Visas can be obtained by most nationalities on arrival for a fee of US$50, which is valid for a period of three months and must be paid in a convertible currency. This may result in passenger delays and it is preferable to arrange a visa in the country of origin. Required by all passengers are onward or return tickets, documents needed for next destination and sufficient funds for length of intended stay (at least US$500). Passports must be valid for at least the period of stay.
Americans: United States citizens require a valid passport and a visa.
UK nationals: British citizens
require a valid passport and a visa.
Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa.
Australians: Australians require a valid passport and a visa.
South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a valid passport and a visa.
Health
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.
