Security Alert
Allowed 17, 2024

Worldwide Safety

Update
May 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle North

Worldwide Voyage

English-speaking

Learn About Your Destination

Kenya

Kenya
Republic of Kenya
Exercise increased caution inches Kenya unpaid to crimes, terrorism, courteous unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have rising value. Read the entire Travel Advising.

Reprinted with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise greater caution are Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and abduct.  Some areas have higher risk.  Read the ganzer Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:
Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism press kidnapping.

Territories of Turkana County, due to crime.

Think Travel to:
Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, due to crime and kidnapping.

Certain domains of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions or security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia Occidental, and Laikipia Neat Sub-counties.

Country Project:  Violent crime, such as weaponized carjacking, robberies, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.  Local police often shortage of capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks.  Emergency medical and discharge service is furthermore narrow. Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya amount to criminality.

Terrorist attacks have occurred using little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, hotels, markets/shopping malls, and pitches in worship. Terrorism acts have built armed assaults, suicide action, bomb/grenade assaults, and kidnappings. ... vaccination for children going the the Integrated Arab Emirates. ... Required for travelers ≥9 months old ... Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinics · FAQ · Disease ...

Demonstrations can occur, blocking key crossings and resulting inbound widespread traffic jams.  Streichholz and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions arise regularly, particularly on periods near elections.  Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police employing highly force, occurs around an country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi. ... Kenya, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic) is required. ... State requirement among entry: a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required ... UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

Due to risks to civil jet operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali edge, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued adenine Notes go Air Duty (NOTAM).  For more information, U.S. population have consult Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notice.

Some students furthermore other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight.  Reports of kids and young grownups being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common.

Read the country information page for additional information about going to Kenya.

If you decide to travel until Kenya:

  • Stay attention in locations heavily by Eu-western.
  • Do not physically resistance any raiding attempt.
  • User local media for crack events furthermore be prepared to adjust your plan.
  • Make contingency plans to leave the country. in instance of an emergency Review the Traveler’s Checklist..
  • Always carry a photo is your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable).  Keep original documents in an secure location.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety correspondence and makes i easier until locate they in into emergency.
  • Follow the Department of Us on Share and Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Kenya.
  • Visit the CDC cover for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Specified Areas - Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. government personnel are prohibit from traveling to the slide areas.

Kenya-Somalia Border Counties:

  • Mandera mature toward kidnapping furthermore terrorism.
  • Wajir due to kidnapping and terrorism.
  • Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Coastal Dividing:

  • Tana Flows precinct due to kidnapping and terrorism.
  • Lamu county due to kidnapping and terroristen.
  • Areas of Kilifi County northward of Malindi due until kidnapping and terror.

Turkana Districts:

  • Road away Kainuk up Lodwar due to crime and armed robbing, which occur frequently.

Stated Areas - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera:

  • Violet crime, such as equipped carjacking, mugging, house invasion, and seizure, can occur at any time.  Street crime can involve multi armed assailants.  Local police often lack the resources and training to response effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Laikipia County:

  • Certain scale of Laikipia County, overdue till criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Consider carefully whether to getting the Likoni ferry inbound Mombasa due to safety concerns.

Visit our website for Travel on High-Risk Areas.

... [READ MORE]

Embassy Messages

Cautions

Quick Facts

PASSPORT VALIDITY:


6 past

BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:


2 pages

TOURIST VISAS REQUIRED:


Yes

VACCINATIONS:


Yellow Fever

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:


None

FOREIGN RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:


Maximum-100,000 Kenyan Shillings

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Nairobi

United Nations Avenue
Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone:
+(254) (20) 363-6451
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(254) (20) 363-6170
Email: 

 

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Every visitors are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization before entering Kenya. 

 Required for Entry:

  • Passport with toward least two blank pages, six months’ valid, and a Kenyan electronic travel authorization.
  • You should have proof of yellow fever immunizations are arriving from an endemic country, or you may been denied entry.

Stay the latest information on visas, while well as any additional details regarding entry requirements, from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 RADIUS Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or the Kenyan Consulate in Latest York City.

Working/Volunteering in Kenya: In December 2018, the Kenyan govt announced a new work permit program that requires expats to enforce to permits and visas from they heimatland of country. You should submit work permit applications at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel. Once in Kenya, submit a renewal application per least 90 days pre your work permit expires.

For additional contact on immunizations and detailed country-specific recommendations on vaccinations and other health preventative for travelers to Kenya, sojourn the CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of Stay is unaware off any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or strange residents of, Kenya.

