Kenya Travel Advice -

Share this article

Is Kenya Safe to Visit on a safari?

Yes, Kenya is generally peaceful and safe to visit. Kenya’s tourism industry is well established with superb safari destinations. You can book an organised safari through a trusted tour operator like Stingers Africa Safaris. However, like any other tourist destination around the world, we encourage all travellers to exercise reasonable caution and common sense but not to be afraid to experience and embrace the magical attractions of this African gem. As such, pay attention to the following;

International Travel

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is open. Commercial flights to and from Kenya are running as normal.

Check with your travel company/airline for the latest information.

Visas and Border Measures

Visas

You need a visa to enter Kenya. Kenyan entry visas are exclusively issued electronically. You are required to obtain your e-visa before departure. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the https://www.evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate of Kenya for the latest details.

Renewal of Visas

You should ensure that your stay in Kenya complies with Kenyan immigration requirements.

Passport validity

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya.

You should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

All Travellers

All travellers to Kenya over 12 years of age will be, at all ports of entry, required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Your certificate must be uploaded to the Global Haven partnership verification tool.

Those travellers with no proof of vaccination or a PCR test, or with flu-like symptoms, will be required to undergo a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 50 USD and self-isolate as per Ministry of Health guidance on isolation.

Any traveller entering Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form on the ‘Jitenge’ platform online health surveillance form and to undergo a rapid antigen test at their own cost regardless of age or vaccination status. If the antigen test is positive, they will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at their own cost.

Travellers below the age of 12 years shall be exempt from the requirements of a vaccination certificate or pre departure PCR test. Refer to the Kenya Airport Authority website for further detail on exemptions, required documentation and associated costs.

Full details of the Government of Kenya’s entry requirements in relation to coronavirus can be found on the https://www.kcaa.or.ke/covid-19.

Unvaccinated individuals must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure.

If you’re departing Kenya for a destination country that requires a negative COVID-19 test, or transiting through a country that requires travellers to have a negative test, you must undertake a COVID-19 test at an approved testing laboratory which is party to Global Haven. You won’t be allowed to depart Kenya if your certificate hasn’t been verified. You’ll be required to abide by the health requirements of the destination country and any transit countries.

Corona Virus Travel Health

The government of Kenya continues to encourage the use of voluntary COVID-19 testing facilities.

For information on Kenya’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the COVID-19 Self Service Portal. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally.

Monitor the media for latest developments on COVID-19 and follow the advice of local officials.

More information:

COVID-19 Vaccination Updates (Kenyan Ministry of Health)
Office of the Kenyan President
Kenyan Ministry of Health

Yellow fever

You may need a yellow fever certificate when entering Kenya from certain destinations. Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate.

Yellow Fever is a potentially fatal virus widely spread. Get vaccinated before you travel. Carry your vaccination card/certificate with you. You may need to show it to enter and leave the country.

Other Health risks

Malaria is common throughout the year and widespread except in Nairobi and places above 2500 meters. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Other insect-borne diseases include dengue, Rift Valley fever, filariasis and African sleeping sickness. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.

HIV/AIDS infection rates are high. Take precautions if you’re taking part in high-risk activities.

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include hepatitis, meningococcal disease, measles and cholera.

To protect yourself from disease:

Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
Use insect repellent
Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

To protect yourself from other illnesses:

Drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

Consume foods or drinks from sources that are hygienic to avoid cases of food poisoning or cholera.

Avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
Don’t swim in fresh water.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Be prepared for your plans to Change

No travel is risk free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your Travel Company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, the local authorities will expect the vast majority of people to self-isolate at home for 14 days or until you test negative for COVID-19. If you are visiting and staying in a hotel, you may be asked to self-isolate in your room, or to relocate to another hotel or another floor in your current hotel.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

Can access money
Understand what your insurance will cover
Can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned.

Travel in Kenya

There are currently no restrictions on travel within Kenya.

You do not need a COVID-19 negative test to board domestic flights within Kenya.

Public places and services

Public transport in Kenya is now able to operate at full capacity.

Restaurants and eateries are open to customers, provided they comply with Government of Kenya public health protocols including social distancing.

Bars are permitted to operate until 11pm.

All public and political gatherings are prohibited. However, large political gathering have been taking place across the country ahead of Kenya’s August 2022 general elections.

The maximum number of persons permitted to attend weddings and funerals has been capped at 100, with all in attendance expected to abide by Ministry of Health protocols.

