Travel to Kenya - Essential Information

• eTA: Required for most nationalities (applied online at etakenya.go.ke, USD 30). See our eTA guide for details.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
• Return ticket: Proof of onward/return travel may be required
• Yellow fever: Certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
• EAC citizens: Can enter with national ID (no eTA needed)

Recommended Vaccinations

• Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from an endemic country; recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A & B: Recommended for all travellers
• Typhoid: Recommended, especially for rural areas
• Rabies: Consider if engaging in outdoor activities or visiting rural areas
• Meningitis: Consider for certain regions

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is present in Kenya, particularly in coastal regions, western Kenya, and areas below 2,500m altitude. Nairobi and the central highlands have lower risk. Take the following precautions:

• Consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before travel
• Use insect repellent containing DEET
• Sleep under treated mosquito nets
• Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening

Other Health Tips

• Drink bottled or purified water only
• Use sunscreen (the equatorial sun is strong)
• Altitude sickness possible when climbing Mount Kenya
• Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended

Kenya is generally safe for tourists, with millions visiting each year. However, take standard precautions:

• Urban areas: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially in Nairobi CBD and Mombasa
• Transport: Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt are available in Nairobi and Mombasa)
• Border areas: Exercise heightened caution near the Somalia and South Sudan borders
• Night travel: Avoid driving at night on rural roads
• Wildlife: Follow park rules and stay in your vehicle during game drives
• Coastal regions: Generally safe for tourists; follow local advice

International Airports

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): Nairobi - Kenya's main international gateway, Africa's 6th busiest airport
• Moi International Airport (MBA): Mombasa - serves the coast and beach destinations
• Eldoret International Airport (EDL): Serves western Kenya

Domestic Transport

• Madaraka Express (SGR): Modern railway connecting Nairobi to Mombasa (4.5 hours), with stops at Mtito Andei and Voi
• Domestic flights: Kenya Airways, Safarilink, and Fly540 connect Nairobi to Masai Mara, Lamu, Malindi, and other destinations
• Matatus: Public minibuses connect most towns (affordable but crowded)
• Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt operate in Nairobi and Mombasa
• Car hire: Available at airports and in major cities (international licence accepted)

Currency & Payment

• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES). Widely available at banks and forex bureaux
• M-Pesa: Kenya's revolutionary mobile money system is accepted almost everywhere. Tourists can get a temporary SIM with M-Pesa
• Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres in cities
• ATMs: Available in all major towns. Equity Bank, KCB, and Co-operative Bank have the largest networks
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants; small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated

Communication

• Mobile networks: Safaricom (largest), Airtel, and Telkom Kenya. Buy a local SIM at the airport
• Internet: Good 4G coverage in cities and tourist areas. WiFi available at most hotels
• Country code: +254

• Jun-Oct: Dry season, best for safari. Great Migration in Masai Mara (Jul-Oct)
• Jan-Feb: Hot and dry, good for beach holidays
• Mar-May: Long rains (avoid for safari)
• Nov-Dec: Short rains, fewer tourists, lower prices