Kenya Embassy Visa for US Travelers: When eTA Is Still the Path
Short answer: If you searched Kenya embassy visa for a typical U.S. tourism or short stay, Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. now points you to Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — not a walk-in tourist sticker as the default. The Embassy’s eVisa page: from 5 January 2024, ALL travelers (with exemptions on the Embassy eTA page) must apply for and pay the eTA before the journey to Kenya. Entry/work permits are not processed at this Mission — they go to Immigration in Nairobi. Confirm live consular rules with the Embassy if your case is not ordinary tourism. Start Kenya eTA help. Stand: 19 August 2026.
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You searched embassy visa — do you actually need a sticker?
For most U.S. visitors, no. The Embassy replaced the old evisa.go.ke story with eTA. Its eVisa page sends readers to the eTA notice: approved authorization before you travel, including infants and children, unless you fit a published exemption.
How to apply and what it costs: Kenya eTA for US travelers.
eTA or embassy / consular filing?
| Path | Typical US use | Who files |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eTA | Tourism / short visit before you fly | Official Kenya eTA portal or assisted filing on my-evisas.com |
| Embassy / consular | Not the default tourism path on the Embassy eVisa page | DIY with the Mission — confirm live on kenyaembassydc.org |
| Entry / work permit | Employment in Kenya (paid or unpaid) | Not at this Mission — Nairobi Immigration |
The Embassy names etakenya.go.ke as the portal that replaced evisa.go.ke on 5 January 2024.
When the embassy path is still DIY
Use the Mission’s own pages if you need consular services that are not the eTA (for example document questions, or a category the Embassy still lists in person). Do not assume a tourist sticker counter is still the apply path — the eVisa page’s “important changes” language is eTA before the journey.
Work / entry permits: the Embassy states applications are not processed at this Mission. Address them to the Director of Immigration Services, Department of Immigration, PO Box 30191, Nairobi, Kenya. Employers usually file for the employee. Details: immigration.go.ke. That long-stay path is DIY and is not sold on my-evisas.com.
Fees, appointments, and any remaining visa categories: confirm live with Immigration/Consular on the Embassy site.
Kenya Embassy in Washington, D.C. — address and hours
- Address: 2249 R Street NW, Washington DC 20008
- Tel: (202) 387 6101
- Immigration/Consular: [email protected]
- Consular services: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (summer and winter, per the Embassy hours page)
- Summer office hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday (lunch 1:00–2:00 p.m.); Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Winter office hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Closed on Kenyan and U.S. national holidays. In bad weather the Embassy follows the U.S. federal government opening schedule.
Kenya Consulate in New York: 866 UN Plaza, Suite 308, New York, NY 10017 · Tel: (646) 434 3273.
FAQ
Do US citizens need an embassy sticker visa for Kenya tourism?
For typical tourism, the Embassy directs travelers to eTA before the journey, not a default sticker appointment. Exemptions are listed on the Embassy eTA page.
Can I use eTA instead of going to the Embassy?
Yes for ordinary visits that fit the eTA rules. Apply on the official eTA portal or via Kenya eTA help.
Does the Embassy in Washington process work permits?
No. Entry/work permits are not processed at this Mission. They go to Immigration in Nairobi.
What are consular hours vs Embassy office hours?
Consular services: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Office hours are longer on Monday–Thursday (summer to 5:00 p.m., winter to 4:00 p.m.); Friday the Mission is listed 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Confirm live on the hours page.
Does my-evisas.com file embassy or sticker visas?
No. my-evisas.com can help with Kenya eTA electronic filing only.
How my-evisas.com can help
- Provided: Kenya eTA assisted filing → https://my-evisas.com/visas/kenya
- Not provided: sticker visas; embassy appointments; work or entry permit filing
→ Start Kenya eTA help · Kenya eTA guide · Kenya hub
Sources
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. — eVisa (accessed 19 August 2026)
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. — eTA (accessed 19 August 2026)
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. — Employment Entry Form (accessed 19 August 2026)
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. — Contact Us (accessed 19 August 2026)
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. — Office hours (accessed 19 August 2026)
Important Notice
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Visa requirements and entry regulations can change at short notice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Only the official regulations in force at the time of your application are authoritative.
As of: 19 August 2026
Binding and up-to-date information is provided exclusively by the relevant official authorities. Please verify the currently applicable requirements before your application or travel: https://kenyaembassydc.org/evisa/