenya with a single entry and stay for up to 90 consecutive days with a Kenya eTA. Travelers should plan their trip to coincide with the dates specified on their Kenya electronic travel authorization (ETA)

The Kenya electronic travel authorization (ETA) allows you to enter this country for the following purposes:

• Tourism
• Business
• Medical treatment
• Visiting family and friends
• Transit

Travelers who wish to visit Kenya for other reasons or for a longer period must apply for a Kenya visa for Ethiopians at the Kenyan embassy in Ethiopia.

Types of Kenya visa for Ethiopians

Depending on the purpose of the trip or the duration of the trip, a different type of eTA is required.The types are as follows:

• Kenya Tourist e-Visa: Ethiopian citizens can only use this visa once and is valid for 90 days in a row.

• Kenya Transit e-Visa: Ethiopians who want to travel to another country but need to stop in Kenya to transit through the country must obtain a transit visa. This visa is valid for 72 hours and is issued at the immigration office of the entry port.This visa is not valid for tourism, business, or any other purpose other than transition.

• Kenya Business e-Visa: It is a single-entry travel document that allows foreigners to stay in the country for 90 days and allows them to renew their visa twice. Travelers may request a visa extension of up to 90 days.

• East Africa Tourist e-Visa: The East African Tourist visa is available to any foreigner who wishes to visit the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Uganda, or the Republic of Rwanda. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, only valid for tourism (no work is permitted) and cannot be extended.

2. What are the Kenya ETA/Visa requirements for Ethiopian citizens?

According to Kenya E-visa requirements for Ethiopian citizens, anyone applying for this type of electronic visa as a Ethiopians citizens must possess the following:

• Valid passport issued by the government of Ethiopia, must be valid not only when the visa application form is submitted, but also for at least 6 months after the holder's planned date of arrival in Kenya.
• Digital passport-standard photo: you need to submit a digital portrait picture in JPEG or PNG format that meets standard passport requirements. In addition, you need a scanned or photographed copy of your passport's biographical page as well for identification.
• Active email ID to use for all communications and issuance of the Kenya visa
• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary 
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
• Visa card/ Paypal/Mastercard/American Express that has been activated for online purchases and has sufficient funds.

Before beginning their application form,you must ensure that your paper meets these requirements. In case of having a passport set to expire soon, they must renew their travel document before applying for a Kenya eTA online.

Ethiopian citizens traveling on an eTA should keep their printed copies with them throughout their stay in Kenya, as Kenyan authorities may request to inspect them occasionally.

3. How to apply for Kenya Visa Waiver from Ethiopia?

Applying for a Kenya visa online  for Ethiopian citizens is fast, straight-forward and just takes a few minutes to complete. Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa for Kenya from Ethiopia online in 3 steps.

After submitting the request, you can receive your visa in up to 3 business days, depending on service you choose:

• Normal: used in most casual cases. You can have your eVisa in a guaranteed maximum of 3 business days.

• Urgent: used when you do not have much time to wait for an approval and want to push the process up. You can get your eVisa in a guaranteed maximum of 24 hours.

• Super urgent: used in rush cases and you need to get Visa in a day. We can ensure you can get your Visa in a guaranteed maximum of 5 business hours.

In addition, the approved visa for Kenya will be emailed to the applicant in PDF format.

Ethiopian citizens are advised to submit their visa request several days in advance to account for any unexpected issues.

4. Kenya ETA /Visa fees for Ethiopian citizens:

The total cost of Kenya eTA is determined by the processing speed you choose as well as the eTA fee. Expedited processing is more expensive than standard online processing.

To apply for a Kenya eTA online from Ethiopia, you have to pay two (02) kinds of eTA fees, which are called the Service fees and Government fees.

• Normal: your Kenya eTA arrives within 3 business days
• Urgent: Your application is processed within 2 business days
• Super urgent: It will only take 5 business hours for your travel documents to be ready.

In addition, we also provide other service packages to help customers have a safe and time-saving trip when coming to Kenya, including Kenya travel insurance, Kenya travel Sim, and Car Pick-up service in Kenya.

5. Apply for necessary Kenya visa at Kenya embassy in Ethiopia

The Kenya consulate/embassy in Ethiopia may be closed during public holidays in Ethiopia and Kenya.

Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Ethiopia

• Kenya embassy address: Fikremariam Road, High 16 Kebelle 01, P.O. Box 3301, Ethiopia
• Link the consulate and embassy of Kenya in Ethiopia here.

Kenya consulate/embassy office hours in Ethiopia

• Morning: 09.00 - 12.30
• Afternoon: 13:30 - 16:00

Normally, the Kenya embassy/consulate’s office in Ethiopia is open Monday to Friday.

Kenya Visa Requirements for Ethiopia Citizens FAQs

Do Ethiopians need a visa to Kenya?

No. Ethiopians do not require a VISA to visit Kenya. However, travelers from Ethiopia need to apply for an ETA to enter Kenya. The Kenyan government declared that beginning January 1, 2024, tourists entering Kenya would not need a visa and would instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system in Kenya; all visitors to the country must have an eTA before commencing their journey. 

The Kenya ETA for Ethiopian citizens is valid for a single entry and allows for a stay of up to 90 days.

All visitors, including infants and children, who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey. 

