Kenya

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kenya set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kenyan High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Kenya, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel. The local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure.

Travellers who currently hold a visa can continue to travel using their visa until it expires.

For information on work permits and residency, check the Kenyan Department of Immigration requirements.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Kenya, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kenya guide.

Ebola screening

Travellers arriving in Kenya, particularly those coming from Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), may be subject to enhanced health screening measures due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak centred in the DRC. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kenya. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking drones into Kenya

It is illegal to import or export drones without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Contact the KCAA well in advance of travel if you wish to bring a drone to Kenya.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Kenya

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

Kenya Tourism Federation

Kenya Tourism Federation’s Safety and Communication Center provides tourist advice and emergency help.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Kenya
• dealing with a death in Kenya
• being arrested or imprisoned in Kenya
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• getting help if you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault in Kenya
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Kenya on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.