Kenya Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All foreign passengers to Kenya must hold proof of sufficient funds (at least USD 500) to cover their stay in the country, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Most foreign nationals require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival in Kenya, provided that (i) their passport is in good condition, and (ii) they have at least one blank page in their passport for the visa endorsement. The visa fee is USD 50, which is also payable in GBP or EUR. On-arrival visas are valid for three months. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Kenya, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Kenya. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Kenya. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Kenya. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Kenya. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Kenya. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days. For longer stays, a visa can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Kenya. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Kenya. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Healthcare

Travelers should get the latest medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. A malaria risk exists all year round, but more around Mombasa and the lower coastal areas than in Nairobi and on the high central plateau. Immunization against yellow fever, polio and typhoid are usually recommended. A yellow fever certificate is required by anyone arriving from an infected area. Other risks include diarrhoeal diseases. Protection against bites from sandflies, mosquitoes and tsetse flies is the best prevention against malaria and dengue fever, as well as other insect-borne diseases, including Rift Valley fever, sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis and Chikungunya fever. AIDS is a serious problem in Kenya and the necessary precautions should be taken. Water is of variable quality and visitors are advised to drink bottled water. Cholera outbreaks occur frequently, and travelers should take care not to drink contaminated water and be cautious of food prepared by unlicensed roadside vendors. There are good medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa but health insurance is essential.

Safety

Following the disputed elections on 27 December 2007, those planning to travel to Kenya are advised to exercise caution and take advice from local operators before leaving due to the unstable political situation. Opposition supporters went on a nationwide rampage in early January 2008, burning shacks and shops, and at least 1,500 people have been killed since December. Nairobi was at the center of the violence, but parts of Mombasa, as well as towns in the Rift Valley, including Naivasha and Nakuru were also affected. A power-sharing agreement was signed between the president and the opposition leader on 28 February 2008, but the situation remains fragile for the time being. Nairobi is notorious for robberies and muggings and visitors should be alert at all times, but particularly at night. Recent armed attacks on golf courses have occurred and players should be cautious while playing in remote areas away from the club house. Visitors should also be vigilant in Mombasa. There have been a number of recent knife attacks on tourists in the main south coast tourist areas of Diani and Ukunda. There is a serious threat of banditry in the northern areas and travel is only advisable with an armed escort; north eastern Kenya should also be avoided due to increased tension along the Kenya-Somalia border. For security reasons visitors to Lamu Island are advised to travel by air. Visitors should take sensible precautions when driving; in particular, landmines have been used in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the border at this point should stay on the A2. There is a high threat from global terrorism in Kenya and visitors should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites.