Quick Facts
Requirement
eta
Visa Fee
ZAR 0
Processing Time
1–3 working days
Appointment Wait
~ weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days
E-Visa
Available online
Kenya is one of Africa's most rewarding destinations for South Africans — and the ETA is free. The 2023 reciprocal agreement waived Kenya's $32.50 ETA fee for South Africans. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke in minutes and receive approval within a day.
Key Warnings
- You must obtain your ETA before flying — do not arrive at JKIA without a pre-approved ETA. Airlines may deny boarding.
- Apply at least 3 business days before travel, despite typical same-day approvals — allow buffer time in case of delays.
- Nairobi has high-altitude weather variation. Maasai Mara wildlife areas require malaria prophylaxis — consult your doctor before travel.
Insider Tips
- Kenya Airways operates direct Johannesburg–Nairobi flights daily — convenient and typically 4 hours. SAA and FlySafair also serve the route.
- The Maasai Mara is best visited July–October for the Great Migration — arguably the world's greatest wildlife spectacle.
- Kenya's 90-day stay is generous. South Africans can explore Nairobi, the coast (Mombasa, Watamu), and safari circuits in a single extended trip.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Visit etakenya.go.ke
Go to the official Kenya ETA portal at etakenya.go.ke. Create an account with your email address.
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Fill in your application
Enter your personal details as they appear on your South African passport. Select 'Tourism' as your purpose of visit. Enter your travel and accommodation details.
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Upload documents
Upload your passport bio page scan and a digital passport photo. Ensure images are clear and in JPEG format.
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Submit — no payment for South Africans
Submit your application. The ETA fee is waived for South African passport holders — no payment is required.
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Receive your ETA approval
ETA approvals typically arrive within 1–3 business days via email. Print the approval or save it to your phone — present it at Kenyan immigration on arrival.
Required Documents
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Valid South African passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date.
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Digital passport photo
Clear face photo, white background, in JPEG format.
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Return or onward flight ticket
Confirmed booking showing exit from Kenya.
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Accommodation confirmation
Hotel booking or host address for duration of stay.
Recommended (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kenya ETA free for South Africans?
Yes. Kenya waived the ETA fee for South African passport holders in February 2024 under a reciprocal bilateral visa waiver agreement. Apply at etakenya.go.ke — no payment is required for South African passports. Other nationalities pay approximately $32.50.
How long does the Kenya ETA take for South Africans?
Kenya ETA approvals for South Africans typically arrive within a few hours to 1 business day. Apply at least 3 days before travel as a safety buffer. The ETA is sent to your email — print it or save it on your phone.
How long can South Africans stay in Kenya?
South Africans can stay up to 90 days per visit in Kenya. A new ETA is required for each separate visit.
Do South Africans need a yellow fever certificate for Kenya?
No yellow fever certificate is required for direct travel from South Africa to Kenya. However, if you transit through a yellow fever endemic country (such as Uganda or Tanzania), you should carry your International Certificate of Vaccination. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for travel to Kenya's safari and coastal regions.