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DDavil bob 1 month ago
Traveling to Kenya has become significantly easier in recent years thanks to the introduction of the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system that replaced the traditional visa for most nationalities. Whether you’re planning a safari in the Maasai Mara, a beach escape in Diani, or a climb up Mount Kenya, understanding the current entry rules is essential. Citizens of Poland and Portugal, like most European passport holders, now follow the same streamlined online process instead of applying for a paper visa at an embassy.
The New Kenya eTA System Explained
As of January 2025, Kenya fully transitioned from the previous eVisa platform to a mandatory electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for all visa-exempt visitors, including citizens of Poland and Portugal. This change aligns Kenya with global digital migration trends and aims to make border processing faster while maintaining security standards. The eTA is not a visa in the classic sense but an advance permission to travel that must be obtained before boarding a flight to Kenya.
The application is completed entirely online, usually taking between ten minutes and an hour depending on how prepared you are with your documents. Most applicants receive approval within 24–72 hours, though many report getting the green light in under three hours. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport, so you no longer need to print anything extra—immigration officers simply scan your passport on arrival and the system displays your pre-approved status.
Specific Requirements for Polish Citizens
Polish passport holders enjoy visa-exempt status under the new rules, meaning they must secure the Kenya eTA before departure. The Kenya Visa for Polish Citizens process through the official channels has been replaced by this simpler eTA, but many travelers still search the old term and land on reliable third-party platforms that guide them through the updated requirements.
You will need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, a recent passport-style color photograph, and details of your flight itinerary. Payment is made by credit or debit card, and once approved, the eTA allows a single entry stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family visits. Children traveling on Polish passports also require their own separate eTA, even if listed on a parent’s document.
How Portuguese Nationals Apply Today
The situation is identical for Portuguese citizens. The former Kenya Visa for Portuguese Citizens is now handled exclusively through the eTA platform. Portugal remains on Kenya’s visa-exempt list, so no embassy visits or courier services are required.
The online form asks for the same core information: personal details exactly as they appear in the passport, travel dates, accommodation address in Kenya (a hotel booking confirmation works perfectly), and a working email address to receive the approval. Portuguese applicants often complete the process in less than fifteen minutes when all documents are ready in digital format.
Key Advantages of the Current System
The switch to eTA has eliminated several pain points that existed under the old eVisa regime. Processing fees are now lower for most European nationalities, and the approval rate exceeds 98% when applications are filled correctly. There are no more requirements for yellow fever certificates to be uploaded online unless you’re arriving from a transmission country—health officials will simply check the physical booklet on arrival if needed.
Another welcome change is flexibility with travel dates. If your plans shift by a few days or even weeks after approval, the eTA remains valid as long as you enter Kenya within 90 days of issuance. This removes the stress of locked-in travel dates that sometimes caused issues with the previous system.
Practical Tips for Smooth Approval
To avoid the most common rejection reasons, double-check that the passport number entered matches exactly (including any spaces or dashes), use a plain background photo taken within the last six months, and enter your name exactly as shown in the machine-readable zone at the bottom of your passport bio page. Minor spelling differences between the online form and your actual passport are the leading cause of delays.
Travelers from both Poland and Portugal should apply at least four days before departure to account for weekends or unexpected system maintenance, though in practice most receive approval much faster. Keep a screenshot of your approved eTA on your phone as backup in case of internet issues at the airport.
Arrival Experience in Nairobi and Mombasa
When you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Moi International Airport, follow the signs for “eTA / Visa on Arrival” lanes—European passport holders are directed to the same counters. The officer scans your passport, confirms the linked eTA, takes fingerprints and a quick photo, and you’re through in minutes. There is no longer a separate visa sticker placed in the passport, which actually saves pages for frequent travelers.
The entire entry process for pre-approved eTA holders rarely exceeds ten minutes, a dramatic improvement from the long queues that sometimes formed under the previous system during peak safari season.
Whether you’re a Polish explorer heading to the Aberdare forests or a Portuguese surfer bound for Watamu’s turquoise waters, Kenya’s updated entry rules make the journey simpler than ever. The days of mailing passports or scheduling embassy appointments are firmly in the past. With just a stable internet connection and about twenty minutes of your time, the gates to one of Africa’s most spectacular destinations swing wide open.