How to Apply for an Internship Visa or eTA for Kenya | 2027 Guide

Planning an Overseas Internship in Kenya? Understand Your Entry Requirements First

If you're preparing for a medical, nursing, PA, dental, or pre-med internship in Kenya, understanding the country's entry requirements is essential.

Kenya introduced its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system in January 2024, replacing the previous visa system for many international visitors. Depending on your internship, you may also require an Internship/Research Pass.

As of October 5, 2026, Kenya also requires most international visitors to purchase mandatory inbound travel health insurance before arrival. This is a separate requirement from the eTA and applies even if you already have private travel insurance.

This guide explains the application process, insurance requirements, costs, exemptions, and how Go-Elective supports students preparing for their clinical internships in Kenya.

NOTE: If you've already enrolled in a Go-Elective program, contact hello@goelective.com or your Elective Advisor for assistance with your travel documentation.

Understanding Kenya's eTA System

Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) replaced the traditional visa application process for many visitors on January 5, 2024.

The eTA allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain authorization to travel to Kenya before departure.

However, not everyone needs an eTA.

Who Needs an eTA?

Most international visitors require an approved eTA before travelling to Kenya.

However, Kenya expanded its exemptions in 2025. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states and several other countries, including South Africa, Ghana, and Malaysia, may enter without an eTA for specified periods.

You can confirm whether you need an eTA through the official Kenya eTA portal.

How to Apply for a Kenya eTA

Visit the official eTA application website.
Complete your personal information, passport details, travel dates, and accommodation information.
Select the appropriate travel purpose and provide any supporting documentation requested. If you're travelling for an internship, confirm the appropriate category with your Elective Advisor.
Upload your passport photograph or selfie, travel itinerary, and accommodation confirmation.
Complete the mandatory inbound travel health insurance purchase when prompted, unless you're exempt.
Pay the standard eTA application fee of US$30, excluding any applicable transaction charges.
Submit your application and monitor its status.
Expect approval via email within 72 hours

Processing typically takes approximately three working days, although some applications take longer. We recommend submitting your application at least two weeks before departure.

For additional guidance, read our step-by-step guide to applying for a Kenyan eTA.

Kenya's Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance Requirement

Effective October 5, 2026, most foreign visitors entering Kenya must purchase the government's mandatory inbound travel health insurance.

This requirement applies to international students, interns, tourists, and other visitors unless they qualify for an exemption.

The insurance is integrated into the eTA application process, making it possible to complete both requirements during the same application.

Importantly, this insurance is mandatory even if you already have travel or medical insurance from your home country.

How Much Does Kenya's Mandatory Travel Insurance Cost?

The mandatory insurance premium is US$44 per traveller. Depending on applicable eCitizen and payment gateway charges, the final checkout amount may be higher.

For budgeting purposes, we recommend allowing approximately US$52 per person, although the amount displayed at checkout may vary.

This cost is separate from the standard US$30 eTA application fee. For a typical Go-Elective participant who requires both documents, the estimated combined cost is:

Requirement	Estimated Cost
Standard Kenya eTA	US$30
Mandatory inbound travel health insurance	US$44
Estimated insurance payment charges	Up to approximately US$8
Estimated total	US$82

These figures exclude any applicable Internship/Research Pass fees.

What Does Kenya's Mandatory Travel Insurance Cover?

The government-approved insurance provides a maximum cumulative benefit of up to US$50,000 per traveller.

Its published benefits include:

Coverage	Benefit Limit
Emergency medical evacuation and transportation	US$25,000
Medical expenses and hospitalization	US$20,000
Repatriation of remains	US$5,000
Emergency mental health treatment	US$1,000
Prescribed medication	US$300

These are individual benefit limits, subject to the policy's overall maximum, conditions, and exclusions. For medical and nursing interns, it's particularly important to understand that the mandatory policy may not cover every situation.

We recommend maintaining comprehensive personal travel insurance that includes appropriate medical coverage and any clinical placement activities you intend to undertake.

How to Purchase the Mandatory Insurance

I. If You Need an eTA

The insurance purchase is integrated into the Kenya eTA application. During your application, you'll be prompted to obtain the required insurance before completing the process.

II. If You're Exempt From an eTA

Being exempt from an eTA does not automatically exempt you from the insurance requirement. For example, South African passport holders may enter Kenya without an eTA for qualifying visits but generally still need the mandatory insurance. Eligible travellers can purchase the policy separately through the official eCitizen Inbound Travel Health Insurance Portal.

III. If You Already Have an Approved eTA

If you obtained your eTA before October 5, 2026, and are travelling after the new requirement took effect, you must still obtain the mandatory insurance unless exempt.

You do not need to submit a new eTA application solely because of this change. Instead, purchase the insurance separately through eCitizen.

IV. How Long Is the Insurance Valid?

According to the current official eCitizen insurance portal, the policy is valid for up to 90 days and allows multiple entries during that period. If your internship will last longer than 90 days, confirm the applicable insurance arrangements with your Elective Advisor and the official insurance provider before travelling.

