Kenya ETA 2026: Why Your Approval Email is Missing & How to Fix It

How to contact Kenya ETA support via WhatsApp.

Common Kenya ETA Problems: The Missing Approval Email

The ETA replaces the old VISA system in Kenya. You can go online and sign up for the ETA before you travel to Kenya. You need this to enter Kenya. Many airlines will need to see this before they let you fly

Now, as a travel who has been to 63 countries, you would think that I had no problems getting my ETA for Kenya in 2026.

Wrong.

Save your URL	Always bookmark the submission confirmation link.
Check the Status	If it says "Approved" but there's no email, it's likely a server block
The Gmail Trick	Use a Gmail address instead of a business/office email.
WhatsApp is King	Contact the Kenyan authorities via their official WhatsApp if you are within 7 days of travel.

I will spare you the stories of me going to Kenya prior to the launch of the ETA. Indeed, those were horror stories where I had to pay the 50 dollar fee several times to get in. But, I do want to share my latest ETA story with you for this year, 2026.

How to Contact the Kenya ETA Office via WhatsApp (2026 Update)

I applied for the ETA on line here - https://etakenya.go.ke/

I did everything right.

1. I applied two weeks before departure

2. I had all my dates and hotels booked

3. I had my safari plan ready

4. I had my hotel booked at the airport before departure

5. Everything was in order and nothing could go wrong…

Well at least so I thought.

I filled in all the details, and pressed send.

When you do that you get a URL something like etakenya.go.ke/linkXXXXXXXXXXXXX

This is very important and you need to save it. This is how you can check the status of your application and make sure that it is OK.

So, I saved the application and waited. Two days later. I didn’t have any emails in my inbox. So, I went to the saved link.

The link said very clearly Approved. You are approved. Check your email.

I checked my emails and my SPAM folder, but there wasn’t anything.

So, I sent an email. See below the email that I sent.

I waited another 2 days, but still nothing.

Then, I went on to the website again to find a phone number. I saw a WhatsApp number, so I wrote a WhatsApp. I left it again.

The next day, I saw that WhatsApp had been read, but there was no reply!

With only one week before my trip to Kenya, I had a sinking feeling in my gut. Oh no! Was this it?

Was my 15-day trip going to be ruined?

I quickly put those fears to one side and decided to be bold. The next morning at 7am (Kenya is 2 hours ahead of Germany), I called the WhatsApp.  There was no answer.

But I saw that someone was online. So I quickly typed a lovely message. 

Please help me, my ETA has been approved. But the email did not arrive and I arrive in your beautiful country in a few days. 

Then I got a reply.

I was asked to give a new email address - I gave a GMAIL and a few minutes later, I got my ETA. 

I was relieved!

It all worked out, but not without a few heart rate increases and at least a few hours of worry.

Why Your Work Email Might Block Your Kenya ETA Approval

Use your Gmail address.

If you are a solo female traveller,, don’t think you can “wing it” in Kenya. You need plans, dates, details and accommodation for every night. Be very organised.

If you are a traveller who is booked on a joining tour - copy the itinerary exactly as you have it. Make sure that you provide dates and addresses of your accommodation.

I usually provide this to my clients, so don’t be afraid to ask for a copy. 

If you can apply three weeks in advance.

Always save the URL so you can check the status. This is a MUST!!

Don’t be shy.

Use WhatsApp to send a message if there are any problems; call on WhatsApp if you have any problems; and write polite, kind messages.

Do this long in advance of your trip (3 weeks is best) and you will have the best time!

Map of Our Signature 10 Day Trip to Kenya

Once in Kenya keep the ETA with you. I got my passport and ETA checked both at the airport in Kenya and on the roads driving to Samburu. There are road checks regularly near the borders, especially in the North and if you go to Reteti. 

FAQ ETA - Everything You Need for Your 2026 Safari

When should I apply for the visa?

I say three weeks before travel to be safe and or the required two weeks before travel, as suggested by the Kenyan Authorities.

Can I apply earlier?

Yes. But, I met a couple on the flight to Nairobi from Cairo and they applied so early that their ETA had actually expired, or did not cover the whole time for her trip so she had been stuck in Cairo for an extra day and not been allowed to fly. 

Does the ETA run out?

Yes. The ETA is valid for the time that you are in Kenya and mine ran out within three months. So, never book your ETA three months before you leave. That is too early and you will have issues. 

What if no one contacts me and I don’t get the ETA?

You will. Do as I say. Make sure you use WhatsApp. Phone during office hours in Kenya. Don’t be shy. Call. Wait. Message and you will get through to someone. 

Can Best Safaris and Sunworld or you book the ETA for me?

No, I cannot book it for you, but all my clients receive a pre-filled itinerary template to make the application 100% stress-free.

Any other advice?

Have all office or hotel locations and addresses ready before you apply. Also, if you have phone numbers of where you are staying, too. 

What did I learn from this?

Next time, I would sign up with my Gmail and not my office email.

I'm 52.

I love fashion.

I am telling you the truth. You need great shoes in Kenya and the best months to visit Kenya are April, May, and November.

My boots might have been muddy, and my hair wasn't perfect, but the experience of having Samburu and parts of Kenya all to myself was priceless. If you want high-value, high luxury experiences that feel real... join me.

Join me for my April and May 2026 dates. I have the best mix of culture and adventure.

Let’s embark on this unforgettable journey together! 🌍✨

Worried about mud and mosquitoes, read my Tsetse flies post.

My women's safari hygiene posts... Or want to know about what shoes I wore to survive the mud? Real-life Safari Shoe Guide for Women

Thinking about a safari? Check out my Women's Ethical Tours.