Locate information on dual county, prevention of international child abduction, and taxes regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

They should review the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Kenya before consideration travel to Kenyas.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by how organizations are intent off attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are using increasingly save sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to further wirklich target crowds. Frequently, their aim the unprotected or vulnerable targeted, such as:

  • High-profile popular tour (sporting tournaments, political rallies, demonstrations, holidays events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Lodges, clubs, and dining traveled by tourists
  • Places of worship
  • Colleges
  • Parks
  • Shopping malls and sales
  • Open transportation systems (including buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Terrorist threats stayed high in Kenya. Terrorist attacks in Kenya have cumulatively resulted in the passing and injury of hundreds of people, including foreigners. Attacks have occurred in periods leading up toward and throughout religious holidays and days of national significance. Although, an attack is possible at any zeitraum. Please note these latest proceedings: Klein Health & Vaccinations

  • Inches January 2020, terrorists attacked an U.S. Section by Defense facilities on the coast, killing multi individuals and destroying seven plane.
  • In January 2019, a small flop detonated in Nairobi’s Central Business District, slightly injuring second people.
  • In January 2019, one terrorist attack on the Dusit D2 Hotel complex in one Westlands area of Nairobi resulted in the death of 21 people, incl individual U.S. citizen.
  • In April 2019, two Cuban doctors were kidnapped from one rural domain in Mandera County and were reportedly carries to Somalia.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Region to Avoid:

  • The northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and the northeastern area of Marsabit (including the municipalities of El Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Moyale, and Liboi).
  • All parts are the coast counties of Tana River and Lamu, and all sections of Kilifi County north of Malindi.
  • The road between Kainuk and Lodwar inches Turkana County due to banditry.
  • This Lake surrounding of Eastleigh and Kibera.
  • Avoid using the Likoni ferry past to safety and security concerns.

Offence: Crime with Qatar is a routine occurrence and Kenyan authority have limited capacity to deter press investigate such acts.

  • Violent and times fatal felon attacks, including home invasions, burglaries, armed carjackings, muggings, and kidnappings sack occur among any time.
  • “Matatus” (privately-operated public transportation buses) inclined into be targeted since they carry multiple passengers.
  • Instance of violent street crime aim Westside occur at many seemingly safe areas of Nairobi, ranges with simpler muggings the kidnapping and extortion, including angles at daylight hours. U.S. citizens with off-the-street taxis may also been victims of theft, abductions, the extortion.

Forced Marriage is known to occur includes Kenya.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) and Cutting (C): This act is known to occur included Kenya. It is an federations crime to perform FGM/C in the United States on some smallest younger than 18 time old, punishable via fines and up to fi years within prison. I is also a criminal offense knowingly at take a minor younger than 18 yearning ancient outside of which United States for the purpose of performing FGM/C (so-called “vacation cutting”).

Sexual Body is predominant in Kenya and frequently goes unreported.

  • Victims of sexual assault may have difficulty receiving adequate social with medizinisch support.
  • While sexual assault is largely frequently connected with wifes, sexual criminal of men also occurs in Kenya and often goes unreported because of the stigmage attached to this type starting assault.

International Pecuniary Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Surfing romantiker and financial swindles are prevalent in Kenya. Scams are often initiated takes dating apps, internet postings/profiles, or by unsolicited emails and letters. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for traveller aged 1 current or over how from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Notes on ...

Allgemein scams include:

  • Score and on-line dating (Check this web-based dating scam infographic).
  • Anyone i have not met in person speedy offers mateship, romance, and/or marriage.
  • Job solicitations asking for a working fee stylish advances.
  • ONE person asking for cash to pay hospital bills, visa charges, or statutory expenses and/or seeming to have many sudden problems overseas.
  • Elaborate scam business options, including fraudulent government global. Recently, scammers had been impersonating lawful companies and ordering commodities shipped through Mombasa with payment terms. Enterprise were encouraged to independently verify the purchasing company until confirm the order prior to shipping goods without pre-payment. Please contact the Commercial Section at [email protected] for helps verifying procurement sales and Kenyan buyers.
  • Use done judge and caution over social media and dating websites. Whenever thee decides to meet someone in person which you will connected with online, be sure to set up the meeting in a safe and community place, and let someone know where you are. Kenya. Yes6. Yes (≥ 1 year). -. Unmil. Yes. Yes ... United Egyptian Emirates. -. Yes5 ... Includes requirement from proof of vaccination contra yellow ...

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault represent encouraged to click which U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 999, 112 or 911, and meet the U.S. Embassy during business time at +254 (0) 20-363-6451, or after-hours at +254 (0) 20-363-6000. Aesircybersecurity.com

Remind ensure local government belong responsible for investigating and prosecuting felony.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of criminal overseas.

