Travel To Kenya: What Americans Need To Know

Americans are allowed to travel to Kenya, but they should exercise caution due to the risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The US Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory for US travelers to Kenya, and there are higher-level advisories for certain parts of the country. Americans are instructed not to travel to certain counties and coastal areas bordering Somalia due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. US citizens must have a valid passport and obtain a Kenyan entry visa before departure. They should also be aware of health requirements and screenings, such as being up-to-date with polio vaccines and COVID-19 precautions.

Do Americans need a visa to enter Kenya?

Yes, Americans can travel to Kenya. However, due to security concerns and the ongoing global health situation, it is recommended to check for the latest information before planning a trip. The US Department of State currently has a Level 2 advisory for US travelers to Kenya, recommending increased caution due to risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

Entry Requirements

US citizens need a passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of six months to enter Kenya. Additionally, they must obtain a Kenyan entry visa before departure. While Kenyan visa applications are now exclusively issued electronically, travelers must bring a printout of the visa to present to Kenyan authorities on arrival. It is not possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Kenya.

EVisa

The country has implemented a digital eVisa portal where travelers can apply for Kenyan eVisas. All visitors must obtain an eVisa before departing for Kenya. Once received via email, the visa must be printed out and presented to the authorities at the border. The eVisa usually takes 48 hours to process, but it is recommended to apply around 10 days before the planned travel date to avoid complications.

EVisa Types

There are six different types of Kenyan eVisas:

• Single-entry visa: Valid for three months from the date of issue for those traveling for business, tourism, or visiting family. It requires details of the travel itinerary. Business travelers must also have a letter of invitation from a company.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows frequent entry to Kenya for business, tourism, medical, or other reasons. It takes 10 working days to process and is valid for 6-12 months.
• Five-year multiple-entry visa: Available exclusively for US nationals who frequently visit Kenya for business or tourism. It takes 10 working days to process. This visa is tied to the passport, so if it expires before the 5-year term, a new application is required.
• Transit visa: For travelers connecting through Kenya to other destinations for a period not exceeding 72 hours. Not required for travelers with connecting flights who won't leave the airport.
• Courtesy visa: Issued to diplomatic, official, and service passport holders traveling to Kenya on official duties or transiting through Kenya to a third country for official business.
• East Africa tourist visa: A joint tourist visa for travel to and within Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. It requires travelers to first arrive in Kenya, where the East Africa Visa Sticker is issued at the point of entry.

EVisa Costs

The eVisa fee is USD 32.50. The Kenyan government recently proposed raising fees for visas, so it is recommended to check their official website for current pricing.

Other Visa-Exempt Travelers

Although US citizens require a visa, citizens from several countries can travel to Kenya visa-free, including:

• Children under 16 (except those traveling with an East Africa tourist visa)
• People with a passport endorsed with a Kenyan work visa or re-entry pass
• Travelers with Laissez-Passer issued by the UN, World Bank, or IMF traveling to Kenya on official business

What are the entry requirements for US citizens?

US citizens are allowed to travel to Kenya, but they should exercise caution due to security concerns, crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. There are also specific regions within the country that are advised against travelling to, including certain Kenya-Somalia border counties, some coastal areas, and areas of Turkana County.

Entry Requirements for US Citizens

To enter Kenya, US citizens need the following:

• A passport with at least two blank pages and six months' validity remaining.
• A Kenyan electronic travel authorization, obtained in advance of the trip.
• Proof of yellow fever immunisation if arriving from an endemic country.
• A visa, obtained through Kenya's digital eVisa portal before departure.

Visas

US citizens require a visa to enter Kenya. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. The six types of Kenyan visas are:

• Single-entry visa: Valid for three months from the date of issue for tourism, business, or family visits.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows frequent entry for business, tourism, medical, or other reasons, valid for 6-12 months.
• Five-year multiple-entry visa: Exclusively for US nationals who frequently visit Kenya for business or tourism.
• Transit visa: For travellers connecting through Kenya for less than 72 hours.
• Courtesy visa: For diplomatic, official, and service passport holders travelling for official duties or transiting through Kenya for official business.
• East Africa Tourist Visa: A joint tourist visa for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, issued upon arrival in Kenya.

