Kenya eTA requirements for Mexican citizens

No. Mexican citizens who are planning a trip to Kenya aren't required to apply for a visa if they wish to go for short stays (tourism). On January 2, 2024, the Government of the Republic of Kenya, through the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, published the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2023, which eliminated VISA requirements for foreigners traveling to Kenya and replaced them with Electronic Travel Authorization ("ETA"). 

Kenya ETA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors who intend to travel to Kenya and is authorized by the Government of Kenya. Thus, all non-Kenyan visitors, excluding those with proper resident status like as work permits, passes, or permanent residencies, must apply for a Kenya ETA online at least three days before departure. However, the immigration authorities at the point of entry make the final judgment on admittance to Kenya and subsequent passport validation.

A Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) can be obtained by applying through the Kenya Immigration Services website. For minors under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult is responsible for filling out the application. 

Here are the key differences between the previous VISA requirements and the new ETA requirements:

• Nationals of countries that do not require a visa to enter Kenya now need to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Kenya.
• Carriers of passengers traveling to Kenya are now required to submit the passenger's API and PNR (Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record) to the Immigration Department at least 24 hours prior to arrival, failing which they will be subject to an administrative penalty of US$10,000
• EAC ( East African Community) nationals who previously did not require a visa to enter Kenya are now exempt from the ETA for only 6 months. It is unclear whether this exemption will be extended beyond the 6 months.
• Unlike the visa regime, which allows for multiple entry options, the ETA only allows for single entry.

The Kenya ETA ensures that the government has prior information on all persons visiting Kenya. Previously, nationals of countries that do not require visas to enter Kenya were not required to fill in any form or provide any information just to enter the country. In this case, the Government will be able to collect comprehensive data on all travelers, thereby improving national security and other strategic interests.

The distance between Nairobi and Mombasa is 263 miles or approximately 420 kilometers. There are several ways to get from Nairobi to Mombasa, including train, air, or bus. The fastest way to travel is by flight, which takes approximately 1 hour.

Depending on how you choose to travel, the following transportation methods are available:

By using a bus from Nairobi to Mombasa:

Traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa by bus is the cheapest option available. The bus takes around 10 hours to reach Mombasa, and the journey ticket might cost around $9 USD. There are two stopovers between you and your Kenya safari destination city, but there are seven major bus companies that run this route, including Simba, Tahmeed, Coast, Dreamline, Mash East Africa, Modern Coast, and Spanish Coaches.

By using a train from Nairobi to Mombasa:

Tourists who wish to travel by train to Mombasa from Nairobi will find this to be a comfortable and pleasant experience. You can hurry and purchase your ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa and enjoy the best of the best Kenya safari tours of your life. The railroad that connects the two cities is approximately 306 miles long. Traveling by train is also recommended as one of the fastest options, taking approximately 5 hours.

The price of a train ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa is $116. However, train ticket costs can change significantly, so the ideal time to purchase your train ticket is as early as possible, with fares starting at $78. The train is known to stop twice over the whole journey.

By using the flight/Air from Nairobi to Mombasa:

Traveling by air from Nairobi to Mombasa is the quickest and most convenient mode of transportation available. The two destinations are separated by a distance of 263 miles. The trip takes between 50 minutes and an hour; tickets here fluctuate often, but the average price for the destination is approximately $100 USD. However, it is reported that if you purchase flight tickets early, you will receive the greatest pricing, starting at $40 USD.

Each safari park in Kenya is unique and will leave you with an amazing experience.

Masai Mara

Kenya is famously the terminus of the Great Migration, the largest annual migration of mammals in the world. It's an epic event that cemented its place in David Attenborough's documentaries.

Each year, at least two million wildebeest migrate along with zebras, gazelles and other antelope species from the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, crossing rivers along the way to the fertile grasslands of Kenya's Masai Mara National Park. Predators such as lions, crocodiles, hyenas, and wild dogs are in hot pursuit, taking advantage of the abundance of food and giving any hunter the opportunity to witness the hunt.

Best time to visit: wildlife can be seen all year round, but usually from June to October. However, if you want to see the excitement of the Great Migration, visit between September and October.

Amboseli National Park

This is the second most visited park after the Masai Mara, where you can photograph breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, with elephants hanging out in the foreground. Four of the Big Five live here, and if you like those grey giants and elephants - this is the place to see them.

Best time to visit: January to February and June to September.

Tip: If you want spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro/animal photos, it's best to take them early in the morning.

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo is one of the largest protected areas in Kenya and is home to big game such as hippos, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, lions, and many other bird species such as secretary birds, hornbills, ostriches and daiquiris.

Best time to visit: In the dry months: January to February and July to October.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru used to be famous for the large number of flamingos that inhabited it, but things changed in 2014 when rising water levels and increased pollution forced them to flee to other lakes. The good news is that they're back! One hundred thousand of these colorful pink birds now make their home on this lake once again.

You can also see black and white rhinos, the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, hippos rolling in the water and predators such as lions and leopards.

Best time to visit: June to March.

Yes, you can buy a Kenya eSIM card at the Mombasa airport. There are various kiosks and stores throughout the airport terminal that sell SIM cards and mobile phone services.

Purchasing a local SIM card is an inexpensive way to remain connected when traveling in Kenya. A local SIM card allows you to make local and international calls, send messages, and utilize mobile data services to remain in touch with your friends, family, and coworkers.

When purchasing a SIM card at Mombasa Airport, make sure to bring a valid passport as it will be necessary for registration. It's also a good idea to check rates and plans from several providers to ensure you're receiving the best deal for your requirements.

Yes, September is a good time to visit Kenya. The best time to visit Kenya is between July and September when the country's dry season coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The rainy season is suitable for those who prefer serenity, as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking emerald vegetation.

Here are the top things to do in Kenya in September:

• The Great Wildebeest Migration:  In September, the Great Wildebeest Migration reaches its zenith in the Masai Mara. Millions of wildebeests brave the Mara River, pursued by predators such as lions and crocodiles, resulting in an incredible natural display.
• Beach Holidays: September is perfect for beach holidays along Kenya's coastline. Warm temperatures and calm waters allow you to swim, snorkel, and relax on the pristine beaches of Mombasa, Malindi, and Diani Beach.
• Thrilling Wildlife Safaris: September is also a great month for safaris in Kenya. Parks such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo provide excellent wildlife-watching possibilities, with migratory herds drawing predators for exciting encounters.
• Conquer Mount Kenya: September is ideal for hiking Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest summit. Mild weather and bright skies provide breathtaking scenery and less crowded routes.
• Flamingo Spectacle at Lake Nakuru: In September, hundreds of flamingos flock to Lake Nakuru to graze in the shallow regions, turning the lake pink. This makes for an incredible photo opportunity against the park's lovely backdrop.
• Hiking or Mountain Biking in Hell's Gate: September is ideal for hiking and biking at Hell's Gate National Park. The weather is pleasant, which is ideal for outdoor activities in Kenya's Rift Valley.