Kenyan citizens have been advised to avoid crowded places and to work remotely where possible. Many shops and restaurants conduct mandatory temperature checks and will expect customers to use hand washing facilities before entering the premises.

Healthcare in Kenya

The government of Kenya has indicated that anyone testing positive for COVID-19, but presenting as asymptomatic or with only mild symptoms, can expect to be directed to self-isolate at home if able to do so. Vulnerable persons will be prioritised for hospital care. Ministry of Health guidance is available.

Pharmacies and other shops selling essential products are open.

The authorities are conducting random temperature screenings in spaces frequented by the general public. If you show signs or symptoms of coronavirus and are able to self-isolate, you can expect to be directed to do so. If you cannot self-isolate, you can expect to be taken into a state health facility by the Kenyan authorities.

If you are running low on medication or require emergency medical treatment, you should contact your doctor or medical practitioner. They should be able to discuss your situation over the phone and advise on the best course of action. Some hospitals and pharmacies are able to deliver medication to you. All major pharmacies in Nairobi and surrounding towns are able to read and understand prescriptions issued by your doctor. Prescriptions issued from your country are accepted but you should be aware that pharmacies in Kenya do not always stock the same range of medication found in pharmacies in your country. You are therefore advised to travel with adequate stocks of your medication for the duration of your stay in Kenya.

Consider your physical and mental well-being before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

If you’re not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

What activities and care your policy covers
That your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away.

Further information

If you need urgent consular assistance, you can contact the nearest high commission.

Restrictions may vary for specific counties and regions. Refer to the Ministry of Health for more details on measures in Kenya.

You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.

National Parks and Game Reserves

Serious incidents in Kenya’s national parks and conservation areas are rare. However, crime happens.

If you plan to visit national parks or game reserves:

Get local advice on security risks, park fees and other conditions before you travel
Only use registered tour operators with a good reputation
Follow all park regulations and instructions from local authorities and park wardens.

Is there Crime in Kenya?

Like any other tourist destination, there is petty crime in Kenya. Bag snatching and pickpockets are common in crowded places such as markets and transport hubs like bus stations, railway stations and airports. Mugging and armed robbery sometimes occur, particularly in Nairobi, Mombasa and other large cities.

Violent crime against tourists is something extraordinarily rare. Crime rates are higher in slum areas of Nairobi, the old town of Mombasa and on and around the Likoni Ferry (which links Mombasa and the southern resorts).

You should be vigilant at all times and take into account any security advice given by your hotel, employer or your hosts. If you’re attacked, don’t resist. Avoid walking around after dark, especially in isolated areas like empty beaches.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables including expensive jewellery or items of sentimental value. Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of ID at all times. If you need a bit of cash for excursions, keep your money in small hidden pouch, in a purse held at your front body or your front pocket.

Beware of thieves posing as police officers or private security guards. Always ask to see identification. Don’t accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged.

Only stay in tourist camps with good perimeter security. If in any doubt, seek advice from your tour operator.

Keep car doors locked and windows shut when driving in towns. There have been a number of thefts from cars and matatus while stationary in traffic. Don’t leave valuables in vehicles. If you are stopped by armed criminals, don’t resist.

Political Situation

You should exercise caution, monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings and, where possible, avoid travelling around areas where demonstrations may take place. This may include large gatherings, universities, political party headquarters, and offices of the electoral commission.

Local Travel

We advise against all but essential travel to within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border; to Garissa county; to Lamu county ( excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island); to areas of Tana River county north of the Tana river itself and to within 15km of the coast from the Tana river down to the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) river.

If you travel to Lamu Island or Manda Island, you should do so by air to Lamu Airport (a civilian airport on Manda Island) and not by road. The only commercial option for air travel to or from Lamu Island and Manda Island is through Lamu Airport.

For travel between Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi city you should use the Mombasa road. There is a higher risk of car-jacking on the old airport road (Airport South Road) and Jogoo Road. The Mombasa road to JKIA can get very busy during rush hours, and check-in can take several hours; you should allow plenty of time to get to the airport. A new vehicle security check outside JKIA has also added to journey times.

Most visits to game reserves and other tourist areas are trouble free. If you visit reserves, use reputable tour operators and arrive at your destination in daylight hours. Do not buy safari tours from touts. Always follow park regulations and warden’s advice.

There are risks associated with viewing wildlife, particularly on foot or at close range. Bathing in rivers and lakes is forbidden in National parks and is best avoided elsewhere due to the dangers from both wildlife and water-borne diseases.