Kenya Immigration Services offers a service to help you apply for a Kenya ETA. You'll have access to a simplified application form that's easy to fill out and understand (you'll be done in less than 15 minutes!).

How to go to Kenya from Ethiopia?

There are several ways to travel between Ethiopia and Kenya:

1. Fly: This is the fastest way to travel to Kenya, with flights taking around 5 hours. The fastest way to get from Ethiopia to Kenya is to fly from Addis Ababa to Mombasa. The most popular airlines for this route are Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Jambojet Limited and AirKenya Express.

2. Train: The road distance between Ethiopia and Kenya is 1456.6 km. Traveling by rail from Ethiopia to Kenya is an excellent opportunity to see the breathtaking beauty of the East African Rift Valley. The voyage takes around 12 to 14 hours, which is longer than flying but provides a more distinctive and spectacular view.
3. Car: Traveling by car from Ethiopia to Kenya offers a unique adventure and the freedom to explore sights along the way. 

The main border crossing between Ethiopia and Kenya is in Moyale. Prepare for immigration and customs procedures on both sides of the border. Here's everything you'll need:

• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Kenya.
• Kenyan ETA: You should apply for a Kenya ETA online before traveling to Kenya
• Car Import Permit: To enter Kenya, you will require temporary import permission for your car. This may be gotten from the border crossing.
• Car Insurance: Ensure your Ethiopian car insurance covers travel to Kenya, or purchase temporary Kenyan car insurance at the border.

What is Karura Forest famous for?

Karura Forest, located in the northern portion of Nairobi, Kenya, is a 1,041-hectare urban highland forest and one of the city's designated woods. Since its inception in 1932, the Kenya Forest Service has managed it. It is separated into three pieces by the Kiambu and Limuru highways. The forest has a natural route that extends up to 50 kilometers, giving a serene respite for tourists to stroll, jog, or simply enjoy the peacefulness of nature away from the city's hustle and bustle.

The forest is home to two spectacular waterfalls, Karura and Ruaka, as well as a bamboo forest, Mau Mau caves, and a variety of animals such as Suni, Duiker, Bushbucks, Genets, and more. Karura Forest, which has 36% endemic highland forest species, is a nature lover's paradise. It has a 15-meter waterfall, archaeological sites, an old incineration chimney used by the Central Bank, Lily Lake (a former stone quarry pond), religious caves of historical significance, bamboo patches, bird-attracting marshlands, and tranquil forests of indigenous trees.

How much is a ticket from Ethiopia to Kenya?

The cost of a ticket from Ethiopia to Kenya depends on the mode of transportation you choose:

• Flight: usually the most expensive option, fares range from $500 to $1000 (round trip) depending on the airline, route, time of day, and when you book your ticket. Booking in advance may offer better deals, while last-minute bookings tend to be pricier.
• Train: A more affordable option than flights, fares usually start at $100 (one way). The price depends on the class of service you choose (economy, business, or first class).
• Bus: The most affordable option, fares range from $20 to $30 (one-way). Prices vary depending on the bus company, departure time, and type of seat (regular or sleeper). Bus travel offers a cost-effective way to explore Kenya, though it may take longer than other modes of transport.
• Car: Costs depend on fuel prices, tolls (if any), car rental, and potential maintenance needs. It is difficult to give a specific amount, but it is usually expected to be more expensive than bus travel.

What can I buy in Mombasa?

Mombasa, a vibrant coastal city in Kenya, is a great place to explore and shop for unique items. When visiting, you'll find an array of goods that reflect the city’s rich Swahili culture, coastal vibes, and historical significance.

Mombasa is known for its beautiful handwoven kikoy and khanga fabrics. These colorful, lightweight cloths are traditionally worn by both men and women and make perfect souvenirs. You can find them at local markets or stores like Biashara Street.

Spices are another must-buy in Mombasa. As a historic trading hub, the city offers fresh, aromatic spices that can add a rich flavor to your dishes back home. Visit the spice markets for a wide selection of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and more.

If you're a fan of jewelry, Mombasa offers stunning handcrafted silver jewelry featuring intricate designs. Many pieces are inspired by the coastal and Arabic heritage of the region, making them unique to the area.

For a more artistic keepsake, pick up some hand-carved wooden sculptures or masks from the local markets. These items often depict animals or cultural motifs, showcasing the artistry of Kenyan woodworkers.

For a taste of the native cuisine, do not miss the seafood and seaside snacks like bajia (spicy potato fritters) and mahamri (fried bread)! You can see more information about Best Souvenirs from Kenya Must-Buy Mementos for All Travelers

Is Mombasa safe for white tourists?

Mombasa and other coastal areas of Kenya such as Kilifi are home to a large number of expatriates. As a tourist, you can expect to be treated with respect and hospitality. It's worth noting that white tourists in Mombasa are often perceived as affluent, so beach vendors will approach you to offer you help or sell you something. Whilst it is advisable to be wary of pickpockets, overall Mombasa is a relatively safe destination for white travellers.

If you are traveling with children, it is best to limit their access to public beaches during peak hours (when the beach boys are most active) and always keep them close to you. It is also advantageous to book reputable hotels and travel agents to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in Mombasa.

Finally, take precautions such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash with you (opt for international credit cards) and keeping valuables safely stored in your hotel room or hire car.