Kenya is frequently mentioned as one of the most beautiful and exciting places to visit in the world. A large part of this is due to Kenya's national parks' reputation. Fortunately for visitors, the country has more to offer as its vibrant cities like the capital Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa draw tourists all year.
Polish travelers can now apply for and receive their Kenyan electronic travel authorization entirely online, thanks to the efforts of Kenyan tourism authorities. Electronic travel authorization in Kenya can be obtained without the need for a trip to an embassy or consulate, making the process simple and easy
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about obtaining a Kenya eTA for Polish citizens.
1. What Is a Kenya eTA for Polish citizens and What Does It Do?
In January 2024, Kenya introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), replacing the previous eVisa system. All travelers from Poland who previously required a visa for Kenya must now obtain an ETA.
Polish passport holders traveling to Kenya must get a visa before their trip. The Kenya eVisa, as the electronic travel authorizatuon is known, allows Polish citizens to visit the country for leisure as well as for short-term medical purposes, to see family and friends, or for business. This visa was introduced as a way to speed up the visa application process for Polish citizens traveling to Kenya.
The Kenyan e-Visa is a special visa that allows you to enter the country in the same way that a consular visa does but through an electronic system linked to your passport.
You can visit Kenya once with the ETA and stay for up to 90 days after being issued.
Type of Kenya evisa :
- Kenya tourist e-visa: Do you need a longer stay? The Tourist e-Visa is an excellent option for you. In Kenya, you'll have plenty of time to relax, sightsee, and visit loved ones. This visa is valid for up to 90 days after being issued with a Single Entry.
- Kenya transit e-visa: Have a long layover? The Transit e-Visa just might be the option for you. It lets you stay in Kenya for up to 72 hours.
- Kenya tourist e-visa: Do you need a longer stay? The Tourist e-Visa is an excellent option for you. In Kenya, you'll have plenty of time to relax, sightsee, and visit loved ones. The Kenya tourist e-visa is a single-entry visa and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and you have a total of 90 days from the arrival date to experience in this country.
- Kenya business e-visa: This visa is an approved travel document that allows you to enter Kenya if you’re planning a trip for business purposes. The approved Kenya e-Visa permits citizens of Poland a stay of up to 90 consecutive days for single entry in the country.
- East Africa e-visa: This is the ideal e-Visa for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of East Africa. You can spend 90 days in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with the East African Visa. During your 90-day stay, you can even enter and exit Rwanda and Uganda as many times as you want.
2. Kenya eTA / Evisa requirements for Polish citizens:
The application for the Kenya visa waiver for Polish citizens is easy to fill out, but it does require a number of pieces of personal information. It's important to note that the application will request additional personal information, so keep in mind that while this list is extensive, you should be prepared to provide additional information as well.
- A Polish passport that is valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Kenya. There must be at least two blank pages in the passport.
- The passport page's details, including the passport number, expiration date, and country of origin
- A valid email address in order for the eTA to be sent.
- A recent (within the last six months) digitized color photograph (passport or ID card sized)
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The general outline of your itinerary for your entire stay in Kenya. It is not necessary to adhere to the plan exactly, but the majority of your planning should be completed prior to applying for the visa.
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Proof of onward travel from Kenya to Poland or another country within the time frame allowed by the visa
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Business documents (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).
If a Polish citizen's passport has expired or does not meet the validation requirements, they must renew it before proceeding with the application.
Polish applicants must fill out an online Kenya eTA application form with basic personal information and passport information. Copies of the required documentation are digitally uploaded; paperwork does not need to be presented in person at a Kenya Embassy in Poland .
3. How to apply for a Kenya visa waiver online from Poland
The application for the Kenya eTA for Polish citizens is straightforward and simple. In most cases, the entire procedure should not take more than an hour. The application requests personal information such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, travel plans for Kenya, including the type of accommodation and travel dates
Travelers can apply for a Kenya eTA from Poland in 3 simple steps:
- Step 1: Complete the Kenya eTA application form.
- Step 2: Pay the Kenya eTA fee for Polish citizens.
- Step 3: Print out the Kenya eTA.
