Kenya is a destination that has it all: endless savannas teeming with wildlife, snow-capped peaks, the nomadic culture of the Maasai, and vibrant cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. Whether you're planning a safari in Kenya or looking to discover its Indian Ocean beaches, here you'll find everything you need to know before you travel.
Entry requirements for Kenya
Passport
To enter Kenya, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry and a minimum of two blank pages for immigration stamps. You must also carry proof of onward travel out of Kenya before crossing the border.
Visa: the Kenya eTA
Most travelers need to obtain an electronic travel authorization before departure. You can apply for the Kenya eTA entirely online through Visagov: the process is straightforward and helps you avoid long queues at the airport.
The standard eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of approval and allows a single entry with a maximum stay of 90 days. If you're traveling during peak season, apply well in advance, as processing times can vary.
If your trip includes several East African countries, there is also a joint visa valid for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for a period of 3 months, which you can also apply for through Visagov.
Citizens of certain African and Caribbean countries are exempt from the visa requirement. Check the eligibility checker to confirm your status based on your nationality.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Kenya, but it is strongly recommended. Healthcare infrastructure outside major cities can be limited, and the costs of medical evacuation are high. A good policy covering medical assistance and repatriation is well worth the investment.
Recommended vaccines for travel to Kenya
Before traveling to Kenya, it is advisable to be up to date with the following vaccines:
- Typhoid fever
- Diphtheria
- Hepatitis A
- Polio
- Tetanus
Always carry your vaccination record, as it may be requested upon arrival. If you are traveling from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory to enter Kenya.
Although there is no vaccine against malaria or dengue, prophylactic medication is recommended, especially if you plan to visit the western part of the country, where the risk of malaria is higher. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination center before traveling.
If you plan to visit national parks, wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent.
Currency in Kenya
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Each shilling is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 shillings, and coins in 1, 5, 10, and 20 shillings.
The Kenyan shilling is a closed currency: you will not be able to obtain it before arriving in the country. Once there, you can withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange foreign currency (USD, euros, or British pounds) at banks and exchange offices. Outside major cities, cash payments remain the most common method.
Other useful information for your trip to Kenya
Do you need a visa for a layover in Kenya?
If your layover in Kenya is less than 72 hours and you do not leave the international area of the airport, you are exempt from the eTA requirement. If you need to enter the country during your layover, you must apply for the appropriate authorization before traveling.
Getting around Kenya
Kenya is relatively easy to navigate if you are familiar with the available transportation options. If you are traveling on an organized safari, the operator typically includes transfers, so check in advance to avoid paying twice.
In major cities you will find matatus, shared minibuses that connect the main points of the city at affordable prices. For intercity travel, buses and domestic flights are the most comfortable options.
Best time to visit Kenya
The climate in Kenya varies considerably by region due to its diverse geography. In general terms, the dry season (June to October) is the most recommended period for safari: vegetation is less dense, animals congregate around water sources, and visibility is better.
From April to June there is a more intense rainy season, and between November and December a shorter, milder one. Traveling during these months has its advantages: the landscape is greener, there are fewer tourists, and prices are lower.
Safety in Kenya
Kenya is a popular tourist destination and is generally safe, but it is advisable to travel with the usual precautions. In major cities, avoid walking alone at night and do not display valuables or jewelry. Demonstrations and political gatherings can become unpredictable, so it is best to stay away from them.
The border area with Somalia carries a risk of terrorism and kidnapping, so visiting that area is strongly discouraged. In national parks, always follow your guide's instructions: avoid sudden noises, keep windows closed, and bear in mind that swimming in lakes and rivers is prohibited.
Practical tips before traveling to Kenya
Before you depart, keep these tips in mind to avoid potential issues:
- If you plan to rent a car, drive with caution: road conditions outside cities can be poor.
- Single-use plastics are banned in Kenya. If you have plastic bags in your luggage, they may be confiscated at the airport.
- Always carry a form of identification. In most cases a photocopy of your passport is accepted, though some establishments and checkpoints require the original.
