Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, make one of the most dramatic journeys in the natural world, also called the Great Migration. Between late July and October, they cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara, and for travelers fortunate enough to be there, the experience is unlike anything else on Earth.
If you’re planning a Masai Mara safari in 2026, the trip will likely have been months in the making. Camps near the river fill up 12 to 18 months in advance during peak season. Flights, park logistics, and itineraries take time to piece together. The one thing that shouldn’t catch you off guard at the end of all that planning is your entry documentation, and yet, for a surprising number of Kenya-bound travelers, it does.
This guide covers what you need to know about getting into Kenya in 2026, clearly and without unnecessary alarm.
Kenya’s entry system has changed: what you need to know
Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival. Since January 2024, the country has operated an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, replacing the previous eVisa platform entirely. If you’ve read anything about Kenya visa requirements that pre-dates that change, set it aside.
The Kenya eTA is a digital entry permit that must be obtained before you travel. While Kenya is technically ‘Visa-Free,’ the eTA is a mandatory paid authorization that functions similarly to a visa. Attempting to arrive without one is not possible: airlines are required to verify documentation before boarding, and not having an approved eTA may result in denied boarding or complications on arrival.
Who needs a Kenya eTA: Most international visitors, including tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family. This includes infants and children, each person requires a separate application.
Who is exempt: Citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states (Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan) can enter without an eTA for stays up to 180 days. Following amendments in May 2025, most African nationals are now also exempt from the eTA requirement. Citizens of a small number of countries with bilateral agreements are also exempt.
How to apply for the Kenya eTA
You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date with one blank page, a recent passport photo, confirmed flight details, proof of accommodation, and proof of onward travel. A yellow fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from an endemic country.
The eTA is not a guarantee of entry. That determination is made by immigration officers on arrival.
“The most common mistake isn’t misunderstanding the rules, it’s leaving the eTA too late.” says Victor Gimenez, Director of Customer Experience at iVisa. “Travelers book their camps a year in advance but assume the eTA can wait until a week before departure. During high season, that’s when delays are most likely. And a passport scan that’s low resolution or poorly cropped can hold up an otherwise straightforward application at exactly the wrong moment.”
