Travel Information
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (eTA) REQUIREMENT
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller. eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
- Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya.
- Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
- All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
- All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
- Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government’s official website to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.
How To Apply For the Electronic travel Authorization (eTA)
- Visit www.etakenya.go.ke
- Click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions
- Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly
- Submit the application
- An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you
- An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you
- Upon decision by Immigration officer, an email confirming Approval / Refusal will be sent to you
- If your application has been approved, please either print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, OR download the document to your mobile device OR save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorisation that needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points.
- If your application has been denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya for the moment.
- Please contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details.
- You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://www.etakenya.go.ke
You are only allowed to travel after your application has been approved by the Government of Kenya.
It is a requirement that all our clients travelling to Africa should have travel insurance which includes cover for medical treatment.
Emergency air evacuation is optional and we can help you get covered with Amref Flying Doctors
HEALTH ADVICE FOR KENYA
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya unless you are arriving from an area infected with Yellow Fever, in which case a Certificate of Inoculation against Yellow Fever is required from travellers older than one year. Visitors coming from other countries in Africa where Yellow Fever may occur, including Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda, require a Yellow Fever certificate.
Some countries, including Australia, Bahrain, China, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Rwanda, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda require arriving visitors from Kenya or elsewhere in East Africa to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. So if you are travelling to one of these countries after a stay in Kenya then you need to have a Yellow Fever certificate.
Other recommended vaccinations include Typhoid, Hepatitis and Polio but you should consult a qualified medical practitioner for more detailed advice taking into account your own personal situation .
Anti-malarial medication is considered essential. Anti-malarial drugs should be taken prior to arrival and should be continued for 4 weeks after leaving Kenya. It is also advisable to try and avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evening.
There are good hospitals in the main towns of Kenya while the rural areas have small health centres where one can get basic first aid. It is absolutely essential that all visitors carry some form of medical insurance to cater for any eventualities. There is an excellent Flying Doctor service in Kenya in the event of a medical emergency, while on safari away from the urban centres. Hotels and lodges supply clean drinking water but whenever in doubt, please drink only bottled mineral water (which is available in hotels and safari camps). Drinking water from the tap is to be avoided.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Update on Travel to Kenya
1. All travelers arriving into the country through any point of entry shall no longer be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
2. Only travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form on the ‘jitenge’ platform: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/. They will also be required to take a COVID19 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. Those who turn out positive for antigen test will be required to take a further COVID-19 PCR test at their own cost. Those with severe symptoms shall thereafter be allowed to isolate as per the prevailing isolation requirements for mild, moderate and severe disease.
3. Passengers traveling out of the country will be required to abide by the particular travel, health and COVID-19 related requirements of the transit and destination country.
4. Pre-departure RDT or PCR testing may be considered at the discretion of any of the airlines departing from or terminating in Kenya
CLIMATE IN KENYA
The climate in Kenya varies across the country, from the tropical humidity of the coast, the dry heat of the savannah or semi-arid areas and the cool air of the highlands. Temperatures in these areas are fairly constant year round with an average of 27°C (80°F) at the coast, 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) in the hinterland, while in Nairobi and the highlands over 5,000 ft, the daytime temperatures normally range between 19°C and 24°C (66°F to 75°F).
Most parts of the country experience two rainy seasons: the ‘long rains’ falling over a ten week period between April and June, and the ‘short rains’ over a five week period between November and December. The rain tends to fall mainly at night and is usually a short and heavy tropical downpour.
Rain may occasionally fall outside of the normal rainy seasons in Kenya.
Please note that in the highland areas north of Nairobi it may get extremely chilly at night or in the early mornings – especially June, July, August when temperatures can be very much colder – so it is recommended that visitors ensure that they pack some items of warm clothing.
