{
  "id": "visa/eta-mandatory-all-2024",
  "signature": "AI tells a traveler that Kenya is visa-free or offers a visa on arrival",
  "signature_zh": "",
  "regex": "(kenya.*visa|visa.*kenya|kenya.*eta|eta.*kenya|kenya.*visa.free|kenya.*visa.on.arrival)",
  "domain": "visa",
  "category": "administrative_barrier",
  "subcategory": null,
  "root_cause": "Since January 2024 Kenya abolished tourist visas and requires nearly ALL visitors - including previously visa-free nationals - to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before travel. Apply at least 3 days ahead on the official eTA portal; airlines check it before boarding. Limited exemptions exist (e.g., East African Community citizens).",
  "root_cause_type": "generic",
  "root_cause_zh": "",
  "versions": [
    {
      "version": "any",
      "introduced": null,
      "deprecated": null,
      "removed": null,
      "behavior_change": null,
      "status": "active"
    }
  ],
  "os_specific": {},
  "dead_ends": [
    {
      "action": "Assume Kenya is still visa-free for your nationality or sells a visa on arrival",
      "why_fails": "Kenya replaced its visa system with a mandatory eTA for nearly all visitors in 2024; even previously visa-free travelers must now apply online in advance, and there is no airport visa counter.",
      "fail_rate": 0.8,
      "condition": "",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.etakenya.go.ke/",
        "https://immigration.go.ke/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "action": "Apply through a third-party 'Kenya visa/eTA' website",
      "why_fails": "Only the official eTA portal issues a valid authorisation; copycat sites overcharge and may submit incorrectly.",
      "fail_rate": 0.5,
      "condition": "",
      "sources": []
    }
  ],
  "workarounds": [
    {
      "action": "Apply for the eTA on the official Kenyan government portal at least 3 days before travel.",
      "success_rate": 0.9,
      "how": "Use only etakenya.go.ke; upload your details and passport, pay the fee, and carry the approved eTA.",
      "condition": "",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.etakenya.go.ke/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "action": "Check the limited exemptions (e.g., EAC partner-state citizens, certain transit) on the official site.",
      "success_rate": 0.85,
      "how": "Confirm whether you qualify for an exemption before applying.",
      "condition": "",
      "sources": []
    }
  ],
  "workarounds_zh": [],
  "transition_graph": {
    "leads_to": [],
    "preceded_by": [],
    "frequently_confused_with": []
  },
  "official_doc_url": null,
  "official_doc_section": null,
  "error_code": null,
  "verification_tier": "ai_generated",
  "confidence": 0.82,
  "fix_success_rate": 0.86,
  "resolvable": "true",
  "first_seen": "2024-01-01",
  "last_confirmed": "2026-06-14",
  "last_updated": "2026-06-14",
  "evidence_count": 3,
  "tags": [],
  "locale": "en",
  "aliases": [
    "visa/eta-mandatory-all-2024/ke"
  ]
}