TRIP INFORMATION
Travelling around Kenya requires good preparations especially when you are an international traveller. We help you to prepare your trip by giving you the necessary requirements.
Visa
Most international visitors to Kenya will need a tourist visa to enter the country. You can apply easily online through the eVisa portal before your trip. This process is fast and efficient, and we highly recommend applying in advance to avoid any last-minute delays at the airport. Depending on your nationality, you might also be able to obtain a visa upon arrival, but the eVisa option is the most convenient and reliable. The earliest you can apply for the eVisa is 90 days before entry, and it typically takes approximately 72 hours to receive the eVisa. However, please note that the eVisa is not the final decision for entry into the country. The final decision is made at the immigration clearance point upon arrival, where immigration officers will determine your eligibility to enter the country.
Passport
To enter Kenya, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to arrive. It’s essential to ensure your passport has enough blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, as immigration will need space to process your travel documents.
Medical Precautions for Traveling
Before traveling to Kenya, it’s important to be medically prepared. The following vaccinations are recommended: standard immunizations (such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio), further they recommend Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and – depending on the length and nature of your stay – possibly rabies. A yellow fever vaccination is only mandatory if you’re entering from a yellow fever endemic country. Kenya is a malaria-risk area, particularly in lowland regions such as the coast and western Kenya. In higher places like Nairobi and the highlands, it is a low-risk area. It is advised to take or at least carry malaria prophylaxis and use insect protection (repellent, long clothing, mosquito nets). Make sure to have travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation. Bringing a small travel medical kit and only drinking bottled or treated water is also recommended. For personalized advice, consult a travel or tropical medicine specialist before your trip.
Travel Insurance
While travel insurance is not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended for peace of mind. It can help cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or even lost luggage. We recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip so that you’re covered for any unforeseen circumstances.
Currency
The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but you’ll find that US dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas, especially in hotels, shops, and safari lodges. It’s a good idea to have some local currency for smaller purchases, like tips or street markets. You can easily withdraw cash at ATMs in most cities, and major credit cards are accepted in larger establishments.
Customs Regulations
Currency: There are regulations about bringing in large amounts of currency. If you’re traveling with more than $5,000 USD (or equivalent), you must declare it at customs.
Prohibited Items: Some goods, like certain agricultural products and wildlife products, are restricted. Be sure to check the customs guidelines to avoid bringing in items that could cause issues at the border.
Duty-Free Allowances: Kenya allows duty-free imports of alcohol, tobacco, and perfume, but there are limits. For example, you can bring in one liter of spirits, one liter of wine, or two liters of beer, along with a certain quantity of cigarettes or tobacco. Be sure to stay within these limits to avoid paying duty fees.
