Kenya eTA for Indians and a First-Timer's Safari
By Ganesh ·
Kenya now uses an online eTA instead of visas. How Indians apply, the yellow fever rule, a 5-day Masai Mara safari and what it costs.
Since January 2024 Kenya no longer issues visas to most visitors. Indians apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) on the official site, etakenya.go.ke, at least a few days before flying. It costs about US$30–35 and covers a tourist stay of up to 90 days. Once you have it, a first safari is easy to plan: fly to Nairobi, spend two or three nights in the Masai Mara, and add Amboseli or Lake Naivasha if you have time.
The eTA in short
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | etakenya.go.ke only |
| Fee | About US$30–35 per person |
| Documents | Passport scan, selfie photo, return ticket, hotel or safari booking |
| When to apply | At least 3 working days before travel, earlier in peak season |
Check the official site for the current fee and requirements, and ignore third-party sites that charge extra.
Applying
- Book flights and your first nights of accommodation, because the form asks for them.
- Fill in the eTA form on etakenya.go.ke and upload the passport page and a photo.
- Pay by card.
- You'll get the eTA by email. Print it and carry it with your passport.
Yellow fever vaccination: India requires proof of yellow fever vaccination when you return from Kenya, and the certificate is valid for life. Get the shot at an authorised centre in India at least 10 days before departure.
A first safari (5 days)
- Day 1, land in Nairobi. Giraffe Centre or the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage in the morning if your flight allows.
- Days 2 and 3, Masai Mara. Morning and afternoon game drives. From July to October you may see the wildebeest migration and river crossings.
- Day 4, Lake Naivasha. A boat ride with hippos and a walking safari on Crescent Island.
- Day 5, back to Nairobi and fly home.
Approximate costs per person
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Return flights from Mumbai or Delhi | ₹35,000–50,000 | ₹45,000–70,000 |
| Shared group safari, 4 nights, with park fees | ₹70,000–1,00,000 | Not applicable |
| Private safari, 4 nights in lodges or tented camps, with park fees | Not applicable | ₹1.3–2.2 lakh |
| eTA, vaccination, tips | ₹8,000–12,000 | ₹10,000–15,000 |
| Total | ₹1.1–1.6 lakh | ₹1.9–3 lakh |
These are rough figures. Masai Mara park fees for non-residents are charged per person per day and are higher in the July–December high season; they're usually included in safari quotes. Ask whether yours is.
FAQ
Do Indians need a visa for Kenya?
Not a visa, but an eTA, which you must get online before you fly.
When is the best time for a safari?
July to October for the migration. January and February are also dry and good for game viewing. April and May are the long rains, when some camps close but prices drop.
Is a safari suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Most lodges and camps cook vegetarian meals if you tell them in advance, and Nairobi has many Indian restaurants.
Photo: Three zebras in Masai Mara National Park, Kenya by Volodymyr Burdiak, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
