Kenya Visa for Spanish Citizens 2026: eTA Requirements & Guide
Spanish citizens need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival. The single-entry eTA costs $30 USD for normal processing (72 hours) and is valid for 90 days of tourism or business travel.
Do Spanish Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?
Yes. Spanish citizens must obtain a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering Kenya.[1] Spain is not on Kenya's visa-exemption list, and the eTA has replaced the traditional visa system for all eligible nationalities.[2] The eTA is an electronic authorization that must be approved before your journey begins—you cannot obtain it on arrival.[3]
What Is the Kenya eTA?
The Kenya eTA is a digital travel authorization introduced by Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services. It replaced the previous e-visa system as of January 5, 2024.[9] All visitors, including infants and children, must have an approved eTA before departure.[1] The authorization is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, though your actual length of stay is determined by immigration officials at the port of entry.[9]
Visa Types & Who Needs What
Kenya offers several visa categories. Spanish citizens traveling for tourism or business typically apply for a single-entry eTA.[2] Here's what's available:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Stay Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry eTA (Tourism/Business) | Tourism, visiting, business | 90 days from issuance | Up to 90 consecutive days |
| Transit eTA | Passing through Kenya to another destination | Valid for transit period | Up to 3 days |
| Multiple Entry Visa | Frequent business travel | 6–12 months | Varies per entry |
Most Spanish tourists and business visitors use the single-entry eTA.[1]
eTA Requirements for Spanish Citizens
Before you apply, ensure you have the following documents and information ready:[4]
- Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from your travel date, with at least one blank page.[4]
- Passport Bio Page Scan: Clear, high-resolution digital copy of the biographical page.
- Recent Passport-Type Photo: Color photo on white background, meeting standard passport photo specifications.[4]
- Email Address & Phone Number: For application and approval correspondence.[4]
- Travel Itinerary: Your planned arrival and departure dates.[4]
- Accommodation Booking Confirmation: Hotel reservation or invitation letter for your stay.[4]
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or evidence of financial means to support your visit (typically required for business applicants).
- Valid Payment Method: Credit or debit card for the application fee.[4]
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Kenya eTA
Step 1: Visit the Official eTA Portal
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke — this is Kenya's official government portal.[1] Do not use third-party visa services unless you want expedited processing; the government site is secure and direct.
Step 2: Create Your Account & Start Your Application
Sign up or log in. Select your nationality (Spain) and choose your visa type (typically "Single Entry – Tourism" or "Single Entry – Business").[1] You can apply as an individual or as part of a group.[4]
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in all required fields accurately:[4]
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number and expiration date
- Email and phone number
- Planned arrival and departure dates
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit)
- Accommodation details
- Employment/business information (if applicable)
Double-check all information before submission—corrections after payment incur additional charges.[4]
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Attach:
- Your passport bio page (PDF or JPG, high resolution)
- Your passport-type selfie or photo
- Flight itinerary or booking confirmation
- Hotel booking or accommodation letter
Step 5: Select Processing Speed & Pay
Choose your processing option (see Fees section below) and pay via credit/debit card. You'll receive a payment confirmation email immediately.[4]
Step 6: Receive Your Approved eTA
Your eTA approval will be emailed to you within the promised timeframe. Print a copy and carry it with your passport to the airport and through Kenyan immigration.[1] The eTA is linked to your passport number, so keep both together.
Kenya eTA Fees for Spanish Citizens (2026)
Kenya charges two components: a government fee and, if using a third-party service, a service fee. The official government portal charges a flat rate for the eTA itself.[4]
| Processing Type | Processing Time | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Up to 72 hours (3 business days) | $30 | Standard travel plans |
| Expedited (Urgent) | Within 24 hours | $130 ($30 + $100 service fee) | Last-minute travel |
Important: These are the official government fees from Kenya's eTA portal.[4] Third-party visa service providers may charge additional administrative fees. The government fee is non-refundable—once payment is processed, changes to your application are treated as a new application with a new fee.[4]
Payment is accepted via international credit and debit cards. If your card is declined, contact your bank to approve international charges, then retry.[4]
Processing Times & eTA Validity
How Long Does It Take?