Rural areas, particularly in the north and north eastern parts of Kenya, occasionally experience cattle rustling, banditry and ethnic clashes. Foreigners are not usually the target of localised violence and banditry, but you should take great care in the north and northeast.

The government of Kenya has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu counties. Visitors travelling in these areas should adhere to local security measures and exercise caution.

Although the border with Somalia has officially been closed in 2017, crossings take place frequently. Landmines have been used in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border at this point should stay on the A2. Avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo – travel directly to Marsabit Town before breaking the journey.

As a result of previous armed clashes in the area of Mount Elgon in western Kenya next to the Ugandan border, a large security presence remains and further incidents are possible. Seek local advice before you set off.

Monitor local media and take care in all remote areas.

Road Travel

You will need to get a Kenyan licence or an International driving permit.

If you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel. Only hire vehicles from reputable companies.

Road conditions and driving standards are often poor. Drive with windows closed and doors locked. When driving outside cities and in remote areas consider driving in convoy. Avoid driving at night wherever possible.

There have been a number of serious accidents involving long distance buses. Vehicles are often poorly maintained and driven at excess speed. Check the bus/matatu operator’s safety standards.

Though very cheap to use, matatus (minibuses) are notorious for being poorly maintained, badly driven and uninsured. There are frequent reports of matatus being hijacked and passengers being robbed.

On the spot fines from traffic police are common, but not legal. If stopped by a police officer you should ask for the due process to be followed. The officer should issue you with a ‘receipt for cash bond’, a piece of paper telling you when and where you need to attend court to answer the charge against you.

Rail Travel

Passenger trains run between Nairobi and Mombasa. Take care of your belongings while on the train and at railway stations. If you leave your compartment, take your valuables with you.

Air Travel

We can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the international Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Kenya.

There are some concerns about the lack of security arrangements in place at Wilson airport in Nairobi. The airport is mainly used for domestic flights, including charters.

If you plan to charter a private aircraft, check with the company about the condition of the aircraft and runways to be used. If the company has no safety pilot, find another company that does.

Local rules and regulations prohibit photography at airports. You could be fined or imprisoned.

Be vigilant at all times when transiting airports.

Sea Travel

The threat of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Reports of attacks on local fishing dhows in the area around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa continue. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom.

Locations frequented by other nationals particularly tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks. Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists. Somali government interests in Kenya may also be targeted. The government of Kenya has increased counterterrorism patrols.

The main terrorism threat is from extremists linked to Al Shabaab, a militant group in Somalia opposed to the Somali government. Al Shabaab has issued public threats against Kenya due to Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia. The Kenyan authorities have increased security to counter potential reprisal attacks by Al Shabaab.

Travellers to Lamu Island and Manda Island should be particularly vigilant given the close proximity of these islands to the Lamu county mainland. If you travel to Lamu Island or Manda Island you should do so by air to Lamu Airport (a civilian airport on Manda Island), and not by road. The only commercial option for air travel to or from Lamu Island and Manda Island is through Lamu Airport.

Others

There is a high threat of Kidnapping across Kenya. You should be alert to the heightened threat of terrorist kidnapping targeting both nationals and foreigners.

The coastal areas are predominantly Muslim. Although there are no strict dress codes, you should dress conservatively away from the tourist resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town, during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Smoking in any public place is prohibited throughout Kenya, except in designated smoking areas. Offenders can face a fine or imprisonment. If in doubt, don’t light up.

The use and trafficking of illegal class A drugs in Kenya carries heavy fines and jail sentences. The penalty for possession is 10 years in prison.

Taking photographs of official buildings, including embassies, can lead to detention. If in any doubt, don’t photograph or film around them. Photography is also prohibited at airports.

You must get permission to carry any kind of fire arm before you enter the country.

Plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons.

It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency (Shillings/Kshs.).

LGBT Community

Although public displays of homosexuality like holding hands and kissing in public places is unpopular and out of place in this conservative society, Kenya still remains a friendly country that welcomes everybody. Love and intimacy is a very private thing in Kenyan culture and public displays of affections are frowned upon for diverse relationships.

You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade any of its parts without a licence. Kenya is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES) under which there’s a ban on the international commercial trade in ivory. Those caught purchasing or trafficking banned goods will be prosecuted and receive prison sentences and/or fines.

Medical Treatment

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, first deal with the emergency with first aid skills if possible and then move onto the nearest, largest Accident and Emergency department. This is either Nairobi Hospital or the Aga Khan University Hospital.