Travel Summary
- There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Previous attacks have included a bomb attack on a hotel, which resulted in significant loss of life, and an unsuccessful attempt to bring down a civilian airliner in Mombasa, both in November 2002.
- We advise against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels. See the crime section of this advice.
- We advise against all but essential travel to within 30 kilometres of Kenya's border with Somalia. There have been recent attacks by Somali militia into Kenya and the recent kidnapping of three aid workers in July and of two Western nuns in November 2008. See the Terrorism section of this advice.
- Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. See the Sea Travel section of this Travel Advice.
- 123,322 British Nationals visited Kenya in 2008 (Source: Kenya Tourist Board). 114 British nationals required consular assistance in Kenya in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident, deaths (29 cases), hospitalisations (22 cases), and arrests, for a variety of offences (41 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (127 cases).
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. While there have not been any terrorist attacks in Kenya since 2002, we know that Al-Qaeda has the potential to carry out attacks against Western targets. The leadership of Al-Shabaab, a Somalia based Islamist insurgency group, have publicly threatened to attack Kenya should the Kenyan government provide support to the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Somalia interests in Kenya may also be targeted.The most recent attacks in Kenya include:
- A suicide car bomb attack on a hotel near Mombasa on 28 November 2002, in which at least 15 people died.
- An unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Israeli charter plane on the same day.
In July 2009, three aid workers were kidnapped from the Kenyan border town of Mandera and taken into Somalia. In November 2008 armed groups based in Somalia crossed into Kenya near the town of El Wak and kidnapped two Western nuns. It is not known why the aid workers or the nuns were targeted. Any travel to remote areas or border regions could put you at risk of being the target of attacks or kidnappings.
You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
For further information see our Terrorism Abroad page.
Crime
There are incidents of car-jacking and armed robbery involving foreign nationals in and around Nairobi.
You should remain vigilant at all times, particularly at night and on the roads that link Nairobi city centre to residential areas. You should avoid stopping at the side of the road and should drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times.
Cases of kidnapping have increased recently in Nairobi and some other major towns. Some have been opportunist crimes linked to car-jackings, while others appear to have been more organised. A resident British citizen was kidnapped on 29 October 2009 and two other recent incidents involved resident European nationals. Although there is no evidence of the expatriate community being specifically targeted, both resident and visiting British citizens should remain vigilant at all times. See the Terrorism section of this advice for the British Government's policy on concessions to hostage takers including payment of ransoms.
Muggings and armed attacks by gangs can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Avoid walking around after dark as attacks can occur anywhere, but especially in isolated areas such as empty beaches. There have been a number of armed attacks on golf courses around Nairobi, be extra vigilant while playing in remote areas away from the Club House of any golf courses. Be alert at all times. Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged. Only stay in tourist camps with good perimeter security. If in doubt, seek advice from your tour operator or the Kenya Tourist Federation (Tel: + 254 20 604730). Do not carry valuables or wear jewellery in public places. Do not carry credit cards or cash cards unless you must: people have been forced by thieves to withdraw cash. Beware of thieves posing as police officers; always ask to see identification.
In August 2009 a British resident was attacked and killed near Voi. Another British resident was killed in Thika in October and one in Nairobi in November. Two British visitors were killed during their stay in Mombasa in October.
We advise against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels. Such areas include, but are not limited to, Kibera, Mathare, Huruma, Kariobangi and Kawangware.
We advise against all but essential travel to within 30 kilometres of the border with Somalia. There remains a high threat of clashes between the Kenyan military and armed Somali groups along the border. There have been recent attacks on the border town of Mandera by Somali militias.
Incidents of armed car-hijackings are more prevalent in Nairobi and Mombasa but can occur in any area of the country. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands (See Local Travel for more information).
You should take precautions for your personal and vehicle safety and travel in convoy in remote areas.
If you are involved in any security incident you should insist with both the Kenyan authorities and your tour operator that the British High Commission be informed straight away.
For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.
Political Situation
Kenya Country Profile
On 13 April 2008 President Kibaki announced a Grand Coalition cabinet bringing to an end weeks of negotiation following the signing of a power-sharing agreement on 28 February. However tension in Kenya remains, particularly in parts of Rift Valley and Central Province, which received large influxes of Kenyans displaced in the post-election violence.
Local Travel
Large public gatherings and demonstrations occur from time to time and should be avoided. Any rallies, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent. You should check local media reports for information on future demonstrations.