V. Who Is Exempt From Mandatory Travel Insurance?

The main exempt categories include:

Kenyan citizens
Holders of valid Kenyan residence status
Citizens of East African Community partner states
Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports
Transit passengers who do not enter Kenya
Certain other categories specified by the government

For the latest exemptions and application instructions, consult the official eCitizen insurance portal.

When You Also Need an Internship/Research Pass

If you're travelling to Kenya to undertake an internship, an Internship/Research Pass may also be required.

This authorization is issued by Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services to foreign nationals undertaking internships or academic research at recognized institutions.

An eTA alone does not automatically authorize every type of internship activity.

The Directorate of Immigration Services outlines the official requirements.

These include:

Completed Form 30, signed and stamped by the host institution
A detailed cover letter from the institution explaining the internship and its duration
Copy of a valid passport
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Relevant academic documents
Curriculum vitae
Police clearance certificate for adults
Other supporting documents where applicable

The published government fee for non-East African applicants is KES 15,000 per year.

NOTE: For Go-Elective participants, or if you plan to apply through Go-Elective, our team assists with coordinating the applicable Internship/Research Pass requirements and supporting documentation with the host institution.

We recommend beginning this process approximately three months before your intended arrival whenever possible.Your Elective Advisor will explain the requirements relevant to your placement.

So, Which Documents Do You Need?

Your requirements depend on your nationality, immigration status, and internship arrangements.

Document	Who Needs It?	Cost
Kenya eTA	Most foreign visitors, subject to nationality and status exemptions	US$30 standard fee
Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance	Most non-exempt foreign visitors	US$44 premium, plus applicable payment charges
Internship/Research Pass	Foreign nationals undertaking qualifying internships or research	KES 15,000 per year for non-East Africans

For Go-Elective participants, our team provides guidance on your eTA, mandatory insurance, and any applicable Internship/Research Pass arrangements.

Students should confirm their individual requirements before travelling.

Go-Elective's Support for Visa and Travel Documentation

Preparing for an international clinical internship involves more than booking flights.

At Go-Elective, we help students navigate their pre-departure requirements so they can focus on preparing for their clinical experience.

Our support includes:

Guidance on eTA applications and nationality-based exemptions
Guidance on Kenya's mandatory inbound travel health insurance
Assistance with applicable Internship/Research Pass documentation
Coordination with host hospitals and institutions
Placement confirmation and invitation letters
Pre-departure checklists and application reminders
Guidance on travel documents and arrival requirements

Whether you're joining our medical electives, nursing electives, or pre-med internships, our team can help you prepare for your placement in Kenya.

You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional program and travel information.

Tips for a Smooth Application

A little preparation can help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Start early: Begin arranging your travel documentation once your internship dates are confirmed.
Confirm your eligibility: Confirm whether your nationality requires an eTA.
Purchase the mandatory insurance: Do not assume your existing international insurance satisfies Kenya's new requirement.
Check your passport: Ensure it has at least six months of validity and sufficient blank pages.
Use official websites: Apply through Kenya's government eTA and eCitizen portals.
Budget for additional costs: Remember that the mandatory insurance is separate from the eTA fee.
Save your documents: Keep digital and printed copies of your eTA, insurance certificate, and placement confirmation.
Check health requirements: Confirm whether you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate or other travel health documentation.
Stay in touch: Contact your Go-Elective Advisor if you encounter any difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. Is travel health insurance mandatory for Kenya in 2026?

Yes. Since October 5, 2026, most non-exempt international visitors must obtain Kenya's mandatory inbound travel health insurance before arrival.

#2. How much does Kenya's mandatory travel insurance cost?

The published premium is US$44 per person exclusive of credit card charges.

#3. Can I use my existing travel insurance instead?

No. Foreign-issued travel insurance does not replace Kenya's mandatory inbound policy. However, you can maintain additional international travel insurance for broader medical, travel, and clinical placement protection.

#4. Do I need insurance if I'm exempt from the Kenya eTA?

Generally, yes, unless you also qualify for an insurance exemption. For example, citizens of certain countries outside the East African Community may be exempt from the eTA but still need mandatory inbound travel insurance.

#5. What if I already have an approved eTA?

If your eTA was issued before the new insurance requirement took effect, you can purchase the mandatory policy separately through the official eCitizen Inbound Travel Health Insurance Portal before travelling.

#6. Does Go-Elective help with the Kenya eTA and Internship Pass?

Yes. Go-Elective provides pre-departure guidance, placement documentation, and assistance with applicable immigration requirements. Contact your Elective Advisor for instructions specific to your program and nationality.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your medical, nursing, or pre-health internship in Kenya now involves three important considerations: your eTA eligibility, mandatory inbound travel health insurance, and any applicable Internship/Research Pass.

The biggest change for 2026 is Kenya's mandatory travel health insurance requirement, which took effect on October 5. Planning early, using official government portals, and keeping your documents organized will help make your arrival smoother.

If you're preparing for a clinical internship in Kenya, the Go-Elective team can guide you through the relevant requirements as part of your pre-departure preparation.

Explore our healthcare programs in Kenya or contact us to discuss your placement.

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