Kenya Embassy Visa for US Travelers: When eTA Is Not Enough (DIY)
Short answer: For most US short stays, Kenya’s path is an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) at etakenya.go.ke — not a walk-in tourist sticker at the Embassy. Kenya Embassy Washington, D.C. states the eTA portal replaced evisa.go.ke on 5 January 2024, that eTA is obtained only at etakenya.go.ke, and that on-arrival eTA issuance stopped 1 January 2021. Use Embassy / Consulate channels when you need consular guidance, eTA follow-up, or cases the online eTA path does not cover — follow kenyaembassydc.org DIY. my-evisas.com does not sell embassy appointment or sticker lodging. Soft help for Kenya eTA: my-evisas.com/visas/kenya. Stand: 29 July 2026.
Navigation: ← Kenya hub · Kenya eTA guide · eTA vs old eVisa · Kenya eTA help
Short answer
Default short-stay path = online eTA. Embassy/Consulate = official DIY when eTA is not enough or you need consular help. Not sold here. Stand: 29 July 2026.
Online eTA is the default short-stay path
Per Kenya Embassy Washington, D.C.:
- Portal: https://www.etakenya.go.ke — replaces
www.evisa.go.keeffective 5 January 2024 - All visitors (including infants and children) need an approved eTA before the start of their journey (unless exempt)
- eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from issuance; stay length is decided at the port of entry
- FAQs: eTA can only be obtained at etakenya.go.ke
- FAQs: eTA on arrival stopped 1 January 2021
- Processing: FAQs say within 72 hours after submission and payment; the eTA page also says three (3) working days (may take longer) — confirm live before you fly
Guide: Kenya eTA · naming: eTA vs old eVisa · soft help: https://my-evisas.com/visas/kenya
When embassy / consular DIY applies
Use Embassy / Consulate official pages when, for example:
- Your case is not a standard short tourist eTA (or you have been directed to seek consular advice)
- You need status follow-up on an eTA filed from the USA — Embassy FAQ points to [email protected]
- You need work / intern / volunteer arrangements: Embassy FAQ says you still need a Single Entry eTA and permits/passes via fns.immigration.go.ke before starting work — see also work / student DIY
Do not invent a current US-mission “walk-in tourist sticker” fee or category list if the Embassy site does not publish one for your case. Confirm categories, appointments, and any fees on kenyaembassydc.org before you travel or book.
my-evisas.com does not sell embassy sticker lodging or appointment filing — official DIY only.
US missions (DC, New York, Los Angeles)
Embassy FAQs list three US offices for consular services:
- Kenya Embassy — Washington, D.C.
- Consulate — New York
- Consulate — Los Angeles
In-person services are described as strictly by appointment on the FAQ page (accessed 29 July 2026). Start DIY from https://kenyaembassydc.org/faqs/ and the eTA page.
FAQ
Can I get a Kenya tourist visa by walking into the Embassy?
For typical tourism, Embassy guidance points to the online eTA at etakenya.go.ke — not an on-arrival or walk-up eTA. Confirm any non-eTA consular products on the live Embassy site.
Is eTA available on arrival?
Embassy FAQ: on-arrival eTA issuance stopped 1 January 2021.
Where do I apply for eTA?
Only https://www.etakenya.go.ke per Embassy FAQ.
Which US offices help with Kenya consular services?
Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles (Embassy FAQ).
Does my-evisas.com file embassy stickers?
No. Soft help is for Kenya eTA → my-evisas.com/visas/kenya.
What my-evisas.com does — and does not
| Path | Via my-evisas.com? |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (electronic) | Soft yes → my-evisas.com/visas/kenya |
| Embassy / consulate sticker lodging | No — DIY on kenyaembassydc.org |
| Work / student permits | No — see work/student DIY |
→ Kenya hub · Kenya eTA · eTA vs old eVisa
Sources
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. — Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (accessed 2026-07-29)
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. — Frequently asked questions (accessed 2026-07-29)
- Kenya — etakenya.go.ke (accessed 2026-07-29)
Disclaimer
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: 29 July 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/eta/ · https://kenyaembassydc.org/faqs/ · https://www.etakenya.go.ke