Rural areas, and in particular the arid north and north eastern parts of Kenya experience sporadic cattle rustling, banditry and ethnic clashes which regularly cause fatalities. Whilst foreigners are not usually the targets of localised violence and banditry, travel in the north and north east should only be undertaken with care and after seeking the advice of the police and in convoy with at least two vehicles to ensure back-up. You should be alert and avoid demonstrations and gatherings of people in these areas, which could turn violent.
Most visits to game reserves and other tourist areas are trouble-free. Since May 2009 there has been an influx of armed herdsmen with large numbers of cattle into some game parks. Operations by the authorities to remove them, particularly in the Shaba and Buffalo Springs reserves in the Isiolo area of Eastern Province, have given rise to tension and resultant insecurity in the area. Whilst there is no evidence that tourists are deliberately targeted, there have been isolated incidents of tourists being caught in clashes. There have also been reports of bandits attacking vehicles travelling on the road from Isiolo to Archer's Post towards the reserves. Travellers planning to use this road should travel in convoy or by air.
Robberies of visitors to other game parks, including the Masai Mara have also occasionally been reported. A robbery within the park on 8 October 2009 involved two British nationals. Security at camps within the Masai Mara has been stepped up as a result of recent incidents. If you wish to visit reserves you should use reputable tour operators and arrive at your destination in daylight hours. You are advised not to buy safari tours from touts but only through reputable agencies or from your hotel. You should always follow park regulations and wardens' advice, but be aware that there are risks associated with viewing wildlife, particularly on foot or at close range. Bathing in rivers and lakes is forbidden National Parks and is best avoided elsewhere due to the dangers from both wildlife and from water-borne diseas.
The area of Mount Elgon in Western Kenya (next to the Ugandan border) has been the site of armed clashes since December 2006. A large-scale security operation in early 2008 has stabilised the area but a large security force presence remains and there continues to be a risk of further incidents. You should seek local advice if intending to travel in the area of Mount Elgon.
The border with Somalia has been closed since 3 January 2007. In addition landmines have in the past been used in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border at this point should stay on the A2, avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo, and travel directly to Marsabit Town before breaking the journey.
If you visit Lamu Island, do so by air if possible. This is for security reasons and also because of the bad road conditions. Buses and other vehicles on the road to Lamu have been attacked by armed robbers in the past and overland travel from Lamu to Malindi should only be undertaken in an armed police convoy.
Road Travel
An UK Driving Licence is sufficient in Kenya for up to three months. For stays of longer than three months a Kenyan driving licence is required. Only hire vehicles from reputable companies.
Take care if driving, especially at night, as road conditions and driving standards are often poor. You are advised to avoid driving at night wherever possible.
There have been a number of serious accidents involving Kenyan long-distance bus services. Vehicles are often poorly maintained, and driven at excessive speed even on poorly maintained roads. Check with any bus operator on the standards they observe before using this form of transport. Another common form of public transport is the matatu, usually a minibus plying a specific route. Though very cheap to use, matatus are notorious for being poorly maintained, badly driven and in some instances do not have proper insurance cover. There are frequent reports of matatus being hijacked, or of passengers being robbed. You are advised to think carefully before using matatus.
For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.
Rail Travel
Passenger trains run between Nairobi and Kisumu and between Nairobi and Mombasa. Quoted arrival and departure times may vary. First, second and third class compartments are available on both routes. Doors can only be locked from the inside. Passengers are advised to take care of their belongings while on the train and at the railway stations. If you are leaving your compartment, it is advisable to take your valuables with you.
Air Travel
We are concerned about the lack of security arrangements in place at Wilson airport in Nairobi. The airport is mainly used for domestic flights, including charters. Concerns have been raised with the Kenyan authorities. We continue to monitor the situation. You should remain vigilant at all times when transiting airports.
If you plan to charter a private aircraft, you are advised to check with the company's Safety Pilot about the condition of the aircraft and runways to be used. If the company has no Safety Pilot, seek another that does.
For more general information see our Airline Security page.
Sea Travel
Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Attacks of piracy and armed robbery against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin continue to affect only a very small proportion of overall shipping, but are frequent and continuing, proving successful almost exclusively against shipping which has not complied with agreed shipping industry best practice on self-defence measures, including on routing. All mariners should follow the 'Best Management Practise for the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia' (http://www.icc-ccs.org.uk/images/stories/pdfs/bmp 21-8-2009.pdf), published by the International Maritime Bureau. We urge mariners to register with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) for up to date advice and guidance on passage round the Horn of Africa - www.mschoa.org, and to plan their routing carefully so as to avoid placing themselves in unnecessary danger.