Read more: How to get Kenya online eTA
After submitting the application and paying the associated fee, the typical turnaround time for visa issuance is between 1 and 3 days.
Once the Kenya ETA for Polish citizens is issued, you must print a hard copy of the email and bring it with you to show border officials at the Kenyan port of entry. To protect themselves from possible fraud, officials will want to ensure that your records match their own.
4. Kenya eTA/Evisa fees for Polish citizens:
We all know that the Kenya eTA fees are probably the most important factor to consider when applying for a eTA, which is why you should be aware that kenyaimmigration.org provides affordable options for you based on how quickly you need your eTA. Remember that the sooner you require this document, the more you will have to pay.
You can choose one of the following:
- Normal: You receive your Kenyan eTA in 3 Business Days
- Urgent: This option makes things move quite quickly. Your application is ready within 24 Business hours
- Super Urgent: This is the most expensive option available, but it is also the quickest. Your travel documentation will be ready in just 5 business hours
Payments method: Polish travelers will need a Credit/debit card, American Express, MasterCard, PayPal, eTA card, or Wire Transfer to our HSBC bank account in order to pay for your Kenyan eTA fee.
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.
Kenya Visa Requirements for Poland Citizens FAQs
Can you go to jail for overstaying your Kenya ETA?
Overstaying your ETA in Kenya is a breach of immigration regulations, and it can result in a variety of repercussions, including arrest, fines, deportation, and future entrance prohibitions. The severity of the fines might vary according to the length of the overstay and other variables.
If you overstay your ETA in Kenya, you may face the following penalties:
- Fines: Kenyan authorities have the authority to levy penalties for each day of overstay. The longer you stay over the allowed period, the bigger the fine.
- Detention: Individuals who overstay their visas may be detained by immigration officials in some situations. Detention might occur during the investigation of your immigration status or before you are deported.
- Deportation: Overstaying your visa might lead to expulsion. If an overstay is found, you may be asked to leave the country immediately, and future re-entry into Kenya may be restricted.
- Entry Bans: Overstaying your visa may lead to a ban on re-entry to Kenya for a specified period. The length of the entry ban can vary depending on the circumstances of the overstay.
To prevent these repercussions, it is critical that you follow all Kenya ETA requirements and depart the country before your ETA expires. If you find yourself in a scenario where you have overstayed your Kenya ETA, you must move quickly to settle your immigration status. Contact the Kenyan immigration officials or the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate for assistance in dealing with your overstay and exploring your alternatives.
Can I leave Kenya after overstaying?
Yes, you can leave Kenya if you have overstayed your ETA. However, you may face a fine or deportation.
The length of the overstay determines the penalties for overstaying your Kenya ETA. For example, if you overstay your visa by one day, you will be fined 500 Kenya shilling (about USD5). If you overstay your visa by one month, you will be fined Ksh. 15,000 (about USD 150).
You may be deported if you are unable to pay the fine. Deportation is a severe problem that might jeopardize your future travel plans.
If you overstayed your visa in Kenya, contact the Kenyan Immigration Department to discuss your options. They will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.
Here are some pointers on how to leave Kenya after overstaying your visa.:
- Be prepared to pay the fine. You may be deported if you are unable to pay the fine.
- Be kind and cooperative with immigration officers. This will assist you in ensuring that you are treated fairly.
- Do not attempt to enter Kenya on a tourist visa again. If you are found entering Kenya on a tourist visa after being deported, you may be barred from entering the country for an extended length of time.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to leave Kenya after overstaying your visa without any problems.
Can I get a Kenyan visa at the airport?
No, a Kenyan visa cannot be obtained at the airport. For Kenyan visas, visa on arrival is no longer available. All travelers to Kenya must apply in advance for a visa, either online or at a Kenyan embassy or consulate.
Due to security concerns, the Kenyan government ended the visa-on-arrival program in 2020. Some passengers were also accused of abusing the scheme by overstaying their visas.
Beginning in January 2024, President William Ruto has launched a big reform for travelers: the customary visa process will be streamlined. All nationalities will now benefit from a more efficient electronic travel authorization (eTA) system, making your Kenyan experience easier.
