VoyaggoraTravel Live
Government advisories for Kenya
US State Department
US L2 · Increased cautionExercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to risk of health , crime , kidnapping , terrorism , unrest , and traffic safety . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Violent crime can occur at any time. Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jul 28, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · regionalAdvises against all travel to some areas and all but essential travel to others
Latest change: New information about Ebola screening (‘Entry requirements’ page).
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Oct 16, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Terrorist kidnap: There is a high threat of terrorist kidnap across Kenya. You should be alert to the heightened threat of terrorist kidnapping targeting westerners, including British nationals. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps in northern counties bordering Somalia and coastal counties. Further kidnaps are very likely.…
- Crime: There are frequent incidents of violent crime including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, particularly in the large cities and on major highways. Although uncommon, violent crimes have resulted in the deaths of British nationals, including during daylight hours. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including in…
- Protecting your belongings: Bag-snatching is common in bus stations, railway stations and airports. Be vigilant and take note of any security advice given by your hotel, employer or your hosts. If you’re attacked, do not resist. Avoid carrying large sums of money or wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Oct 16, 2026
LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says
- LGBT+ travellers: Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and same-sex relationships are not tolerated in Kenya’s conservative society. Showing affection in public could lead to arrest and imprisonment. See the ‘Social media and dating apps’ subheading for more advice.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Oct 16, 2026
Women, children and family: what governments say
- Women's safety (Government of Canada): Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Incidents of attacks and sexual assault against women, including rape and murder, have been reported throughout the country, particularly in urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa. Choose accommodations that provide good security measures Be suspicious of recent acquaintances or strangers approaching you, including online Do not accept transportation offers from new acquaintances or strangers
Official notice Source: Government of Canada and UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licences)
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Kenya
- Zika: the CDC lists Zika as a risk in Kenya. An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby. CDC on Zika
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Kenya take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
- Cholera (children): Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
CDC health page for Kenya · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
Government of Canada
CA 2 · High degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution (some regions differ)
Latest change: Entry and exit requirements section – added information on mandatory health insurance
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Oct 15, 2026
US State Department: advisories for specific areas
- Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping.
- Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism.
- Do Not Travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime.
- Do Not Travel to ( Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles 50 kilometers ) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest.
Read the official advisory for the exact areas
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jul 28, 2026
Government of Canada: regional advisories
Border with Somalia - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties bordering Somalia, due to a risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping and armed attacks. This advisory excludes Lamu Island and Manda Island where you should exercise a high degree of caution.
Border with South Sudan and Ethiopia - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Turkana and Marsabit counties, within 110 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, due to the risk of terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry and cross-border violence.
Regional advisory - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the following areas, due to a risk of kidnapping and attacks:
- within 50 km of the coast of Tana River County
- within 50 km of the coast of Kilifi County (from north of the city of Malindi to the Tana River County limits)
Kibera neighbourhood of Nairobi - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to the Kibera neighbourhood of Nairobi due to the high crime rate.
Read the full Canadian advisory
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca (Government of Canada, Open Government Licence - Canada) · updated Oct 15, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · partial travel warningPartial travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · yellowYellow: be alert, safety risks (regions differ, up to red)
De kleurcode van het reisadvies is rood voor het oosten van Kenia dat grenst aan Somalië en Ethiopië. Wat uw situatie ook is: reis er niet heen. Het is er te gevaarlijk. Lees meer onder Regionale risico’s. Kleurcode oranje geldt voor de noordelijke regio’s Marsabit en Moyale, het Tana-deltagebied en een aantal wijken i
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Oct 13, 2026
New Zealand SafeTravel
NZ · level 2Exercise increased caution
Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 24 July 2025
Italian Foreign Ministry (alerts are in Italian)
IT · latest alert (in Italian)- KENYA: obbligo di assicurazione sanitaria per i cittadini stranieri.
