Kenya Visa Guide for Indian Travellers in 2026: Complete Process, Cost, Documents & Tips
If you’re planning a safari or holiday in Kenya in 2026, understanding Kenya’s entry authorisation process for Indian passport holders is essential. This updated guide explains what’s required now (Kenya eTA), who is exempt, what documents you need, fees, timelines, and what to expect at immigration, especially for travellers visiting Masai Mara. And If you are new to safari travel, it helps to first understand the geography, wildlife zones, and seasonal movement patterns of the Masai Mara destination before finalising your Kenya travel plans.
Visa and entry planning is often simplified by a trusted travel agency for Africa .
If you’re planning this from NCR, working with an experienced international travel agency in Gurgaon helps avoid visa, flight, and lodge selection mistakes.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Kenya in 2026?
For most Indian travellers, the key requirement is not a traditional visa. It is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), as confirmed by Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services.
Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services states:
All visitors (including infants and children) must have an approved eTA before the start of their journey.
Applications are submitted through the official Kenya eTA system, which is the only authorised channel.
So for Indian tourists travelling to Masai Mara in 2026, you should plan to apply for Kenya eTA.
Kenya eTA vs “Visa”: What’s the Difference?
Kenya’s immigration authority explains that the eTA is a government-authorised permission to travel:
An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of Kenya.
Possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter final admissibility is decided by immigration officers at the port of entry.
In simple terms for travellers:
- eTA = mandatory travel authorisation before boarding
- Entry permission = granted by immigration officer on arrival (after checks)
Who Is Exempt from eTA?
Kenya’s official “How to Apply” guidance published by the Directorate of Immigration Services lists traveller categories exempt from eTA under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
Examples mentioned include:
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid work permits/passes
- EAC partner state citizens (within stated limits)
- Certain transit passengers who do not leave airport precincts
- Specific diplomatic/service passport categories, including diplomatic/official/service passports from India (up to 90 days)
For almost all leisure travellers from India using a regular Indian passport, especially those planning safaris such as Great Migration experiences, you should assume eTA is required.
Types of Kenya “Visa” for Indians
1) Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
This is the primary entry authorisation Kenya requires for visitors.
Who should apply?
- Indian tourists visiting Masai Mara, Nairobi, Mombasa, etc.
- Family visits, leisure travel, and most short trips
During the eTA application, travellers must select the correct travel purpose. Additional documents may be requested depending on category (business, medical, conference, family visit, etc.).
2) Transit Visa
Kenya immigration rules mention transit passengers who remain within airport precincts.
Travellers leaving the airport even briefly must follow standard eTA entry procedures.
3) Business travel Visa
Business travellers must submit:
- Invitation letter from the host company
- Company registration documents
4) Student / Work / Long-Stay Visa
Long-stay categories such as study, employment, or research are processed through Kenya’s official eFNS portal.
Kenya Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens
According to the official Kenya eTA checklist, applicants should prepare:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least one blank page)
- Photograph (selfie or passport-style)
- Contact details (email and phone)
- Travel itinerary
- Accommodation confirmation (lodge or hotel)
- Payment method
How to Apply for Kenya eTA: Step-by-Step, Official Flow
Kenya’s official eTA FAQ lays out the application process clearly:
Step 1: Use ONLY the Official Channel
Apply via the official website etakenya.go.ke or the official mobile app (“Kenya Travel Authorisation”).
Step 2: Start the Application
Click “Apply Now” and follow instructions.
Step 3: Enter Details Carefully
Ensure all data matches your passport and travel documents.
Step 4: Submit and Pay (if applicable)
You’ll receive email confirmations (application received + payment received if applicable).
Step 5: Decision by Immigration Officer
You’ll receive an email confirming Approval/Refusal.
Step 6: Download/Print Your Approved eTA
Print the PDF or save it on your phone/app to show at departure and arrival points.
Kenya eTA Fees for Indians (2026)
Kenya’s official eTA FAQ states:
- Normal processing fee starts at $30 (processing may take up to 72 hours)
- Expedited processing adds $100 (immediate processing)
Travellers planning peak-season safaris should apply early, especially if aligning flights using the guidance in How to Travel from India to Masai Mara.
Kenya eTA Processing Time
Kenya’s official sources state:
- Applications are generally processed within three (3) business days / 72 hours
- Processing can take longer depending on verification
- Immigration also recommends applying at least 2 weeks prior to travel to allow adequate time
Buffer advice for Indian travellers:
Apply 14 days before departure (especially July–October safari season).
Validity & Stay Rules (What You Should Say Without Guessing)
Kenya’s immigration guidance emphasises:
- eTA is permission to travel; entry is decided at the port of entry
- Certain exemptions have time limits (e.g., EAC partner states up to stated periods; diplomatic/service passport categories with stated limits)
Because validity/stay specifics can depend on your category and immigration decision on arrival, the safest accurate approach for your blog is:
What’s always true:
- You must have an approved eTA before travel (unless exempt).
- Final entry permission is decided by immigration at arrival.
If you want, I can also pull Kenya’s exact published stay/entry rules for standard visitors from additional official pages (where available) and integrate them—without assumptions.
Entry Requirements at Kenya Immigration
On arrival, you should be prepared to show:
- Passport
- Approved eTA (printed or saved)
- Travel itinerary (arrival/departure), accommodation booking confirmation (these are part of required eTA documents and may be rechecked)
Kenya’s immigration authority notes that admissibility is determined at the port of entry even with eTA, so carrying clean documentation reduces delays.
Common Mistakes Indians Should Avoid
- Applying through non-official websites (Kenya warns applications must be through the official portal/app)
- Uploading unclear scans/photos (causes verification delays)
- Passport validity under 6 months (explicit requirement)
- Mismatch in names between passport and bookings
- Applying too close to travel date (Kenya recommends 2 weeks buffer)
Special Notes for Masai Mara Safari Travellers
- Apply early and keep your approved eTA PDF saved offline
- Keep your accommodation confirmation and arrival/departure plan handy (they are standard requirements)
- If travelling for business + safari, make sure your eTA purpose and documents match (invitation letter + company registration are required for business category)
Final Thoughts: Kenya Entry for Indians in 2026
Kenya’s official entry system for Indian travellers is the eTA, not the older visa model. When you follow the official checklist and apply with sufficient buffer time, entry formalities are usually smooth.
Next steps:
Plan your journey → How to Travel from India to Masai Mara
Choose your safari → Masai Mara Packages from India