Kenya eTA or East African Tourist Visa - which is better?

3POSTS

last week

When I visited Kenya, I did it under a one-time eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation)). I had no problems and was rarely asked to show it, even by hotels. I did not need a physical copy: from Immigration Control to 4-star hotels, the electronic image on my phone was acceptable.

I have since discovered that is an East African Tourist Visa or maybe was. It it hard to know, since Kenya's information on it is well out of date (strictly speaking, Kenya does not have visas any more, though the eTA acts very much the same).

Does anyone have knowledge or experience with the East African Tourist Visa? Since I do want to be able to visit neighbouring countries, it seems ideal, if it will not cause a problem in Kenya.

See also

Requirements for Foreigners to Live and Work in Kenya - Guide
Tourist Guide in Kenya - Business
Best Visa to apply for in Kenya - 4 Replies
Kenya visas - 5 Replies
Kenya visa extension - 1 Reply
extending tourist visa - 16 Replies
Kenya K visa - 8 Replies

Longonot62 Kenya Advisor

1521POSTS

6 days ago

@DouglasMcG. Since visas were scrapped in Kenya in favour of the eTA, the East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is not valid for Kenya.

By the way, there is no requirement to show the eTA at all, once in country as this document is only valid for entry. It is the Visitors Pass that is endorsed in your passport which is significant and I have never been asked to show this either (except once or twice by the police). However it is a legal requirement to carry your ID on you at all times and for a foreigner, this means a passport, although a copy of the date page and Visitors Pass will usually suffice.