Other Requirements

In addition to the above, there are a few other requirements and recommendations for US citizens travelling to Kenya:

• Ensure that your US currency bills are relatively new, as older bills may not be accepted by banks in Kenya.
• Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription. Ensure that the medication is legal in Kenya.
• Carry your medical records, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.
• Have adequate travel and medical insurance coverage, including medical evacuation insurance.
• Be aware of local laws and customs regulations regarding prohibited items, such as antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency, and wildlife products.
• Register with the US Embassy in Nairobi and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed and connected with the US government in case of emergencies.

Is there a travel advisory for US citizens in Kenya?

The US Department of State currently has a Level 2 advisory for US travellers to Kenya, recommending increased caution due to risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

Do Not Travel to:

• Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping.
• Areas of Turkana County, due to crime.

Reconsider Travel to:

• Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, due to crime and kidnapping.
• Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Country Summary:

Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at all times. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire services are also limited. Be especially careful when travelling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime.

Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.

Demonstrations may occur, blocking key intersections and resulting in widespread traffic jams. Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections. Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notice.

Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centres are operating in Kenya with inadequate or non-existent licensing and oversight. Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common.

If you decide to travel to Kenya:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country in case of an emergency.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Kenya.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

What are the health requirements for US citizens travelling to Kenya?

US citizens are allowed to travel to Kenya, but they should exercise caution due to the risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. There are also specific areas that are best avoided, such as the Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping.

Now, onto the health requirements for US citizens travelling to Kenya.

COVID-19 Requirements

As of December 22, 2021, all travellers to Kenya aged 18 and over were required to present a valid certificate of COVID-19 vaccination. This mandate also applied to those exiting Kenya, who also needed to meet the requirements of the Trusted Traveler Initiative. However, it is always best to check the latest information on Kenya's Ministry of Health website, as requirements can change.

Other Health Requirements

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions travel health notice for Kenya due to global polio. Travellers are advised to be up-to-date on their polio vaccines.

Although Kenya no longer requires a PCR test or proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the CDC recommends that all international travellers are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations before travelling abroad. COVID-19 is still a risk in Kenya, so travellers should take appropriate precautions.

Travellers arriving in Kenya with flu-like symptoms must fill out the passenger locator form on the jitenge platform and take a COVID-19 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. A positive result on this test will require a PCR test, also at the traveller's expense. If this result is also positive, self-isolation is required.

Before travelling to Kenya, ensure you have proof of yellow fever immunisation. The CDC recommends that travellers are up-to-date with all vaccinations.

Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription. Ensure the medication is legal in Kenya. Carrying your medical records is also advisable, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.

Lastly, travellers should ensure they have adequate travel and medical insurance to cover overseas medical costs and medical evacuation, should it be required.

What safety precautions should US citizens take in Kenya?

Kenya is a beautiful country to visit, but it is important to take certain safety precautions when travelling there as an American citizen. Here are some essential safety precautions to follow:

Stay Informed and Alert:

• Monitor local media and stay informed about breaking news and events. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, as they may be targeted by terrorists and criminals.
• Be cautious when travelling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to the risk of crime.

Documentation and Registration:

• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep the original documents in a secure location.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier for the embassy to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kenya on social media for updates.

Health and Safety:

• Be aware of the risk of violent crimes such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, which can occur anywhere in Kenya at any time.
• Do not physically resist any robbery or kidnapping attempts.
• Avoid areas with increased risk, such as the Kenya-Somalia border counties, some coastal areas, and certain neighbourhoods in Nairobi (e.g., Eastleigh and Kibera).
• Use reputable tour companies or well-marked taxis for transportation.
• Be cautious when visiting national parks, safaris, and reserves, and always follow the advice of professional guides.
• Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance and carry emergency contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Legal and Cultural Considerations:

• Be aware of local laws and customs. Respect religious and social traditions, especially in coastal regions with a predominantly Muslim population.
• Do not carry or import illegal items, such as banned wildlife products, drugs, or plastic bags.
• Be cautious when consuming alcohol or smoking in public, as there are strict regulations in place.

By following these precautions, US citizens can help ensure a safer travel experience in Kenya. It is also essential to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and alerts from the US Department of State and the US Embassy in Kenya.

Frequently asked questions