Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution in Kenya due tocrime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping.
Areas of Turkana County, due to crime.
Reconsider Travel to:
Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, due to crime and kidnapping.
Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.
Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited. Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime.
Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.
Demonstrations may occur, blocking key intersections and resulting in widespread traffic jams. Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections. Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information, U.S. citizens should consultFederal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notice.
Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight. Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common.
Read thecountry information pagefor additional information about travel to Kenya.
If you decide to travel to Kenya:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Make contingency plans to leave the country. in case of an emergency Review theTraveler’s Checklist..
- Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
- Enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State onFacebookandTwitter.
- Review theCountry Security Reportfor Kenya.
- Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel.
Specified Areas - Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the below areas.
Kenya-Somalia Border Counties:
- Mandera due to kidnapping and terrorism.
- Wajir due to kidnapping and terrorism.
- Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism.
Coastal Areas:
- Tana River county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
- Lamu county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
- Areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi due to kidnapping and terrorism.
Turkana County:
- Road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to crime and armed robbery, which occur frequently.
Specified Areas - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera:
- Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants. Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Laikipia County:
- Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.
Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns.
Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas.
FAQs
Avoid areas prone to attack and remain vigilant if visiting public areas (see 'Safety'). To enter Kenya, you need to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation prior to travel (see 'Travel'). We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime.
What is the travel requirement to enter Kenya? ›
Be advised that effective January 1, 2021, all passengers are required to apply and obtain an e-visa before boarding an inbound aircraft to Kenya. The e-visa can be obtained through http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html .
Is it safe to go to Kenya airport? ›
Security Screening – Kenya Airports Authority. For your safety and that of your fellow travelers, all passengers as well as their carry-on and registered baggage are screened. For security reasons, all hold baggage is screened.
Is it safe to go on safari in Kenya? ›
Tourists generally enjoy a wonderful, safe safari tour in Kenya if the travel in the care of a reputable tour operator and abide by their guides instructions when it comes to travelling in open safari vehicles, behaving appropriately in the presence of wild animals and generally keeping out of harm's way.
Is Nairobi safe to walk around? ›
Nairobi Central and City Square (as far east as Moi Avenue) are busy and relatively safe by day and even more well-lit and policed at night, but it's best not to travel alone. Take a taxi called by your hotel if unsure.
Is Masai Mara safe for tourists? ›
Masai Mara national reserve is a very safe destination to visit, the reserve is well protected by professionally – trained park rangers and wildlife Wardens, the park is located hours away from the urban areas of Kenya where safety is more a concern.
Can Americans travel to Kenya? ›
Although US citizens require a visa, citizens from several countries can travel to Kenya visa-free, in addition to the following: Children under 16 (except those who travel with an East Africa tourist visa) People with a passport that is endorsed with a Kenyan work visa or reentry pass.
Do US citizens need a visa to enter Kenya? ›
US citizens planning a trip to Kenya must secure a Kenya e-visa, enabling them to enter the country for tourism purposes. This e-visa system offers a fully digital application process.
Can US citizens travel to Kenya without visa? ›
"Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary for any person, from any corner of the globe, to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," president William Ruto said in his address at Uhuru Gardens in the southwestern part of Nairobi.
Is Nairobi safe for white tourists? ›
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya. Beware there is a heightened threat of terrorism across Kenya. Attacks could target Westerners, including British nationals. These could occur at any time including religious events, public holidays or celebrations.
Though you will be in greater danger than if you went to Tanzania, Kenya is still a wonderful place to visit. With their breathtaking scenery, wide variety of wildlife, and rich cultural histories, Tanzania and Kenya both provide amazing vacation experiences.
Is Kenya safe for solo female travellers? ›
Moreover, due to sporadic instances of political unrest and terrorism, staying updated about the local news will keep you more aware and safer. Kenya is currently ranked #96 safest country for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.
What not to wear on a safari in Kenya? ›
What NOT to Wear on Safari. Dark colours attract Tsetse flies, so stay away from dark blue or black clothing – they have a painful bite! Now that you know what to wear, make sure you know how to pack. Most safari operators will ask that you only bring one suitcase, one overnight duffle bag, and one day pack.
Should I take malaria pills for Kenya safari? ›
Malaria is a risk in Kenya. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
What is the safest African safari trip? ›
Consistently ranked as one of Africa's safest countries, Botswana's top safari destination is Chobe National Park, which is dense with a variety of wild game. The park has one of Africa's highest concentrations of elephants, with over 50,000 migrating through the park.
Can US citizens visit Kenya? ›
US citizens planning a trip to Kenya must secure a Kenya e-visa, enabling them to enter the country for tourism purposes. This e-visa system offers a fully digital application process.
Should you get shots before going to Kenya? ›
Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Poliomyelitis; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; Typhoid; Yellow Fever. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera.
Is Kenya under threat? ›
Overview: Al-Shabaab continued to pose the primary terrorism threat in Kenya. In 2022, sporadic terrorist attacks in Kenya continued, primarily along the Kenyan-Somali border. IEDs and ambushes against Kenyan security forces and important infrastructure were the primary means of attack.
