Kenya eTA Photo (Electronic Travel Authorisation, selfie or passport-type photo upload): size and requirements
The Kenya eTA Photo size is 413 x 531 pixels for online upload. Not stated by the eTA site; white is our rendering choice; head 70 to 80 percent of the photo height. Last verified 2026-10-09 against Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya), Electronic Travel Authorisation portal etakenya.go.ke, FAQs and 'How to apply', with ICAO Doc 9303.
For the photo uploaded with a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation application on etakenya.go.ke or the 'Kenya Travel Authorisation' app by visitors whose nationality requires one (the portal's Eligibility page lists the exempt countries). Not for a Kenyan passport, work permit or the Alien Card.
Requirements at a glance
- Size
- 413 x 531 pixels for online upload
- Head height
- Head 70 to 80 percent of the photo height (Selfie or passport-type photo (no size or head rule is published; ICAO Doc 9303 crown-to-chin 70 to 80 per cent applied))
- Background
- not stated by the eTA site; white is our rendering choice
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera
- Glasses
- Allowed without glare or tint
- Head covering
- Only for religious or medical reasons; full face visible
- We deliver
- 413 x 531 px , plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet
What trips people up
- CheckA selfie is explicitly allowed: the requirements list says 'Selfie or passport-type photo'. No pixel size, file size, background or head rule is published, so we render the ICAO 35 x 45 mm frame (413 x 531 px) with a 70 to 80 per cent head on white.
- CheckOne eTA, one photo per traveller: 'An eTA is required for each passenger when travelling as a group.' Someone else can apply for you: 'just ensure that the traveler's information is provided and you indicate that you are applying on their behalf'.
- CheckOnly the official site or app counts: 'eTA applications must be completed only through this official website or the "Kenya Travel Authorisation" official mobile application'.
- CheckProcessing is 'generally processed within three (3) business days/72 hours but may take longer'; the fee starts at USD 30 with an expedited option at an additional USD 100. Diplomats pay no standard fee but still apply.
- CheckThe approved eTA is a PDF attached to the approval email; print it or keep it in the app and show it at departure and arrival.
Known quirks of the official upload
- NoteApply at etakenya.go.ke ('Apply Now'), confirm the receipt and payment emails, then wait for the approval email with the PDF; status can be checked with the reference number on the home page.
Good to know before you pay
A clear selfie or any recent passport-style photo file is accepted by name on the eTA requirements list; you do not need a studio photo for the Kenya eTA.
Source and verification
No national rule published; ICAO 9303 standard applies. Last checked 2026-10-09 (archived copy dated 2024-09-12) at Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya), Electronic Travel Authorisation portal etakenya.go.ke, FAQs and 'How to apply', with ICAO Doc 9303.
Selfie or passport-type photo
Requirements vary slightly per category, but typically include:
An eTA is required for each passenger when travelling as a group.
Applications are generally processed within three (3) business days/72 hours but may take longer depending on the verification processes.
The crown-to-chin portion of the facial image shall be 70 to 80 per cent of the longest dimension defined for Zone V, maintaining the aspect ratio between the crown-to-chin and ear-to-ear details of the face of the holder.
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.
Frequently asked questions
