Visa & health FAQs

Kenya replaced most visas with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Most visitors must apply online before travelling, at the official site etakenya.go.ke. Citizens of many African countries are exempt. Rules change, so check the official site for your passport before you book flights.

Apply once your flights are booked, ideally at least two weeks before you travel. Only use the official government website; other sites may charge extra.

At least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least one blank page for stamps.

You need a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever. Vaccination is also often recommended for parts of Kenya. Ask a travel clinic about your exact route.

Yes, in many areas including the coast and some safari parks; the risk is lower in Nairobi and the highlands. See a doctor or travel clinic 4–6 weeks before you go about antimalarial tablets, and use repellent and long sleeves in the evenings.

Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date. Travel clinics commonly recommend hepatitis A and typhoid, and sometimes others depending on your trip. Your doctor will advise based on your health and itinerary.

Drink bottled or filtered water. We provide drinking water in the vehicle on safari, and most lodges provide filtered water.

Yes, we strongly recommend it. Make sure it covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation. Some travellers also take a temporary membership with a local air ambulance service for extra peace of mind.

Millions of visitors travel to Kenya's parks and coast every year without problems. As anywhere, use common sense in cities, and check your government's travel advice before you go. On safari you are with your guide, who stays in touch with our Nairobi team throughout.