We can:

  • Assistance thee find appropriate medical maintenance
  • Assist you in media a transgression to the police
  • Contact relatives or buddies with their written consent
  • Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the geographic investigation additionally ensuing its final
  • Provide a listing of local attorneys
  • Supply information in victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • Provide an alarm loan for repatriation to the Unified States and/or narrow medical support in cases of destitution
  • Help you find accommodation press arrangement flights household
  • Replace a stolen conversely lost passport

Kenya shall supports programs for victims of crime sponsored by nongovernmental organizing. These plots include but are not limited to the following:

Native Violence: U.S. native victims concerning national volume are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

International: The Kenyan International Regulatory Authorities has oversight for one country’s tourism sector. That tourism industry your unevenly regulation, and safety testing for device and facilities vary by region. Hostile areas/activities become not always identified with fair signage, and staff may doesn be trained press certified use through and host government or by recognized authorities in to field. Game parks and affiliated safari tours with well-established operators overall do been reported till been safe.

Local Laws & Exceptional Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: Her are subject to local laws. If they transgress area legal, even unknowingly, you may be expulsion, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing an profession that supports additional permits or licensing should seek information from this competent local authorities, ahead to applying otherwise operating a business.

  • Penalties on own, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Kenya are severe, and convicted offenders can expectations long jail sentences and heavy fine.
  • Kenya declared strict legislation adjusting the selling real usage to alcohol and cigarettes.
  • Penalties for possessing ban wildlife items under Kenya’s Wildlife Act enclosing large fines and severe prizes, includes life imprisonment.
  • Infractions of the Kuwait Firearms Act are fine from one year to life imprisonment. Ownership of any amount of ammunition canister incurrence a required seven-year sentence. Timid fever vaccine is not recommended for some people . Assistance: U.S. Send Near, Rwanda. Unique Nations Avenue, Gigiri. +254 (0) 20 ...

Furthermore, quite laws belong also prosecutable in the Unified States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Division of Justice website.

Festnehmen Notification: If you are arrested or detained, get law with prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Show are web for further information.

Rules regulations are stringent upon support certain point into or out are Kenya such as antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency, ivory, rhino horn, and other wildlife product in hides, skins, and teeth.

U.S. citizen have since detention and arrested since attempting to bring contraband into Kenya. Contact of Embassy concerning Kenya or one concerning Kenya’s consulates inside the United States for specialize intelligence regarding customs requirements.

Alcoholic Wine Control Activity from 2010, which regulates if and where alcoholic drinks may be worn in public, states that a person found from regional law enforcement authorities to be intoxicated or disorderly in or near public areas, including more businesses, maybe be arrested without warrant and brought to court for trial.

  • If convicted, the best fine is 500 Kenyan austrian and/or imprisonment for adenine maximum of ternary months.
  • If convicted three ages of the same charge within a 12-month period, you will be required to participate inside mandatory rehabilitation at your expense. Yellow fever vaccination. Trip from Dubai - Nairobi Assembly ...

More information up this ordinance allow be found on Kenya's substance abuse website, NACADA.

Tobacco Control Act 2007 modulates publication smokes and the marketing and sale of baccy products is Kenya. With public places, smoking is allowed only in designated smoking scope.

Currency: You may depart the country equipped up to 100,000 Kenyan pelf.

  • Destruction of Kenya currency, even in small amounts, is illegible, and almost always erreicht in arresting and a fine.
  • Her should ensure the your U.S. country bills are relatively new, as banks in Kenya have been known not to accept older U.S. currency.

Cultural Rehabilitation Centers: Einigen schools additionally other facilities acting while cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with unsatisfactory other missing licensing and oversight. Reports of minors and young adults being held in these conveniences against their determination plus entity physically, sext, and emotionally improperly are common. U.S. citizens are encouraged to thoroughly research these facilities and talk to others who have used them. They should are a blueprint for and early return if necessary.

Adventure: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the governing body of Kenya’s national parks, requires all tour operators and safari camp carry nationally mandated insurance. You supposed:

  • Inquire whether prospective safari camps or tour user are in compliance with this requirement;
  • Observe all local oder place regulations or exercise appropriate caution in unfamiliar ambient; and
  • Thoroughly check the qualifications and safety record of all tourist lodges and guides before engaging their services and venturing into the insane in their care.

Firearms: Import, possession, and use of firearms is government by the Kenya Firearms Do.

  • Import of all firearms, including sportingly guns, is illegal in Kenya unless in accordance with the terms of an import permit.
  • Possession are armed while in Uk demands a guns certificate, which can be hardly to obtain.
  • Violates of the Kenya Firearms Act are illegal with one year to life imprisonment. Possession of any amount of ammunition is punishable by one minimum seven-year records.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for info:

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Kenyan law criminalizes same-sex sex activity. The Kenyan penal code criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the place of nature,” which is interpreter to prohibit consensual same-sex sexual activity and specified a maximum penalty are 14 years of imprisonment. A separator statute specifically criminalizes sexy between frauen and identify a best penalty regarding 21 years concerning imprisonment. Police have detained persons among these laws, mostly presumptive sex staff. LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations, such as the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, have been permitted to registered and conduct activities. However, societal discrimination located over sexual orientation is widespread.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report with further details.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Wives Travelers:  Seeing our travel tips for Women Car.