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours (3 business days) from submission.[4] Expedited processing delivers approval within 24 hours
Recommendation: Apply at least 5–7 business days before your departure to avoid delays, even with normal processing.[12] This buffer accounts for potential verification holds or technical issues. Your approved eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.[1] You must enter Kenya within this 90-day window. Once you arrive and pass immigration, your actual length of stay (up to 90 consecutive days) is stamped by the immigration officer at the port of entry.[1] When you arrive at a Kenyan airport or border post: Immigration officers will:[1] If you're planning a safari, you can mention this as your primary activity. No additional permits are required for tourism activities on a standard tourist eTA.[1] Kenya does not mandate COVID-19 vaccination for entry as of 2026. However, Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for travelers coming from endemic countries, and some safari lodges may require proof.[4] Consult your doctor and review vaccination requirements for Kenya travel before departure. If you're passing through Kenya to another East African destination (e.g., Tanzania, Uganda), you can apply for a Transit eTA, valid for up to 3 days.[2] This is cheaper than a full tourist eTA and ideal if you're only stopping briefly. The transit eTA is processed the same way as a tourist eTA. If you need to stay longer than your authorized period, you must apply for an extension before your current authorization expires. Extensions are processed through Kenya's immigration office (eCitizen portal) and incur additional fees. Plan ahead if you think you may need extra time.[1] Do not overstay your authorized period. Penalties include: Always depart on or before your stamped departure date. You'll receive a rejection notice via email explaining the reason. You can reapply immediately, but each new application requires a new fee (non-refundable).[4] Correct the issue and resubmit. Most rejections are resolved on the second attempt. Once your eTA is approved, you're cleared to enter Kenya for tourism. Whether you're heading to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo, your eTA covers all national parks and reserves across the country. When you're ready to book your safari experience, you can compare safari packages and operators on SafariFind to find lodges, guided tours, and multi-day itineraries that match your budget and interests. Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Kenya's immigration regulations and fees can change. Visit the official Kenya eTA portal (https://etakenya.go.ke) or contact the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services for the most current information.[1] Yes. Spanish citizens must obtain a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering Kenya.[1] Spain is not on Kenya's visa-exemption list. The eTA is an electronic authorization that replaces the traditional visa system and must be approved before your departure—you cannot obtain it on arrival.[1] The standard Kenya eTA costs $30 USD for normal processing (up to 72 hours).[4] Expedited processing (within 24 hours) costs an additional $100, for a total of $130 USD.[4] The fee is non-refundable once payment is processed. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours (3 business days).[4] Expedited processing is approved within 24 hours.[4] It's recommended to apply at least 5–7 business days before your departure to account for potential delays or verification holds. You'll need: a valid passport (6+ months validity), a clear passport-type photo, your email and phone number, planned arrival/departure dates, accommodation booking confirmation, and a valid credit/debit card for payment.[4] For business applications, include an employer letter or invitation from a Kenyan company. Your approved eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.[1] You must enter Kenya within this 90-day window. Once you arrive, immigration officers stamp your passport with your authorized length of stay, which can be up to 90 consecutive days. No. Kenya does not issue visas or eTAs on arrival.[1] You must obtain your eTA approval before you leave Spain. The government strongly recommends applying online via https://etakenya.go.ke at least 5–7 business days before travel. The eTA is Kenya's modern, fully digital travel authorization system that replaced the traditional visa in January 2024.[9] Both serve the same purpose—authorizing entry—but the eTA is faster (72 hours vs. weeks), cheaper ($30 vs. $51 for a traditional visa), and entirely online.[1][2] No, you cannot extend the eTA itself after arrival. However, if you need to stay longer than your authorized period, you can apply for a separate extension through Kenya's eCitizen immigration portal before your current authorization expires. Extensions incur additional fees and must be applied for in advance. Overstaying is a serious violation. Penalties include fines (typically KES 1,000–10,000), deportation, and a ban from re-entering Kenya. You may also be blacklisted for future visas to East African countries. Always depart on or before your stamped departure date. Yes. All travelers, including infants and children, must have their own approved eTA.[1][4] Each person requires a separate application and eTA fee, even if traveling as a family group. No. The standard single-entry eTA allows one entry to Kenya.[2] If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya during your trip, you'll need a separate eTA for each entry. Alternatively, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for 6–12 months and allows repeated entries, but it's more expensive. You'll receive a rejection email explaining the reason (e.g., passport expiring soon, photo quality, missing information).[4] You can reapply immediately after correcting the issue, but each new application requires a new fee. Most rejections are resolved on the second attempt.How Long Is the eTA Valid?
What Happens at Kenyan Immigration?
Documents to Present
Entry Inspection Process
Health & Vaccination Requirements
Transit, Extensions & Overstays
If You're Transiting Through Kenya
Extending Your Stay
Overstaying Your eTA
Common Mistakes & Application Rejections
Why eTA Applications Get Rejected
How to Avoid Rejection
If Your Application Is Rejected
Planning Your Safari with Your Kenya eTA
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Kenya?
How much does a Kenya eTA cost for Spanish travelers?
How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA?
What documents do I need to apply for a Kenya eTA?
How long is the Kenya eTA valid?
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA on arrival?
What is the difference between a Kenya eTA and a visa?
Can I extend my Kenya eTA after arrival?
What happens if I overstay my Kenya eTA?
Do children and infants need a Kenya eTA?
Can I use my Kenya eTA for multiple entries?
What if my Kenya eTA application is rejected?
