Travel to Kenya

COVID 19 TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR KENYA (as of 09.05.2023)

1. All travellers arriving into the country through any point of entry shall no longer be required to show proof of either Covid-19 vaccination or a pre-departure Covid-19 test.

2. Any traveler arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form on the ‘jitenge’ platform: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/.They will also require to take a Covid-19 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. These who turn out positive for antigen test will be required to take a further Covid-19 PCR test at their own cost. Those with severe symptoms shall thereafter be allowed to isolate as per the prevailing isolation requirements for mild, moderate and severe disease.

3. Passengers traveling 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.

VISAS

We advise that you apply for the visa at least a week before the proposed travel date. 

Holders of passports from the following countries require a referred visa and have to apply for the Evisa at least 6 weeks before the proposed travel date:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Democratic Republic of Korea (Formerly N.Korea), Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Yemen, Stateless Nationals as well as well as those holding Travel Documents issued to Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

 

Applying for evisa to visit Kenya involves three simple steps:

1. Create an account at www.evisa.go.ke (Clients using the Firefox Browser might encounter problems during payment. Use a different Internet browser.)

2. Fill the application form, upload the requirements (only in jpg photo format and not larger than 293KB) and pay using a Master/Visa credit or debit card (Not EC Card)

3. Log intio your account on a daily basis to check the status or for any correction needed.

4. Once the status reads ISSUED, click on the visa reference to download the eVisa PDF from your account.

5. You have 90 days to enter Kenya after the date of issuance of the visa. Kindly note that the length of your stay in Kenya will be entered by pen on your entry stamp by the Border Immigration Authorities. 

For further inquiries contact: evisa@immigration.go.ke  

This is for the following visa categories:

Kindly Note that the Embassy is not the issuer of evisas. For any issue with your evisa application, you have to contact Evisa directly through their telephone contact details given below.

For telephone enquiries, the Directorate can be contacted as follows:

Telephone numbers (Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 5:00pm East African Time)

  • +2541109222062
  • +2541109222063
  • +2541109222064

 Telephone numbers (After hours and Weekends)

  • +254112620512
  • +254112620693

CURRENCY

Kenya’s currency is liberated therefore money is freely changed at banks, forex bureaux, and at the 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 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 Kenya police website at www.kenyapolice.go.ke

HOSPITALS
There are a number of reputable hospitals in the cities and large towns as well as Flying Doctor services which cover remote areas.”

KENYA GOVERNMENT
Government offices operate from 08.00 to 17.00 hours from Monday to Friday, but are closed on weekends and public holidays. To access all government ministries visit the website www.kenya.go.ke

PHOTOGRAPHY
Restrain from taking photos of people without permission and government installations filming is prohibited. You may bring any reasonable amount of personal effects together with cameras and any amount of film duty free. Film is usually available at most game lodges but stocks are usually few and of the common sizes and brands. Ensure you have a good supply of batteries for your camera, as these are seldom available when on safari.

TIPPING
A service charge is usually included in all tariffs, however tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and is largely at your discretion. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.

TELECOMMUNICATION & ELECTRICITY
East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard). Telephone and faxes services are available at the hotel rooms. Charges can be exorbitant. To contact telephone customer service helpline please dial 980, local operator assistance at 900 and international operator assistance at 0195

CLOTHING
Dress decently to keep up with African culture and traditions, dress warmly for cold weather and light at the coast.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Driving
Please ask your driver to stay on the designated tracks, even if it means you may not get the best photograph. Off-road driving causes irreparable damage to the vegetation and may kill or injure baby animals hiding in the grass.

Wildlife viewing
Wildlife surrounded by vehicles is unpleasant and causes great distress. Cheetahs hunt only during the day and can easily be deprived of their meal if surrounded by vehicles. Please be quiet when viewing: ask the driver to switch off the engine and keep a minimum distance of 20 metres. Do not, under any circumstances, get out of your vehicle. Many animals will become aggressive when harassed or provoked. In addition, adhere to instructions from your nature guide while on a nature walk.

Feeding and smoking
Never feed animals at your hotel or in the wild since it upsets their diet and leads to unnecessary dependence on people. Smoking while on a game drive is highly discouraged and always dispose off cigarettes carefully while at camp. Careless disposal of a burning cigarette can start a wildfire that will cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.

Litter
Litter and garbage in nature-viewing areas is unsightly, affects your enjoyment and threatens the survival of wildlife. It can also cause accidents to people and marine life.

Corals
These are fragile living organism, they being destroyed by careless recreational activities, to avoid damage-use the established mooring points. Coral reefs provide essential feeding grounds for many species of marine life. When diving or swimming, avoid kicking up sand or stepping on coral, at it suffocates and kills coral polyps.

Water sports
Enjoy water sports at designated points. If not sure, please consult the nearest authority.

Fishing
Fishing is prohibited in marine parks. It is only permitted in the ocean and some Marine Reserves. Spear guns are banned in both Parks and Reserves.

Souvenirs
It’s illegal to collect or buy souvenirs such as coral, shells and starfish, as it contributes to the degradation of the reef and marine life. All environmentally conscious visitors can participate in, or help to organize environmental awareness campaigns e.g. beach cleaning, tree planting, conservation publications and also contribute financially to local

Hospitals
There are a number of reputable hospitals in the cities and large towns as well as Flying Doctor services which cover remote areas.