Arrival Card
Definition
An arrival card is a short immigration form that many countries, including Kenya, require travelers to complete when entering the country. It typically asks for basic personal details, passport information, flight numbers, and where you will be staying. Filling it out accurately and keeping it ready with your passport helps speed up the immigration process and reduces delays at the border.
Before you travel, check whether you need to complete the arrival card online in advance, on the plane, or upon landing. Note exactly which details are required, such as your first night’s address, contact information, and onward travel plans, so you can have them to hand. Preparing this information ahead of time makes it easier to pass through immigration, proceed to baggage collection, and continue to your connecting flight, transfer vehicle, or hotel check‑in.
Since the arrival card is part of your travel documentation, keep it with your passport, visa confirmation, and other key papers in your carry‑on rather than your checked luggage. A simple folder or document wallet helps keep everything organized and protected. Pack a pen in your hand luggage so you can complete any forms distributed during the flight, and consider keeping a small list of important details—such as your accommodation names and contact numbers—in both digital and printed formats.
For travellers entering Kenya, the term Kenya arrival card can refer to two different requirements. Kenya does not generally use a traditional immigration arrival card completed on the aircraft. Instead, all passengers must complete the free online Kenya Passenger Declaration Form before arrival and present it to Customs at the point of entry. This customs declaration asks for passport details, travel purpose, recent travel history, contact information and any items that must be declared.
Kenya eTA vs Kenya arrival card
The Kenya Passenger Declaration Form is not the same as the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The eTA is a pre-travel immigration authorisation that most foreign visitors, including children and infants, must obtain before starting their journey to Kenya. It replaced the former Kenyan eVisa process for most short-term visitors. An eTA application normally requires a passport valid for at least six months, a passport photo or selfie, arrival and departure travel details, accommodation confirmation, contact details and an online payment method.
Travellers should apply for the eTA well before departure and carry their approved eTA confirmation with their passport. Kenya Immigration states that eTA applications are usually processed within three working days, but recommends applying at least two weeks before travel. Some travellers are exempt, including Kenyan permanent residents and holders of qualifying Kenyan work permits, passes or re-entry passes, as well as citizens of East African Community partner states for eligible stays. Always confirm the current rules through the official eTA website before booking or travelling.
Keep your approved eTA, Passenger Declaration Form confirmation, passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation booking and safari itinerary together in your hand luggage. Immigration officers may request these documents on arrival, along with proof of sufficient funds and the address and telephone number of your hotel, lodge or host. Preparing these details in advance helps you complete entry formalities efficiently before baggage collection and your onward safari transfer.