Le Autorità del Kenya hanno stabilito che i cittadini stranieri in ingresso nel Paese sono tenuti a stipulare un’apposita assicurazione sanitaria di viaggio, presso una Compagnia assicurativa locale . La polizza dovrà rispettare le seguenti condizioni: - Obbligatorietà: la copertura sarà richiesta a tutti i cittadini stranieri in ingresso in Kenya. - Compagnia assicurativa: la polizza potrà essere acquistata anche se
Official notice Source: Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, Unita di Crisi, Viaggiare Sicuri (Italian, as published) · updated Oct 9, 2026
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L4 · Evacuate and leaveHighest level: Evacuate and leave
Level 4 in 1 area, level 3 in 1 area, level 2 in 1 area, level 1 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
ケニアの危険情報【危険レベル継続】（内容の更新）
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated May 18, 2025
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Where in Kenya the UK advises against travel
Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast
Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO advises against all travel to:
- Mandera County
- Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except for Wajir Town
- areas of Wajir County within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia
- Garissa County - except for Garissa Town, the constituency of Lagdera and the areas of Balambala constituency which lie north and west of the main road which runs from Saka on the Tana River up to the intersection with the C81 Road
- Lamu County, except for Lamu Island and Manda Island
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- Garissa Town
- Tana River County north of the Tana River as far as the town of Saka
- within 15km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice, areas where it advises against travel (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Oct 16, 2026
Entry requirements for Kenya
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: You must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel. The local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure.
- Passport: To enter Kenya, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Kenya set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kenyan High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Kenya, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Visa requirements
You must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel. The local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure.
Travellers who currently hold a visa can continue to travel using their visa until it expires.
For information on work permits and residency, check the Kenyan Department of Immigration requirements.
Mandatory travel insurance
From 5 October 2026, most travellers visiting Kenya for less than 12 months must have Kenyan Government-provided travel health insurance.
If you require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), you must buy this insurance as part of the application process. If you already hold a valid eTA, you must obtain the insurance through the Kenyan eCitizen insurance portal. Foreign travel insurance policies are not accepted in place of this requirement.
The insurance is valid for 90 days and can be used for multiple entries into Kenya during that period.
The requirement does not apply to Kenyan citizens, holders of valid Kenyan residence status, citizens of East African Community partner states, or transit passengers that are not passing through Kenyan immigration control.
You should also make sure you have travel insurance that covers your individual needs.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Kenya, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kenya guide.
Ebola screening
The Government of Kenya has confirmed cases of Ebola. Public health measures are in place, including contact tracing, surveillance, border screening and quarantine for people considered at risk.
Travellers arriving in Kenya, particularly those coming from Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), may be subject to enhanced health screening measures due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak centred in the DRC. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kenya. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking drones into Kenya
It is illegal to import or export drones without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Contact the KCAA well in advance of travel if you wish to bring a drone to Kenya.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Oct 16, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: not required, however you must apply for an eTA
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: not required, however you must apply for an eTA
Transit visa: not required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Work permit: required
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
You must obtain your visa or eTA online prior to your departure. Make sure you are using the official Kenya eTA website for your application to avoid potential fraud and that the dates match the duration of your planned stay in Kenya. You do not need an eTA if you are transiting through an airport in Kenya without passing border control.
Mandatory health insurance
As of October 5, 2026, the eTA application includes a mandatory travel health insurance provided by a national insurer for stays of less than 12 months.
Extension of stay
To stay in Kenya beyond your authorized period, apply for an extension at a Kenyan immigration office in person. The extension must be requested before your eTA or visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, arrest, imprisonment or deportation.
Useful links
Apply for an eTA – Government of Kenya
Work Permits
It is illegal to perform any type of work, including volunteering, on a tourist visa. To work or volunteer in Kenya, you must have a valid work permit, which you are required to carry at all times, along with valid identification. Convicted offenders could face heavy fines, jail sentences of up to five years and deportation.
Apply for a work permit – Kenyan Department of Immigration Services
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
The Kenyan authorities regularly carry out spot checks for proof of yellow fever vaccinations. Carry a copy of your proof of vaccination with you at all times.
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Oct 15, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Kenya).
- Official government portal: Kenya eTA (official). Real portals sit on government domains; copycat sites often charge extra.
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
New entry systems that affect Kenya
Kenya eTA
Visitors need an electronic travel authorisation before travelling, applied for on the official Kenya eTA site only. Both the UK and Canadian governments describe this requirement. Several lookalike sites charge extra.