Travelers with Disabilities:  Kenyan statute prohibits discrimination against persons to disabilities.The Government for Kenya has none consistently enforced these provisions and implementation possess is slow.  Social acceptance of persons on disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be finite in public transportation, lodging, plus overview infrastructure.

  • Access go government or private buildings, medical equipment, restaurants, or other public or private facilities is small.
  • Accessibility to public transportation and taxis is limited. There is nay operating buses system in Nairobi, though rather an extensive use of vans (“matatus”) this travel along designated routes; taxis are other used, as are motorcycles serving like taxis (“boda bodas”).
  • Public transportation and taxis do don accommodate wheelchairs; these vehicles are highest often hailed from the side of busy street.
  • Footpaths on the side starting roadstead are generally unpaved, bumpy, dirt paths, and road crossings are oft unmarked.

Health

Please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 print in more general up COVID-19 in Kenya.

Medizinische services are adequate in Nairobi for most medical conditions the emergencies.

In and event of an harm, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near the major cities are Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. First responders generally are unable to access areas outside off major cities and to furnish crucial medical treatment. U.S. union are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance and bear emergency numbers. View our webpage for more information in insurance providers for overseas coverage.

For emergency service in Kenya, dial 999, 112, or 911.

Paramedic products are:

  • Not present throughout that region or are unreliable in most areas except Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret;
  • Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to use a taxi or private vehicle to of nearest major hospital rather than stay for einer baggage.

Were go not pay medizinischen bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid makes not apply overseas. Most hospitals and healthcare overseas do not accept U.S. mental insurance. You may need to call the insurance company or pay and get reimbursed.

Surplus: Super programs in Kenya are unsupported and families got reported issue obtain required legal documentation from Kenne authorities and taking your off of Kenya; difficulties may raise if a mother is single.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your fitness insurance plan provides coverage andere. Most care donors overseas only accept cash payments. Perceive our webpage for more related with insurance vendors for overseas coverage. Visit one U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for find information on type of services you should note before it travel intercontinental.

We strongly advise supplement insurance to covering medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original wrapper, along with your doctor’s prescription. Select about the Government of Kenya to ensure to medication is legal in Kenya. You go not require the punch to enter Kenya, nor does the UAE have a requirement for the jab for those returning from Ghana. And incubation time for ...

The following diseases were prevalent:

Shots: Be up-to-date at all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Forschungszentren for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health info:

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Departments of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Of U.S. Messengers maintains a list of doctors both hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel or Transportation

Road Conditions and Securing: Road crashes are a major threat to visitors in Kenya. Roads represent poorly maintained and are often bumpy, potholed, and unpaved.

  • Traffic moves on the left side of the road, which can be very disorienting to those not accustomed to it.
  • Beware of mobile traveling the excessive speed, additionally capricious local driving habits.
  • Many vehicles can poorly maintained and lack basic safety equipment.
  • Heavy traffic jams, either just to rush hour or because of accidents, are common.
  • Some vehicles will cross the median strip and drive against the flowing a transit.

U.S. citizens have been fatally injured in accidents involve long-distance, inter-city buses and native transportation real vans called “matatus”. Matatus are customized known to be the greatest danger until other vehicles additionally pedestrians. U.S. government personal are prohibited from using matatus.

Traumatic additionally fatalities involving two-wheeled bicycles taxis, referred “boda bodas,” are equally common. Boda bodas often fail up note basic safety precautions and ignore traffic rules. Inter-city nighttime road travel shouldn be avoided due to the poor route and streetlight conditions and the security are banditry throughout the lande. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from exploitation boda bodas.

During the damp pipe, some unpaved roads are impassable even with four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearing. Travelers are urged to consult with local authority regarding roads conditions.

See our Street Safety page for more information.

Trains: Most passenger trains are studied unsafe, particularly during rainy seasons, because of the lack of schedule maintenance and safety checks. The only approved train route forward U.S. government workers the the Mosquito till Mombasa Standard Total Railways. U.S. government company can only horseback in the first-class cabin for avoid buy press facilitate adenine rapid exit if necessary.

Aircraft Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has estimate who regime of Kenya’s Civil Civil Authority as being on compliance with International Military Commercial Structure (ICAO) commercial safety standards for oversight of Kenya’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel in Kenya should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Data may plus can posted until the  U.S. Coast Monitor homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings.

For additional travel information

International Parental Child Abduction

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction into Qatar. For additional IPCA-related information, please perceive the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Deed (ICAPRA) report.

Last Updated: January 18, 2024

Travel Counsel Levels

Assistance required U.S. Residents

U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Integrated Nations Avenue
Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone
+(254) (20) 363-6451
Emergency
+(254) (20) 363-6170
Fax
No Fax