KATO FAQs

Kenya tends to be quite secure for tourists especially within the tourist circuits. You do however need to observe the basic precautions i.e. avoid walking in dark/isolated areas at night, do not wear flashy jewelry, avoid carrying valuables around, etc.
We have long rains in April and May and the short rains in November. However these are not confined to the months allocated. We have three (3) distinct tourist seasons: High Season; this is between July-September, December-March. The weather is dry and the roads are accessible to the various Game Parks and National Reserves. Low Season; April-June. Long rains are experienced about this time. Should you wish to travel at this time, please consult your Tour Operator accordingly e.g. what kind of vehicle to use. Shoulder Season; October-November. Short rains can be experienced at this time.
For general information on tourism in Kenya, please contact the Kenya Tourism Board on info@ktb.go.ke  or log on to their website www.magicalkenya.com.
We do have a map for sale and costs about US$5 exclusive of postal charges . It also features Nairobi and Mombasa with a listing of the do's and don'ts. However, you can also get other types of maps from the various tourist shops at a charge depending on the shop.
All KATO Members are bound by our strict Code of Conduct incorporated by our Ethics & Standards Sub-Committee.
All enquiries should be addressed to: - Mr. Fred Kaigua CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The Government of Kenya has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to replace the EVisa for entry to Kenya.
The eTA mandatory for all foreign visitors travelling to Kenya (including children and infants) except for Citizens of the EIGHT EAC member states and the following travellers who are exempted:
  1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
  2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
  3. Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
  4. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya.
  5. Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda (Exempted for six (6) months).
  6. All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of airports in Kenya.
  7. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship and who do not leave the ship.
  8. Member of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
  9. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
The following persons are required to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) but are exempted from making payment:
  1. Holders of Diplomatic, Official or Service Passports on official duty.
  2. Holders of the following Laissez-Passers:
    • Holders of United Nations Organization Laissez-Passers whilst on official UN Business,
    • Holders of African Union Laissez-Passers whilst on official A.U business,
    • Holders of African Development Bank Laissez-passers, whilst on official A.D.B business,
    • Holders of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa Laissez-Passers, whilst on official BADEA business.
    • Holders of International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa Laissez-Passers, whilst on official I.R.L.C.O business.
    • Holders of Desert Locust Control Organization Laissez-Passers, whilst on official D.L.C.O business,
    • Holders of COMESA Laissez-Passers, whilst on official COMESA business.
    • Holders of International Monetary Fund and World Bank Laissez - passers whilst on official IMF/World Bank Business,
    • Holders of Inter-Government Authority on Development (IGAD) Laissez-Passers whilst on official IGAD business,
    • Holders of African Airlines Travel Association (IATA) Laissez - Passers whilst on official business,
    • Holders of Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI) Laissez - Passers whilst on official ELCI business,
    • Holders of Union of Radio, Television Network of Africa (URTNA) Laissez - Passers whilst on official URTNA business,
    • Holders of International Labour Organization (ILO) Laissez - Passers whilst on official ILO business,
    • Holders of European Union Laissez - Passers whilst on official European Union business,
    • Holders of CIP (International Potato Centre) Laissez - Passers whilst on official CIP business,
    • Holders of African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC) Laissez - Passers whilst on official ARC business,
    • Holders of African Housing Fund (AHF) Laissez - Passers whilst on official AHF business.
The ETA is applied online at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/ at a fee of $30 (plus credit card charges) per person for a single entry.