Confirmed on official site Official page
Source: UK FCDO, Government of Canada · checked 2026-09-25
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Weather forecast, next days
Nairobi
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Rain | Peak wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 Oct | Partly cloudy | 18° / 27° | dry | 19 km/h |
| Mon 19 Oct | Showers | 17° / 26° | 1.5 mm | 22 km/h |
| Tue 20 Oct | Clear | 16° / 28° | dry | 24 km/h |
| Wed 21 Oct | Partly cloudy | 17° / 28° | dry | 16 km/h |
| Thu 22 Oct | Clear | 17° / 28° | dry | 17 km/h |
Mombasa
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Rain | Peak wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 Oct | Mostly clear | 26° / 29° | 0.1 mm | 29 km/h |
| Mon 19 Oct | Mostly clear | 25° / 29° | 0.2 mm | 25 km/h |
| Tue 20 Oct | Mostly clear | 24° / 29° | 0.1 mm | 27 km/h |
| Wed 21 Oct | Partly cloudy | 25° / 29° | dry | 17 km/h |
| Thu 22 Oct | Partly cloudy | 25° / 30° | dry | 18 km/h |
Live feed Forecast data: MET Norway (Locationforecast, CC BY 4.0), city local time. Forecasts change; for severe weather follow the official warnings above · updated
Essentials for travelers
Emergency 999 112 also works
- Plugs: type G
- Power: 240 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the left
- Tap water: not recommended
- Calling code: +254
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: high. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
Kenya Swahili
Essential phrases in Swahili
| Hello | Hujambo | |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | Asante | |
| Help! | Msaada! | |
| Where is the hospital? | Hospitali iko wapi? | |
| I need the police | Ninahitaji polisi | |
| I need a doctor | Ninahitaji daktari | |
| How much is it? | Bei gani? | |
| Where is the toilet? | Choo kiko wapi? |
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
U.S. Embassy alerts
- Embassy alert
Routine Message: Tourists Entering Kenya Must Purchase Local Health Insurance Read on the embassy site - Embassy alert
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya (October 6, 2026) Read on the embassy site - Embassy alert
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya (September 25, 2026) Read on the embassy site
Live feed Source: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites (public alerts for U.S. citizens; US government works) · checked
Embassy alerts
- Embassy alert
ケニア出入国時の健康申告書の提出の義務化 Original · Translate to English - Embassy alert
eTA申請時における旅行保険義務化の運用開始 Original · Translate to English - Embassy alert
携帯電話会社の社員を装った電話詐欺（M-PESA）の発生に伴う注意喚起 Original · Translate to English - Health
エボラ出血熱の輸入症例確認に伴うスクリーニングの強化について Original · Translate to English - Health
エボラ出血熱（ブンディブギョ株）の輸入症例確認に伴う注意喚起 Original · Translate to English
Live feed Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage (open data; alerts from Japanese embassies, shown in Japanese as published) · checked
More live hazards and notices
- Sea temperature today: Mombasa about 27°C (80°F). Source: NOAA OISST satellite analysis (NOAA CoastWatch), reading of 2026-10-12; checked .
- Latest official air temperature readings: Eldoret Kapsoya 19.3 °C (06:00 UTC), Wajir 27.5 °C (06:00 UTC), Eldoret International Airport 19.7 °C (06:00 UTC). Source: Kenya Meteorological Service through WMO WIS2 (core data, free and unrestricted under the WMO data policy). Checked .
- Globe at Night campaign running 2026-11-01 to 2026-11-10: look for Cygnus, Grus, Pegasus. Join in: globeatnight.org.
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Health alerts
- Ebola disease in Kenya ·
As of 15 October 2026, a second Ebola disease (Bundibugyo virus) case has been confirmed in Kenya, in a contact of the first case imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This second case remains in quarantine and is receiving treatment. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further…
Live feed Source: TravelHealthPro (UK Health Security Agency) · checked · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Airport weather right now
| Airport | Temperature | Wind | Visibility | Conditions | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi HKJK | 20°C / 68°F | 4 kt from 20° | 6+ mi | Marginal (some cloud/haze) |
Live feed Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center · checked
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 129.67 KES · 1 euro ≈ 145.62 KES
Central-bank reference rate for Oct 18, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Voyaggora guides in Kenya
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Kenya?
- Is it safe to travel to Kenya right now?
- It depends on where you go. As of Oct 18, 07:32 UTC. The US State Department rates Kenya Level 2 of 4, "Increased caution". Canada says "Exercise a high degree of caution", with regional advisories. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to some areas of Kenya and all but essential travel to others. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Which parts of Kenya do governments warn about?
- Governments warn about parts of Kenya rather than the whole country. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to some areas of Kenya and all but essential travel to others. Canada lists regional advisories. The US State Department page lists area-specific levels. Open each official page for the exact areas and routes.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Kenya right now?
- As of Oct 18, 07:32 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Kenya: U.S. Embassy alerts, embassy alerts, more live hazards and notices. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
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Get the Weekly BriefContains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.