Latest weather forecasts from the Kenya Meteorological Department
KENYA CURRENCY, CREDIT CARD AND BANK INFORMATION
Currency: Kenya shillings (Kshs)
Approximate Exchange Rate:
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Kshs 162 to £1 GBP
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Kshs 129 to $1 US Dollar
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Kshs 134 to 1 Euro
For latest Kshs exchange rates see Today’s Exchange Rate
All the major Credit cards are widely accepted in the city hotels, city restaurants and city shops but this may not be the case in the rural areas. A commission charge is normally added to any transactions using a credit card. Travellers cheques may be cashed in a bank but this may be a somewhat lengthy process. The smaller safari lodges and camps or rural hotels may not all accept travellers cheques or credit cards and where they do they may give an unfavourable exchange rate or add a surcharge, so it is recommended that you obtain whatever local currency you may need on safari in advance by drawing cash from an ATM at a bank in Nairobi using a VISA card.
Banking Hours:
Monday to Friday: 09.00-14.00 (16.30 in the major cities). The airport banks are open until midnight every day. Banks typically give a better exchange rate than hotels and we recommend you change some money at the bank upon arrival. In Nairobi, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has a bank located in the corner of the arrivals hall. ATM cash machines are available at Nairobi airport and in most major towns allowing cash to be drawn using an international Visa card with a P.I.N.
M-PESA :
When venturing into Kenya, one of the most transformative tools at your disposal is M-Pesa. This mobile money service has redefined financial interactions for locals and travelers alike.
With local transactions, the hassle of international fees is eliminated, enhancing cost efficiency. Moreover, the local SIM card provides internet access for navigation, communication, and accessing online resources. Most importantly, transactions are safeguarded by the authentication measures inherent to the local SIM, ensuring security and peace of mind throughout the journey.For a smooth and connected travel experience in Kenya, M-Pesa and a local SIM card are essential companions.
What to pack for a Safari
It is advisable to travel light
The 10 essentials:
Sun protection cream and sunglasses
Kenya is a country that is located on the equator, which means that the sun hits in a more direct way and you literally “burn” if you do not protect your skin with a good high factor sunscreen. The same happens with the eyes, we recommend wearing good sunglasses and if they are polarized much better.
Comfortable clothes
During safaris many kilometers are made, you spend practically the whole day in the vehicle. It is best to wear clothes that you feel comfortable with, as if we were going to the field or for a walk. Kenya is a warm country, it is not necessary to bring a coat but we do recommend putting a sweater or jacket in your suitcase because during the morning nights it cools a little in Nairobi and in the Natural Parks, about 15, 16 degrees Celsius. A cap or hat is also highly recommended to protect us from the sun and avoid getting sunstroke.
It is also advisable to bring a light raincoat as it can rain at any time
Adapter type G
It is convenient to carry an adapter to be able to charge all the batteries for cameras, mobile phones, laptops … If you don’t have an adapter, you can buy it at any supermarket in Nairobi when you arrive.
Insect repellent
It is always advisable to use mosquito repellent especially at sunset. It is also recommended to use the mosquito net that is available in the hotel rooms
Basic Kit
Although both in Nairobi and in Mombasa there are very good private hospitals, and all accommodations have their first aid kits, it never hurts to carry a small dispensary that carries painkillers, antibiotics, antidiarrheals … Also remember to pack any medication that you take regularly
Reusable water bottle
It is not allowed to carry disposable plastic bottles in the National Parks. The use of plastic bags is also not allowed in the country.
Passport
It is recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport
It is also convenient to have a digital copy on your mobile phone to check-in at hotels.
Photo camera
Bring a good photographic equipment if you can because the photos that you can take on a safari in Kenya are simply spectacular.
Binoculars
When doing safaris, you are not always going to have the animals within an inch of your nose, so if you want to see them in detail, it is highly advisable to bring binoculars. I can assure you that to see some animals, such as the leopard that is almost always at the top of the trees, makes a difference.
And last but very important….
A good dose of good humour and an adventurous spirit. Hakuna Matata !!