Before travelling.
Requirements.
If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, it’s important to know the travel requirements before you go. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your journey:
COVID-19 Requirements
Kenya has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children and young people
Travelers below the age of twelve (12) years shall be exempt from the requirements of a vaccination certificate or Pre-departure PCR test.
The rest of the travelers
All travelers above the age of 12 years arriving into Kenya through any point of entry will be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure of COVID-19 vaccination status.
If you haven’t a COVID-19 test or you have symptoms
According to face mask
Visa requirements
Passport validity
If you are visiting Kenya, your passport has to be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. You should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival.
eVisas
The Kenya eVisa is an electronic visa that allows visitors to travel to Kenya for tourist, transit, business, and other purposes. The eVisa application process is simple, secure, and convenient. Visitors can apply for their eVisa online fast and safely – anywhere and anytime – and get it within 72 hours.
The eVisa is valid for travel with 3 months from the date of issue. For tourist you will need to attach:
- Your travel itinerary
- Hotel bookings
- Return air ticket
Countries eligible for eVisa:
Passport holders traveling to the Republic of Kenya are divided into 3 categories:
- Category 1 – Nationals and Persons who do not require visas to enter Kenya;
- Category 2 – Nationals issued with Visas on application;
- Category 3 – Countries and Persons who require referred Visas.
Nationals from approximately 140 countries need to apply for an electronic visa by following an entirely online procedure. If you are a national from an eligible country, you should apply for e-Visa if you intend to have a shorter stay for any purpose from tourism, business, or medical treatment.
You can find the detailed information about every country category in the official Kenya website.
Health insurance
Traveling abroad can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected.
Health insurance is not mandatory for visitors to Kenya, but it is highly recommended for all travelers. Health insurance can protect you from unexpected medical expenses that may arise during your trip, such as costs of hospitalization, medication, surgery, or evacuation. Without health insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket for these expenses, which can be very high in some cases.
Kenya has a public health system that provides basic services to its citizens and residents, but it may not meet the standards or expectations of some travelers. The quality and availability of health care vary widely across the country, depending on the location and facility. Some areas may have limited or no access to health care at all. Private health facilities are generally better equipped and staffed, but they are also more expensive and may require upfront payment before treatment.
Travelers may also face some health risks when visiting Kenya, such as malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, rabies, dengue fever, and COVID-19. Some of these diseases can be prevented by taking appropriate precautions before and during your trip, such as getting vaccinated, taking antimalarial pills, using insect repellent, drinking bottled water, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding contact with animals. However, some diseases may still occur despite these measures, and you may need medical attention if you develop any symptoms.
Currency
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), which is divided into 100 cents. The currency code for Kenyan Shillings is KES, and the currency symbol is KSh.
Kenyan banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings – although the 10 and 20 KES notes are seldom used. Kenyan coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings and 40 and 50 cents.
When traveling to Kenya, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate between your home currency and the Kenyan Shilling. You can use an online currency converter to get an idea of what your money is worth.
It’s also important to note that while credit and debit cards are accepted at many larger hotels and restaurants in Kenya, cash is still king for smaller purchases. ATMs are available at bank branches throughout the country and usually accept international credit and debit cards.
1 USD ($) is worth around 130.9 KES.
1 EU (€) is worth around 142.7 KES.
1 GBP (£) is worth around 161.34 KES.
Culture and Etiquette
Kenya is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. The population is made up of over 40 different ethnic groups, each with its own customs and traditions. The official languages are Swahili and English, but many other languages are spoken throughout the country.
One important aspect of Kenyan culture is the importance placed on greetings. Every contact between people in Kenya starts with a greeting, even when entering a shop. Shaking hands upon meeting and departure is normal between all men present. Women shake hands with each other, but with men only in more sophisticated contexts.
In terms of dress, it’s important to be aware that while Kenya is predominantly Christian and somewhat liberal in its culture, there are areas with major Muslim influence where it is considered indecent to wear short dresses. This is also true in rural Christian areas.
When dining, it’s good to be aware of the left-hand rule: traditionally the left hand is reserved for unhygienic acts and the right for eating and touching or passing things to others.
In summary, when visiting Kenya it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Taking the time to learn about Kenyan culture and etiquette can greatly enhance your experience in this beautiful country
Summary:
Passport Visa if not from visa-free country Travel insurance Kenyan Shilling (KES) , or USD, GBP or EUR cash for exchange
