VISA

Visa and Entry Requirements for Travel to Kenya

All international participants attending the RILEM Conference in Kenya must comply with the entry and immigration requirements of the Republic of Kenya. Kenya operates an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for most foreign nationals.

1. Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Most visitors to Kenya are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling. The eTA replaces the traditional visa for short-term visits and allows entry for purposes such as conferences, meetings, and academic events.

• The eTA must be obtained before departure.
• Each traveller, including children, must have their own approved eTA.
• The eTA generally allows a single-entry stay of up to 90 days.

2. Nationals Who Do Not Require an eTA or Visa in Advance

(a) East African Community (EAC) Citizens

Nationals of the following countries may enter Kenya without an eTA or visa and may stay for up to 180 days:

• Burundi
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Rwanda
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda

(b) Visa-Free Nationals (Up to 90 Days)

Citizens of the following countries may enter Kenya without an eTA for short stays (up to 90 days) for business or conference attendance:

Africa

• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Americas & Caribbean

• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Asia & Pacific

• Brunei
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Nauru
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu

Europe

• Cyprus
• San Marino

(c) Other Exempt Categories

The following persons are also exempt from the eTA requirement:

• Holders of Kenyan Permanent Residence
• Holders of valid Kenyan Work Permits or Passes
• Holders of a Kenyan re-entry pass
• Transit passengers who do not leave the airport
• Aircraft, ship, or transport crew members in transit
• Holders of UN Convention Travel Documents
• Holders of official or diplomatic passports travelling on official duty

3. Who Must Apply for an eTA

All participants not listed in the exemption categories above must apply for an eTA before travelling to Kenya. This requirement applies to most nationals from Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and non-listed African countries.

4. Documents Required for Entry

Participants entering Kenya may be required to present the following at the port of entry:

• A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry
• An approved eTA confirmation (if applicable)
• Proof of return or onward travel
• Proof of accommodation in Kenya (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay

5. Conference Invitation Letter

Registered participants who require documentation to support their travel or eTA application may request an official conference invitation letter from the conference secretariat.

6. Health and Other Requirements