How to Apply for an Internship Visa or eTA for Kenya | 2025 Guide

Planning an Overseas Internship in Kenya? Understand Your Visa Options First

If you’re preparing for a medical, nursing, PA, or pre-med internship in Kenya, understanding the correct visa pathway is essential. Starting January 2024, Kenya introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, and for internships, you'll often need a specific Internship/Research Pass.

This guide walks you through both application processes, timelines, costs, and best practices — so you arrive well-prepared and ready to focus on clinical learning.

NOTE:

If you have already applied for your internship abroad with Go-Elective, please reach out to hello@goelective.com or your Elective Advisor to assist with getting your Visa/eTA.

Understanding Kenya’s New eTA System

Kenya’s eTA replaced traditional visas on January 5, 2024. Now, visitors require an eTA before boarding — including individuals heading in for internships.

Who needs an eTA?

All foreign nationals (excluding citizens of East African Community countries and holders of Kenyan passports or diplomatic records) must obtain an eTA evisa-to-kenya.info.

How to apply:

1. Apply via the official portal: etakenya.go.ke — applications through third-party sites are rejected
2. Fill in your passport info, travel dates, accommodation, and travel purpose (e.g., “Tourism” works if your internship is unpaid)
3. Upload a passport photo or selfie, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and yellow fever vaccination if needed
4. Pay the USD 30 fee via credit/debit card
5. Submit at least 3 days ahead (but ideally 2–3 weeks before travel) masaimara.travel
   
6. Expect approval via email within ~72 hours

Your eTA allows a stay of up to 90 days and must be presented for boarding & at immigration 

When You Also Need an Internship/Research Pass

If you're interning, Kenyan immigration requires an Internship/Research Pass from the Directorate of Immigration Services 

NOTE: For Go-Elective Applicants, reach out to hello@goelective.com or your Elective Advisor

Pass requirements:

• Completed Form 30, stamped and signed by your host institution
• A detailed cover letter from the institution addressed to the Director of Immigration
• Sometimes a letter of invitation from Go Elective or the hospital

These passes must be submitted at least 3 months before your program start date, so planning early is critical.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

For Go Elective’s programs, you only need to apply for the eTA. We will handle the Internship Pass on your behalf

Go-Elective’s Support for Visa Applications

To streamline your experience, we provide:

• Pre-departure guidance on eTA and Internship Pass requirements
• Liaison with Kenyan immigration and your host institution
• A checklist with reminders and guidance for timely submissions
• Pre-filled templates for Form 30 and invitation letters

Visit our Go Elective FAQ for full visa support resources.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Start early — submit the eTA as soon as your travel dates are finalized
• Ensure accuracy — double-check passport details and travel arrangements
• Use international-enabled cards — payments sometimes fail without it
• Print your eTA — and save a digital copy for entry
• Follow up — check eTA status, and ensure your Internship Pass is in process

Final Thoughts

With Kenya’s eTA now mandatory for everyone entering the country, securing this electronic travel authorization is your first step. But for legitimate clinical internships, you also need to obtain the Internship/Research Pass, which requires early action and documentation.

Go Elective’s experienced team helps you navigate both processes — so you can focus on gaining meaningful international clinical experience in Kenya.

Let me know if you’d like an editable visa application checklist or sample letter template for your institution.

> Looking for more info? Inquire here 

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Dental Internships, Nursing Internships, Travel Tips,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 27, 2025