Kenya eTA Photo 2026: Size, Background Requirements, and Selfie Upload Rules
In short. In 2026, you can upload a smartphone selfie for the Kenya eTA: it requires a white background, 500x500 pixels size, JPEG format, and no glasses.
- For the Kenya eTA, it is officially allowed to upload a smartphone selfie instead of a studio photo.
- The photo size must be 207x207 or 500x500 pixels, format — strictly JPEG up to 300 KB.
- The background must be solid white or light, without shadows or patterns.
- Glasses are strictly prohibited due to the risk of glare; the face must occupy 70-80% of the frame.
Main change: To obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to Kenya in 2026, travelers no longer need to go to a photo studio. The official system allows uploading a selfie taken on a smartphone, provided strict technical requirements regarding background, lighting, and file size are met.
What has changed and current requirements
Kenya has fully transitioned to the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system, which replaced traditional visas. The application process takes place exclusively online on the official portal etakenya.go.ke. One of the key advantages of the new system is the ability to take a photo directly while filling out the form or upload a ready-made selfie.
| Characteristic | Kenya eTA photo requirements (2026) |
|---|---|
| Photo type | Studio photo or clear selfie (no filters) |
| Background | Solid white or very light, no shadows |
| Size in pixels | 207x207 or 500x500 px (1:1 ratio) |
| Format and file size | JPEG only, maximum size — up to 300 KB |
| Face | Must occupy 70-80% of the frame area, looking straight |
| Glasses and accessories | Prohibited (to avoid glare) |
Who this applies to
These rules apply to all foreign travelers, including citizens of Ukraine, who plan to visit Kenya for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit. Important: children and infants must also have a separate approved eTA and their own photo that meets the general standards (eyes open, white background, no foreign objects or parents' hands in the frame).
What to do now: instructions for taking a selfie
- Prepare the background: Find a solid white or light wall. If you don't have one, you can hang a white sheet. Make sure there are no patterns or foreign objects behind you.
- Adjust the lighting: It is best to take a photo during the day facing a window so that the light falls evenly on your face and does not create harsh shadows on the background.
- Remove accessories: Remove glasses, hats, massive jewelry, and headphones. Headwear is allowed exclusively for religious reasons (the facial oval from the chin to the forehead must be completely visible).
- Take the photo: Hold the camera at eye level. Look straight into the lens, keep a neutral facial expression (no smiling), and your mouth must be closed.
- Edit the file: Crop the photo into a square format (1:1 ratio, for example, 500x500 pixels) and save it in JPEG format. Make sure the file size does not exceed 300 KB.
Common mistakes
- Glare on glasses: Even if you wear prescription glasses daily, you must remove them for the eTA photo. This is the most common reason for photo rejection by the automated system.
- Incorrect file format: Uploading a photo in PNG or PDF format will result in a system error. Only JPEG is accepted.
- Using filters: The selfie must not be edited with beauty filters. Skin tone should look natural.
- Old photo: The photograph must be taken no earlier than 6 months before the time of application.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Can I smile in the Kenya eTA photo?
- No, your facial expression must be neutral, your mouth closed, and your gaze directed straight at the camera.
- Is a PNG format photo acceptable?
- No, the official system accepts files exclusively in JPEG format with a size of no more than 300 KB.
- How to photograph an infant for the eTA?
- Lay the baby on a white sheet. Make sure their eyes are open and there are no toys, pacifiers, or your hands in the frame.