Mariners can find more general information on our River and Sea Safety page.
Local laws and customs
Although there are no strict dress codes, you should note that the coastal areas are predominantly Muslim in tradition. You should dress conservatively away from the tourist resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town, to avoid offending local sensitivities. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see travelling during ramadan.
Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited throughout Kenya. This applies to areas such as hotel grounds, lounge areas and entrances. If you wish to smoke in your hotel room please confirm first with hotel management that it is permitted. Smoking outdoors in open places, including any public street, beaches and open areas is not banned under the Act. Offences attract fines ranging from 50,000 to three million Kenya shillings and/or imprisonment for six months to three years. If in doubt about whether smoking is permitted in a certain place, it is recommended that you should check before doing so or refrain from smoking.
The use and trafficking of illegal Class A drugs in Kenya carries heavy fines and jail sentences. The penalty for possession is ten years imprisonment.
You must obtain a valid work permit before taking up any paid or volunteer work in Kenya; the penalties for not doing so can be a fine, jail or deportation depending on the nature of the offence.
The taking of photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, is not recommended and can lead to detention. If in any doubt about what a building is used for, do not photograph it or film around it.
Permission to carry any kind of firearm must be obtained from the local authorities prior to entry.
It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency whatever the denomination.
Homosexual activity is illegal in Kenya.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.
Entry requirements
Visas
Adults who hold a British passport need a visa to enter Kenya. Kenyan authorities state that you need sufficient space in your passport for your visa. If you arrive with a passport that is full you will be refused entry. We advise that you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival.
For a single entry business / holiday visa, the fee is currently $25, £20 or 20 Euros.
For a transit visa, the fee is currently $10, £10 or 10 Euros.
Children under the age of 16 who hold a British passport do not currently require a visa to enter Kenya but will receive a gratis stamp in their passport on arrival.
Visas may be obtained on arrival by air (using any of the currencies above) or in advance (using Sterling only) from the Kenya High Commission
Passport validity
You require six month's remaining validity on your passport to enter Kenya.
Airport Departure Tax
In Kenya there is an airport departure tax of 20 US Dollars. Payment is also accepted in Kenyan Shillings. This tax is normally included in the price of airline tickets but if you are unsure, you should check with the airline or travel company.
Work permits
If you are coming to live and work in Kenya, you should be aware that there can be delays in obtaining work permits. It is illegal to work without a permit and this also applies to voluntary work and to the self-employed. British nationals living in Kenya are advised to register with the British High Commission in Nairobi: Kenya: British High Commission Nairobi.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at Immigration, please contact the Kenya High Commission in London.
Health
Cholera & Malaria
Cholera and malaria occur in Kenya. The latter is found outside of Nairobi and in areas below 1,800 metres above sea level.
In March 2009 an alert was issued by the Kenyan Ministry of Health, following an outbreak of cholera. There have been thousands of cases and a significant number of deaths. The outbreak has so far affected Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, Eastern and North Eastern provinces. Cases of cholera continue to be reported in these areas. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at any time. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Kenya you should seek immediate medical attention.
HIV/AIDS
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.
General
There is a dedicated “Swine Flu” page on the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk.You should seek medical advice before travelling to Kenya and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see our Travel Health page. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice.
Natural disasters
Kenya lies on an active fault line and tremors occur from time to time. The last significant earth tremor to affect the region was a magnitude 5.2 tremor on 20 August 2007. The epicentre was 180-km south west of Nairobi.
General
Insurance
We recommend strongly that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Medical facilities, including ambulance services, outside major cities are very limited, and your insurance should cover you for the possibility of medical repatriation. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.
We advise that you leave your passport in the hotel safe, but carry a photocopy for ID purposes.
Registration with the British High Commission
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
British nationals visiting Kenya for more than a month and/or travelling to remote areas are recommended to register with the High Commission using the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s on-line consular registration service. If you are unable to access the internet you should contact the High Commission in advance or on arrival.
Advice on tourist and travel matters
There is a Safety and Communication Centre operated by the Kenya Tourism Federation which can give up to the minute advice on tourist and travel matters, road conditions etc. as well as providing help in an emergency. This can be accessed at any time by telephoning +254 20 604730 or by e-mail to: safetour@wananchi.com.
Time difference
Local time is three hours ahead of British winter time (GMT) and two hours ahead of British summer time (BST).
Money
It is unlikely that you will be able to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes in Kenya. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and the main towns. Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are widely accepted.
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