Travel to Kenya
COVID- 19 TRAVEL MEASURES
1. Currently, all arriving passengers into the country are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate uploaded into the Panabios system https://login.globalhaven.org
Vaccination means having received the prescribed doses of the specific vaccine, with the last dose administered at least 14 days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).
2. Any passenger without a vaccination certificate is required to have a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test result, conducted not more than 72 hours before departure.
3. Traveler's below the age of twelve (12) years shall be exempt from the requirements of a vaccination certificate or PCR test.
4. Any traveller above the age of twelve (12) arriving at any point of entry with no proof of vaccination or a PCR test or those with flu-like symptoms shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to an entry PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate as per MOH guidance on isolation.
5. Any traveller arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill out the passenger locator form on the ‘jitenge’ platform: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/ and to undergo a rapid antigen test at their own cost regardless of age or vaccination status. If positive on the antigen test, they will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at their own cost.
6. Passengers travelling out of the country will be required to abide by the particular travel, health and COVID-19-related requirements of the transit and destination country.
7. Pre-departure RDT or PCR testing may be considered at the discretion of any of the airlines departing from or terminating in Kenya.
VISAS
Visitors to Kenya are required by law to have passports with a validity of not less than six months and prerequisite visas.
The government of the Republic of Kenya has fully automated the issuance of visas with effect from January 1, 2021.
IN THIS REGARD, ALL PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO KENYA FROM COUNTRIES THAT REQUIRE VISAS TO ENTER KENYA SHALL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY AND OBTAIN AN E-VISA BEFORE BOARDING AN AIRCRAFT AS NO VISAS WILL BE ISSUED ON ARRIVAL.
Applying for an e-visa to visit Kenya involves three simple steps:
1. Create an account at evisa.go.ke.
2. Fill out the application form, upload the requirements and pay.
3. Download the e-visa PDF from your account once it is approved.
For further inquiries contact: evisa@immigration.go.ke
Visas are issued in the following categories:
- Single Entry Visa for Kenya Holders of passports from the following countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Democratic Republic of Korea (Formerly N.Korea), Eritrea, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Yemen, as well as Refugees and EU Travel Documents, require a Referred Visa and the processing period is at least 4 weeks.
- Courtesy/Diplomatic Visa
- East Africa Tourist Visa
- Multiple Entry Visa (Only for frequent trips in a calendar year)
- Transit Visa
- 5 Year Multiple Entry Visa for USA citizens only
CURRENCY
Kenya’s currency is liberated, therefore, money is freely changed at banks, forex bureaux, and hotels. We advise that you check exchange rates regularly and that you exchange your currency at banks or licensed foreign exchange bureaus – avoid street dealers altogether. Major Credit Cards are widely accepted and Banks at international airports operate 24-hour service.
HEALTH
Read the COVID 91 travel regulations above.
Visitors from Europe do not require yellow fever and or cholera vaccinations. However, visitors from countries where the diseases are prevalent require yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates. Carry along some anti-malaria tablets. Avoid foods and drinks from backstreet vendors. Under no circumstances should you bathe in rivers and/or lakes.
SECURITY
Kenya, like any other country, has its share of crime and there are a few basic rules you can observe to avoid an unpleasant situation. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and do not display jewellery or valuables. Do not walk through unlit areas at night. Ask your hotel doorman to call for a taxi and agree on the price before boarding.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If you need to contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance service in an emergency dial 999, to contact the nearest police station dial 122, or visit the Kenya police website at kenyapolice.go.ke. There are a lot of reputable hospitals in the cities and large towns as well as Flying Doctor services which cover remote areas.
KENYAN GOVERNMENT
Government offices operate from 08.00 to 17.00 hours from Monday to Friday but are closed on weekends and public holidays.
