Kenya's ETA portal now mandates $44 travel health insurance purchase

Since October 6, 2026, Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) portal prevents completion of applications without recognised travel insurance.

Applicants are prompted to purchase health insurance directly through the platform, costing $44 plus additional fees. The total charge for this embedded insurance can reach $52 per traveller. The system automatically transfers applicant data to an insurance module, displaying 'Insurance REF: None' if no coverage is detected.

Previously purchased foreign travel insurance policies may not be recognised, as the system appears to favour Kenyan-regulated schemes. Kenyan authorities have not yet clarified how to upload or verify existing foreign insurance policies, despite an earlier Ministry of Health clarification suggesting foreign policies would be accepted. A court order in August had suspended the mandatory insurance requirement, but the portal's implementation proceeds regardless. It is currently unclear if travellers with pre-approved ETAs need to comply with the new insurance requirement before entry.