Travel Information
VISAS
Starting January 5, 2024, ALL travellers entering Kenya are required to apply and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months before travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
VISA UPDATE
Kenya has abolished fees to apply for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for travellers from seven countries, including the key source market of South Africa. Read more
Travel Tips
Be respectful of local communities.
Never take photos of people without asking permission, particularly in rural areas and in Mombasa. If you want to publish any photos, even on social media, it’s respectful to carry a consent form and say “asante” (thank you).
Be particularly conscious around children or other vulnerable people. If you’re given the OK to take a photo, show it to them after you've taken it. Think twice before visiting a school (or anywhere that would be strange or inappropriate for you to go to in your home country).
Kenya is a multilingual country with English and Swahili being the official languages. Many locals speak both languages fluently.
Learning a few Swahili words will look good and impress the Kenyan people. Your effort regardless of whether you you are pronouncing it the right way will be received with a big smile.
Here are some words to get you started:
Hujambo or simply Jambo = means Hello
Habari = Hello, how are you? (a common way of greeting)
Poa sana or mzuri sana = I’m good/fine
Hakuna Matata = It’s alright / no problem
Asante (sana) = thank you (very much)
Karibu = welcome
Hatari = danger
Pole = sorry
Hapana = no
Ndio = yes
Besides English and Swahili, there are lots of local languages and dialects in rural areas.
The official currency in Kenya is the Kenya Shilling.
Traveller’s cheques and major credit cards are generally accepted in Kenya. However, the latter is not accepted all over other regional countries where we recommend you carry traveller’s
cheques and/or cash. Only authorized dealers and banks are allowed to change currency.
PLEASE ENSURE ALL U.S. DOLLAR NOTES ARE DATED FROM THE YEAR 2000 ONWARDS. NOTES
DATED PRIOR TO THIS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ANYWHERE, INCLUDING BANKS.
Always make sure that you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. This is required by law in Kenya. If the police stop you, you’ll be expected to present it upon request. Nowadays a photo on your phone will often do the job, however a hard copy is recommended.
We suggest you leave your original passport in the safe in your hotel.
We recommend that you bring your equipment, extra batteries and storage media
with you although most items can usually be bought in major towns across Kenya. A telephoto lens
is essential for good game pictures.
Plastic bags were banned in Kenya as of 28th August 2017. Travellers arriving at any airport in Kenya can face heavy fines for bringing plastic bags into the country. This includes plastic bags in both your checked luggage and carry-on luggage, as well as duty free plastic bags.
We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.
Security is really a matter of common sense, and the same precautions should be taken in
our towns and cities as in any city worldwide. It is advisable not to wear jewellery (especially
necklaces and expensive watches), do not carry large sums of money, and keep a close eye on
handbags, wallets and camera equipment. When walking in town keep to the main thoroughfares
and avoid walking at night, especially alone.
Feel free to bargain, but don’t go too far.
A sense of humour is essential when bargaining. It’s fine to offer a lower price in markets and some shops – many sellers will start with a higher price, and it can be fun to barter and meet in the middle.
Few sellers will accept an offer that's too low so have some fun with it – just bear in mind what you’re prepared to pay, be respectful and don’t over-haggle.
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings.
Tipping isn’t expected in Kenya, but if you’ve had a good meal or service, leaving around 10% is appreciated. In hotels, you can also tip porters and housekeeping staff. Some calculate it at Ksh100 to Ksh200 a day while others round it up at the end. Keep small change on you for tips and shopping in markets.
If you’re taking a taxi, round up to the nearest 100, but tips are not always necessary. Taxi apps are popular, and you can add a tip at the end of the journey through the app. Avoid giving money in exchange for preferential service.
Here are some general tipping guidelines:
Transfers: $5 per transfer
Porters: $1 per bag
Restaurants: 10% of the bill
You can boil the tap water in Kenya and drink it.
Tap water in Kenya isn’t off-limits. If you have the facilities, you can boil the tap water – it’s soft and sweet – and drink it once cooled.
Obviously, that's not always an option, in which case filtered water in restaurants and hotels is safe. You can buy plastic-bottled water.
Dress appropriately – but don’t overthink it.
Kenya is moderately conservative, but that doesn’t mean you need to cover your shoulders and knees everywhere. In Nairobi, in towns and on safari, shorts, dresses and sleeveless tops are fine to wear, and the same goes for most beach resorts, although walking around in swimwear isn’t appropriate.
Summer clothing is worn throughout the year, although at times a jacket and light
raincoat may be necessary.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
The Republic of Kenya requires travellers from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission to have a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. This applies to travellers 1 year of age and older coming from - or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within.
Malaria is endemic in many parts of East Africa and anti-malarial prophylactics are strongly
recommended. We suggest carrying some insect-repellents as well. Swimming is not recommended
except in hotel pools and in the ocean.
If on medication, it is best to take a supply of medicines to last the entire trip.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Mandatory travel insurance is a requirement for anyone visiting Kenya. It is designed to protect visitors in case of unexpected medical emergencies, accidents, or other unforeseen events during their stay in the country. The insurance policy must provide coverage for a minimum of USD 20,000 for medical expenses and should include emergency medical evacuation, hospitalization, and repatriation of remains. It is important to note that the insurance must be purchased from a reputable insurance company and the policy document must be presented upon arrival in Kenya. Failure to have valid travel insurance may result in denied entry into the country.
