While most travelers visit Kenya for tourism and wildlife safaris, thousands Kenya Business enter the country monthly for international business conferences, trade missions, corporate assignments, or brief layovers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services provides specialized Electronic Travel Authorization categories tailored to business professionals and transit passengers via the primary portal: etakenya.go.ke.

Applying for the correct eTA category ensures legal compliance, speeds up airport processing, and provides appropriate entry permissions. This guide breaks down the requirements, costs, and submission steps for non-tourist eTA applications.

Overview of Kenya eTA Categories

Selecting the correct authorization type is required when starting your online form at [https://etakenya.go.ke/form/apply/start](https://etakenya.go.ke/form/apply/start).

Detailed Breakdown of Special eTA Categories

1. The Kenya Transit eTA

The Transit eTA is designed specifically for travelers connecting through Kenyan airports who plan to step outside the airport terminal before taking an onward flight to another country.

Validity: Intended for short stays or layovers not exceeding 72 hours.
Requirements: Valid passport, recent digital photo, onward flight ticket to a third country destination, and proof of visa/entry rights for that final destination (if applicable).
Processing Fee: USD $20.
Important Note: If you remain inside the international airport transit zone without passing through passport control, an eTA is generally not required. However, if your connection involves changing airports or retrieving luggage outside the terminal, securing a Transit eTA is mandatory.

2. Business eTA (Single Entry)

For professionals visiting Kenya to attend meetings, corporate conferences, trade exhibitions, or prospective site visits:

Validity: Single entry valid for up to 90 days.
Requirements:
- Valid passport and clear digital photograph.
- Official invitation letter from the host organization or company in Kenya.
- Copy of the host company’s registration or incorporation certificate.
- Round-trip flight itinerary and hotel confirmation.
Processing Fee: USD $30.

3. One-Year and Five-Year Multiple-Entry eTAs

Frequent corporate travelers, investors, and regional executives who travel regularly to Kenya can request multiple-entry authorization:

1-Year Multi-Entry eTA: Costs approximately USD $300. Allows multiple entries into Kenya over a 12-month period without needing to reapply for each individual trip.
5-Year Multi-Entry eTA: Costs approximately USD $185. Available under specific bilateral agreements (such as for US citizens visiting frequently).

Step-by-Step Business/Transit Application Process

Access the Portal: Open [https://etakenya.go.ke/form/apply/start](https://etakenya.go.ke/form/apply/start).
Select Application Type: Choose either “Transit”, “Standard”, or “Multiple Entry” based on your travel needs.
Upload Identity Documents: Upload your passport bio-data scan and recent selfie/photograph.
Attach Business/Transit Documentation:
- For Transit: Upload your confirmed onward flight ticket out of Kenya.
- For Business: Upload your corporate invitation letter and the host company’s registration document.
Provide Contact & Stay Details: Enter the host business’s registered address, contact phone number, and intended stay duration.
Submit Payment: Pay the fee online using a debit or credit card.
Download Approved eTA: Save and print the PDF confirmation sent to your email. Present it along with your corporate credentials upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need an eTA if I am staying inside Nairobi airport during my layover?

If you remain inside the international airside transit area of the airport and do not pass through immigration control, you do not need an eTA. If you intend to pass through border control to enter Kenya or stay in an airport hotel outside the terminal, a Transit eTA is required.

2. How long can I stay in Kenya on a Transit eTA?

A Transit eTA allows a maximum stay of up to 72 hours. If your stay will exceed 72 hours, you must apply for a standard entry eTA.

3. Can I conduct business or work in Kenya on a Business eTA?

A Business eTA allows you to attend meetings, conferences, site visits, and corporate discussions. It does not permit formal employment or paid work in Kenya. Formal employment requires a valid work permit (Class D or relevant permits) issued by Kenyan Immigration.

4. What supporting documents does my Kenyan host company need to provide?

Your host company must provide a signed invitation letter detailing the purpose and dates of your visit, along with a copy of their official Kenyan Business Registration Certificate or License.

5. Can I convert a Transit eTA into a standard tourist or business entry after arriving?

No. You cannot change your eTA category once you have arrived in Kenya. If your travel plans change and you intend to stay longer than 72 hours, you must apply for a standard entry eTA before departure.

Kenya Business, Transit, and Multiple-Entry eTAs: Official Application Guide