Planning a trip from Pakistan to the incredible sights of Kenya? Whether it's for a safari in the Maasai Mara, a business meeting in Nairobi, or visiting family, your first step is navigating the new travel authorization system.

In January 2024, Kenya completely changed its entry rules, abolishing the old e-Visa and the familiar visa-on-arrival. This has created a lot of questions and confusion for travelers.

You've got questions, and this guide has the direct, practical answers Kenya ETA for Pakistani passport holders. We'll cover the official process, the real costs, and the common problems you might face at the airport.

Do Pakistani citizens need a visa or eTA for Kenya in 2025?

Yes. You now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

This is the most important change. The old "e-Visa" system is gone. The "visa-on-arrival" is also gone. As a Pakistani citizen, you must apply for and receive an approved eTA online before you travel.

Can I still get a visa on arrival in Kenya? (Critical 2025 Update)

No. This is no longer possible.

Let's be very clear on this, as it's the biggest mistake travelers make. As of January 1, 2024, the visa-on-arrival counters at Nairobi (JKIA) and other airports are closed. You will be denied boarding by your airline in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad) if you do not have a pre-approved eTA.

How do I apply for the Kenya eTA from Pakistan?

The process is 100% online. Here is the exact breakdown:

1. Select Your Nationality: Choose "Pakistan" from the dropdown list.
2. Fill the Form: You will need to provide:
• Your personal information (exactly as it appears on your passport).
• Your passport details (issue date, expiry date, etc.).
• Your contact information (email, phone).
• Your travel itinerary (arrival date, flight number, departure date).
3. Upload Your Documents: This is the most important part. You will need to upload scans/photos of all the required documents (see the full list in the next section).
4. Pay the Fee: You will pay the eTA fee online using a credit or debit card (like Visa or Mastercard).
5. Wait for Approval: The system will say your application is "Pending." You will receive an email once a decision is made.
6. Receive Your eTA: If approved, you will get an email with a PDF document. You must print this PDF and bring it with you.

What documents do Pakistani citizens need for the eTA application?

This is where you need to be prepared. For Pakistani citizens, the Kenya eTA Requirements are strict. Have these ready before you start:

1. Your Valid Pakistani Passport: Must be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date in Kenya. It must have at least one blank page.
2. A Passport-Style Photo: A recent color photo (taken within the last 6 months). You can also use a "selfie" if it is clear, taken against a plain white or off-white background, with no shadows, and you are not wearing glasses or a hat (religious headwear is permitted).
3. Proof of Accommodation: This is mandatory. You must provide a confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay. If you are staying with family or friends, you must upload:
• An Invitation Letter from your host in Kenya.
• A copy of your host's Kenyan ID Card, Passport, or Alien Card.
4. Flight Itinerary: Your confirmed round-trip flight ticket.
5. Proof of Funds (Recommended): While not always asked for during the application, the system may request a bank statement. It is highly recommended to have a recent bank statement on hand, just in case.

What is the eTA processing time for Pakistani citizens?

The official standard processing time is 3 working days (72 hours).

However, this is a very common problem. For Pakistani passport holders, applications can often take longer. It is strongly advised to apply at least 1-2 weeks before your flight. Do not wait until the last minute.

Do I need an invitation letter for the Kenya eTA from Pakistan?

• If staying at a hotel: No. Your confirmed hotel booking is your proof.
• If staying with friends/family: Yes, this is mandatory. You must upload an invitation letter from your host AND a copy of their Kenyan ID/Passport. Your application will be rejected without this.

Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for Kenya from Pakistan?

This is a common point of confusion. Let's be clear:

• Coming directly from Pakistan: No. Pakistan is not on the list of Yellow Fever endemic countries. You are not required to have the vaccine or certificate if you are flying directly from Pakistan (e.g., Karachi to Nairobi).
• If you are transiting: Maybe. If your flight includes a layover of more than 12 hours in a country that is on the Yellow Fever list (like Ethiopia), you will be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival in Kenya.

My Advice: Check your full flight itinerary. To be 100% safe, many frequent travelers get the vaccine, which is valid for life.

My Kenya eTA application is delayed or pending. What should I do?

This is a real problem. If it has been more than 3-5 working days, do the following:

1. Check the Online Portal: Check your application status. Sometimes it is approved but the email doesn't arrive.
2. Check Your Spam Folder: The approval email might be in your spam/junk mail.
3. Do NOT Re-apply: Applying again will not make it faster and may confuse the system.
4. Contact Them (If Urgent): You can try contacting them via the support email on the official website, but responses can be slow. This is why applying 1-2 weeks in advance is critical.

Real Problems You Will Face at the Airport

This is the most important part of the guide. Getting the eTA is just step one. Here is what Pakistani travelers genuinely face at the airport.

Problem: The airline in Pakistan won't let me board.

This is the most common disaster. You get to the airport in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, and the airline staff (e.g., Emirates, Qatar, flydubai) ask for your Kenya eTA. If your status is still "Pending" or you don't have the approval PDF, they will deny you boarding.

• Action: You must have the APPROVED eTA PDF printed out. Do not travel on a "pending" application. Check your status 24 hours before your flight.

Problem: What to expect at Nairobi (JKIA) immigration?

You've landed. You will now go to the immigration hall. There are no more "Visa on Arrival" lines. You will queue in the standard "Foreign Passports" or "eTA Holders" line. The officer will:

1. Scan your passport.
2. Scan your eTA PDF's barcode.
3. Take your fingerprints and a digital photo.
4. Ask you a few questions.

Problem: "Where are your hotel bookings and return ticket?"

This is the most common immigration check. The officer will almost certainly ask to see your supporting documents. They want to be sure you are a genuine tourist and that you plan to leave.

• Action: Have a paper folder (do not rely on your phone) with:
1. Your printed eTA approval.
2. Your printed return flight ticket.
3. Your printed hotel bookings for your entire stay.
4. If visiting family, your host's invitation letter and ID copy.
5. (Recommended) A recent bank statement, just in case they ask for proof of funds.

Problem: "My eTA is on my phone, is that okay?"

No. Do not risk this. The airline in Pakistan may not accept it, and the immigration officer in Nairobi may not either. The internet at the airport can be slow or down.

• Action: Print a physical, paper copy of your approved eTA document. It has a barcode on it that they need to scan. This is the single most important piece of paper for your trip.

Final Advice: Be Over-Prepared

For travel from Pakistan to Kenya, being over-prepared is the key. The new eTA system is efficient, but it is strict.

1. Apply at least two weeks in advance.
2. Have all your documents ready before you apply (hotel/invitation, flights).
3. Print everything in a paper folder.

Do this, and you will have a smooth entry and an amazing time in Kenya.