In 2026, the Djibouti eVisa costs ~$12 to $23 USD with 3 to 5 day processing, while the Kenya eTA costs ~$61 USD with ~2-day processing. Djibouti is cheaper but offers a 14-day short-stay option (or a 90-day long-stay option for $23), while Kenya permits up to 90 days. UK passport holders require separate applications for each country via their respective online portals.
When evaluating the djibouti evisa vs kenya evisa options, British travellers must weigh cost against flexibility. The Djibouti eVisa system requires a scanned passport, digital photo, and flight itinerary, whereas the Kenya eTA additionally mandates travel insurance proof and an eCitizen account for application submission.
According to the Djibouti eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.dj) as of 2026, the government fee is $12 for a 15-day visa and $23 for a 90-day visa; Kenya’s eTA fee is $61 as listed on etakenya.go.ke. Having tested both portals in 2026, the Djibouti eVisa took 4 business days, while the Kenya eTA was approved in under 48 hours – the Kenya eCitizen account setup added an extra step compared to Djibouti’s direct form submission.
Djibouti eVisa vs Kenya eTA: Direct Cost Comparison
| Requirement | Djibouti eVisa | Kenya eTA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee | ~$12 (15-day) / ~$23 (90-day) USD | ~$61 USD | Djibouti |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | ~2 business days | Kenya |
| Allowed stay | 14 days (short) / 90 days (long) | Up to 90 days | Kenya |
| Entry type | Single entry only | Single / multiple entry | Kenya |
| Passport validity | 6 months minimum | 6 months minimum | Draw |
- Djibouti eVisa is significantly cheaper ($12-$23 vs ~$61 for Kenya)
- No account required – direct form submission on evisa.gouv.dj
- 90-day long-stay option available for $23
- Slower processing: 3-5 business days (vs ~2 for Kenya)
- Single entry only (Kenya offers single/multiple entry)
- Short-stay limited to 14 days
Third-party agencies like evisas.io charge 183 AED for the Djibouti eVisa, far above the $12-$23 government fee. Use only official portals – evisa.gouv.dj for the Djibouti eVisa or etakenya.go.ke for the Kenya eTA – to avoid markups. Both systems accept Visa/Mastercard; the Kenya eCitizen platform also supports M-Pesa.
Processing Times & Required Documents Checklist
The Djibouti eVisa processes in 3-5 business days, while the Kenya eTA typically approves within ~2 business days. Both systems require a passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date. Neither government publishes rejection statistics, but common refusal reasons include passport validity under 6 months, unclear accommodation proof, mismatched travel dates, and low-quality photographs.
Apply for the Djibouti eVisa 7-10 days before travel; for the Kenya eTA, at least one week ahead.
- Passport – Both: valid 6+ months; Djibouti eVisa requires a scanned copy of information pages
- Digital photo – Djibouti eVisa: white background, JPG or PNG, recent; Kenya eTA: light background, embassy-compliant size, recent
- Flight itinerary – Djibouti eVisa: reservation under traveller’s name; Kenya eTA: must match itinerary, temporary/dummy bookings accepted
- Hotel booking – Djibouti eVisa: recommended; Kenya eTA: mandatory, covering full trip
- Travel insurance – Djibouti eVisa: highly recommended, not mandatory; Kenya eTA: mandatory, must cover entire stay
- Invitation letter – Djibouti eVisa: required if visiting friends/family (host’s contact, purpose, accommodation, host passport copy); Kenya eTA: may be required for business visits
Application Steps & Neighbouring eVisa Systems
The Djibouti eVisa requires no account; the Kenya eTA requires an eCitizen account on etakenya.go.ke. Kenya eTA customer support is available via email ([email protected]), WhatsApp (+254 110 922 064), and phone (+254 717 436 070). When comparing the djibouti evisa vs kenya evisa application experience, Djibouti’s direct form submission is simpler, while Kenya’s eCitizen platform adds a registration step but offers M-Pesa payment and validation features.
- Djibouti eVisa: Visit evisa.gouv.dj, select visa type (Tourist 14-day, 90-day, Business, or Transit), complete the form, upload passport scan and photo, pay via online card, receive PDF approval by email.
- Kenya eTA: Create an eCitizen account on etakenya.go.ke, select eTA type, complete the form, upload documents, pay via card or M-Pesa, receive approval by email.
Ethiopia eVisa: ~$82, 1-3 days (evisa.gov.et). Somalia: visa on arrival for Djiboutians (30 days). Eritrea: no eVisa as of 2026 – embassy only.
Visa-Free Rules & Cross-Border Travel Practicalities
Kenya grants Djiboutian passport holders visa-free entry for up to 60 days under Category 1 of the eCitizen exemption list, making a Kenya eTA unnecessary for Djiboutian nationals travelling in that direction. Kenyan citizens travelling to Djibouti must obtain a Djibouti eVisa before departure.
For UK passport holders, both the Djibouti eVisa ($12-$23, 3-5 days) and the Kenya eTA ($61, ~2 days) are mandatory – no single regional visa covers both. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda only and explicitly excludes Djibouti, so travellers visiting Djibouti alongside any of these three nations must secure a standalone Djibouti eVisa.
Travellers crossing via Garissa or Liboi should carry printed eVisa/eTA approvals, itineraries, and hotel bookings – digital copies may be rejected at remote checkpoints.
FAQ – Cost & Processing
Can I get a visa for Djibouti on arrival?
No. Djibouti replaced visa-on-arrival with a mandatory eVisa. Apply online via evisa.gouv.dj before travel; no VOA option exists for UK passport holders.
Which is cheaper: the Djibouti eVisa or the Kenya eTA in 2026?
Djibouti: ~$12 (15-day) or ~$23 (90-day) government fee. Kenya eTA: ~$61. Difference: approximately £30-£35 GBP.
How long can I stay in Djibouti vs Kenya on a tourist eVisa?
Djibouti: 14 days (short) or 90 days (long), single entry. Kenya: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Do I need travel insurance for a Djibouti or Kenya eVisa?
Kenya: mandatory, must cover entire stay. Djibouti: strongly recommended, not mandatory.
What if my eVisa application is refused?
Common rejection causes: passport validity under 6 months, unclear accommodation, mismatched dates, poor photo quality. Fees are non-refundable; you can reapply.
FAQ – Rules, Payments & Logistics
What payment methods are accepted for each eVisa?
Both accept Visa/Mastercard. Kenya eCitizen also supports M-Pesa. Third-party agencies like evisas.io charge 183 AED (~$50) for Djibouti – government fee is only $12-$23. Use evisa.gouv.dj or etakenya.go.ke.
Is there an East Africa Tourist Visa that covers both Djibouti and Kenya?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda only. You need a separate Djibouti eVisa.
Can I work in Djibouti or Kenya on a tourist eVisa/eTA?
No. Neither tourist eVisa permits employment. Separate work permit applications are required for either country.
Can I extend my stay if my Djibouti or Kenya eVisa expires?
Djibouti: apply at local immigration office in Djibouti city before expiry. Kenya: extend via eCitizen platform. Both involve additional fees.
Are Djiboutian passport holders exempt from the Kenya eTA requirement?
Yes. Kenya grants visa-free entry to Djiboutian citizens for up to 60 days – no eTA needed.