You can submit your application online through the Kenya Immigration Services website. The application procedure is quick and uncomplicated.
Here are 3 steps of apply for a Kenyan ETA online:
- Fill out the Kenyan visa application form for Polish citizens
- Pay the Kenya ETA fees
- Receive the approved ETA by email
After completing the payment, please check your email us for your confirmed information, and we will let you know when you will have your Kenya ETA
The processing period for a Kenyan ETA varies based on the kind of visa requested. A tourist visa, for example, normally takes 3 business days to complete.
Do you need to send a passport for Kenya ETA?
Yes, you need to transmit your passport in order to obtain a Kenya ETA. Kenya's government has implemented an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, which allows you to apply for and get an ETA online. The Kenya ETA is a digital document connected to your passport that immigration officers may readily verify upon arrival in Kenya.
You will need to enter your passport number, date of birth, and other personal details when applying for a Kenya ETA. You must also submit a current passport-style image as well as a scanned copy of your passport biodata page.
After submitting your application, you will get a decision within three business days. You will be able to get a copy of your ETA if your application is granted.
When you arrive in Kenya, simply show your ETA. There is no need to bring your passport or any other supporting documentation.
Here are some of the benefits of applying for a Kenya ETA:
- Convenience: You can apply for ETA online from anywhere in the world.
- Security: ETA is a digital document linked to your passport and can be easily viewed by immigration officers when they arrive in Kenya.
- Cheap: ETA costs are generally cheaper than applying for a traditional visa at the Kenyan embassy or consulate.
If you are planning to travel to Kenya, I recommend that you apply for a Kenya ETA. It is a convenient, secure, and affordable way to obtain a visa to Kenya.
What is Kiambu known for?
Kiambu county was founded in 1925 as Kiambu Native District Council, which was later renamed Kiambu African Native Council in 1958. It was eventually given the official name 'Kiambu', which was derived from the resulting cries from tribal attacks undertaken by the Maasai, who frequently invaded the communities for cattle. Kiambu is known for several things listed below.
Agriculture
Kiambu is associated with excellent soils and an abundance of rainfall. There are several high-potential smallholder farms that cannot only feed the county but also provide Nairobi, Kitui, and Kajiado with dairy products, cereals, green vegetables, and fresh fruit. Kiambu's horticulture goods, including coffee and tea, contribute significantly to Kenya's foreign profits.
Popular Attractions
Towards Kijabe and Kimende, one can see Kenya's famed Rift Valley escarpment. These, together with the Mau Mau Caves, Paradise Lost, Chania Falls, Fourteen Falls, Mugumo Gardens, and Christina Wangare Gardens, make Kiambu one of Kenya's most popular tourist destinations.
The county also has various geographically located urban centers. Kiambu, with a tiny surface area of around 2,500 square kilometers, is one of the most urbanized counties after Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Industrial Hub
In addition to the county's entrepreneurial potential, municipalities such as Kikuyu, Limuru, Ruiru, and Thika are home to manufacturing, mining, textile, and significant industrial assembly facilities. All of them have grown dramatically in recent years, giving excellent economic prospects for both residents and investors. They also attract cosmopolitan workers, who contribute to the country's national and cultural integration, something many other countries may never experience.
If you intend to visit Kiambu County, you must apply for Kenya ETA online. It simply takes three steps to obtain your visa online. You will then receive an email notification. The email will contain your visa number and other important information.
Do they speak English in Nairobi?
Yes, English is widely spoken in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It is one of Kenya's two official languages, along with Swahili. English is widely used in government, education, and industry, and most Kenyans can communicate in it to some extent. It is crucial to note, however, that there is a native form of English spoken in Kenya called Kenyan English. This dialect of English has its grammar and vocabulary, so if you want to visit Kenya, you should be aware of it.
To avoid miscommunication, learn some basic words like sawa (ok), kesho (tomorrow), and sasa (hello). They are usually thrown around casually in conversation, so don't panic.
If you want to visit Nairobi, it is a good idea to learn some basic Kenyan English phrases. This will improve your communication skills and make your journey more pleasurable.