Kenya - rejseforsikringer og information

Oversigt

Capital: Nairobi (pop. 5.325 million)
Population: 57,532,493 (2025 est.)
Other Urban Areas: Mombassa (pop. 1.440 million)
Religions: Christian, Muslim
Languages: English, Kiswahili, numerous indigenous languages
Time Zone: UTC+3
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +254
Electrical plug(s): Type G

Penge

The local currency in Kenya is Kenyan shillings (KES). As of 6 October 2026 100 KES is equal to 0.77 USD. In addition to the local currency, USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at banks, exchange offices and hotels. Street money vendors should be avoided.

Travellers should be prepared to use either cash or credit or debit card to make payments. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments but cash remains the preferred payment method. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Travellers are only allowed to carry maximum of 100,000 Kenyan Shillings upon exit.

A tip of 10% is appropriate for the wait staff in restaurants. At hotels, porters may be tipped anything from 50-100 shillings, and housekeepers from 200-500 shillings per week.

Elektricitet

The power supply in Kenya is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 240V at 50Hz using plug type(s) G. While supply is usually reliable in higher-end hotels, there is the potential for disruption to electricity supplies and those utilising laptop computers and other sensitive electronic equipment may wish to consider bringing surge protection with them. This is particularly true for those travelling to outlying areas.

Pas

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Kenya. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.

Nationals of Rwanda and Uganda can enter Kenya with a valid ID.

Visaer

Travellers may qualify for a visa waiver, however this requires the completion of a security check or travel authorisation prior to departure. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Waivers

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Most travellers are allowed entry without a visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel.

Nationals of many countries are exempt from obtaining the eTA for a period not exceeding 60, 90 or 180 days, depending on their nationality or possession of other documentation. All exemptions can be found here.

Proof of insurance needs to be uploaded as part of the eTA application process before departure. Insurance can be purchased abroad provided it meets the coverage levels set by Kenyan authorities.

e-Visas

East African Tourist e-visa: Foreign nationals who hold this joint tourist visa may travel to and within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for tourism for a period of up to three months.

Lokal rejse

Overview

Road conditions are quite dangerous due to poor maintenance of vehicles and roads, as well as reckless driving. The Kisumu-Nakuru-Nairobi highway is particularly dangerous due to the high levels of crime and poor road conditions. Minibus taxis, locally known as matatus, operate on major highways between cities but should be avoided due to operators' links to organised crime syndicates. The Mombasa-Nairobi train line is modern and considered safe, however, other rail travel is not due to lack of routine maintenance and safety checks.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Located 16km (10 miles) southeast of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKJK) is the main international airport servicing Kenya. Security has been improved at the facility in recent years. Kenya’s civil aviation authority meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

The Mombasa-Nairobi Highway runs adjacent to Jomo Kenyatta Airport and links the airport to the Nairobi CBD. Rental cars are available from multiple companies operating in the arrivals area. Public and shuttle buses also operate between the airport and Nairobi city centre and are available for very cheap fares. Taxis are also available for hire and are the recommended mode of transport for foreign travellers.

Kenya Airways has a good aviation safety record and operates an extensive network of flights internationally and domestically, including to Kisumu, Malindi and Moi. Private airlines also fly light aircraft to small airstrips in the country. Aeroplanes can be chartered and are useful for transport into game parks. It is safer to consult a reputable tour operator with regard to chartering flights with private airlines.

Borders and Entry

Border closures: The border crossing between Somalia and Kenya has been partially reopened to farmers and traders after a 15-year hiatus. Kenyan President William Ruto announced that the Kenya-Somalia border will reopen, including crossings in Mandera and Garissa counties, in April, following a closure since 2011 due to security concerns linked to al-Shabaab

Security concerns: Travellers are advised to avoid travel to areas within 60km (37.2 miles) of Kenya's border with Somalia due to security concerns.

Health-related surveillance measures:

• Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry ports, effective until further notice, to prevent the entry of the disease. Moreover, travellers who have been arriving or transiting from countries affected by Ebola, namely the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, must complete a digital health declaration form before their arrival.
• Authorities are enforrcing health surveillance measures at the country’s entry points until further notice to prevent the entry of multiple diseases, namely mpox, dengue and measles.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Kenya. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Kenya might face legal and social difficulties.

Required Documents

Travel (PLF): All travellers who present symptoms must complete a health surveillance form and obtain a QR code from the Trusted Travel (TT) Initiative. Document link: https://ears.health.go.ke/international_registration/

Road Travel

Traffic in Kenya moves on the left-hand side of the road and driving can be extremely erratic. Road conditions in and around urban areas such as Nairobi are well-maintained, but roads in rural areas are potholed, unpaved, bumpy and poorly maintained.

Vehicles are old and in some cases in extreme states of disrepair. Trucks and other vehicles often break down, blocking roads and leading to long traffic jams, with drivers sometimes using the wrong side of the road to escape the clutter. Accidents are common. Travelling at night outside major cities should be avoided due to the poor condition of roads and street lights and the threat of banditry. Police checkpoints are common and all vehicles are required to stop if directed to do so. Bribes may be requested during traffic stops.

The Kisumu-Nakuru-Nairobi highway is particularly dangerous due to the high levels of crime and poor road conditions. Altitude, lack of barriers, driving techniques, condition of vehicles and weather also play a part in the highway's high-risk rating. Transit areas such as bus stops, taxi ranks and train stations are often a hub of criminal activity and caution should be exercised in these areas at all times.

During the rainy seasons (October to November, and late March to mid-June), many unpaved roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. However, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended at all times when travelling on unpaved roads as damage caused by torrential rain may not have been repaired in time for periods outside of rainy seasons.

Carjacking is a concern across the country, particularly at night. Drive defensively, with windows rolled up and car doors locked.

Rail Travel

The 480-km (300-mile) Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) provides cargo and passenger service between the two cities. The trip takes around four and a half hours. Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) also operates service on rail branches connecting Taveta and Kisumu to the passenger network. While the Mombasa-Nairobi line is modern and considered safe, other rail travel is not due to lack of routine maintenance and safety checks. Several accidents and even derailments have been reported.

Public Transport

Public transportation is generally considered unsafe. Travellers should opt for private-hire taxis or ride-hailing services.

Minibuses: A common form of public transport is the matatu, a minibus that serves a specific route. Although very cheap to use, matatus are notorious for poor maintenance and for the poor driving standards of their operators. Some do not have proper insurance cover. Passengers frequently report that they are robbed on matatus. Additionally, police frequently attempt to demand bribes from drivers on the grounds that the driver has violated one of the strict traffic laws. Discretion and caution are advised.

Taxis: Taxis are plentiful in urban areas. They may not have metres, however, so a fare should be agreed upon in advance. Taxis should not be hailed from the street due to the risk of crime; they can instead be found at taxi ranks or called directly. Ride-hailing applications, including YEGO, Bolt and Uber, are also viable options.