Time in Kenya

Before you travel

Ten things worth handling in the weeks before a first trip to Kenya, roughly in the order you should deal with them.

  1. 01

    Check whether you need an eTA — then apply early

    Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation is applied for online before departure, but since 2025 many nationalities are exempt. Check your passport against the official government portal, and if you do need one, apply at least a week ahead.

  2. 02

    Check your passport validity

    Six months of remaining validity beyond your travel dates is the usual requirement, along with blank pages for stamps.

  3. 03

    See a travel clinic

    Ask about yellow fever (required if you are arriving from a risk country), malaria prophylaxis — risk is present across much of Kenya, not only the coast — and routine boosters. Do this six to eight weeks out.

  4. 04

    Buy insurance that covers what you'll actually do

    Standard policies often exclude balloon flights, diving, and evacuation from remote airstrips. If your itinerary includes safari camps far from a hospital, check the medical evacuation cover specifically.

  5. 05

    Tell your bank, then plan for M-Pesa

    Cards work in hotels and malls, but daily life runs on mobile money. Registering for M-Pesa with a local SIM makes taxis, tips and small purchases far easier. National park entry is cashless and paid electronically, usually via eCitizen.

  6. 06

    Sort a SIM or eSIM

    Local data is cheap and coverage is good. Buying at the airport with your passport takes a few minutes and saves a great deal on roaming.

  7. 07

    Pack a Type G adapter

    Kenya uses 240 V and the UK-style three-pin plug. Also bring a power bank — lodges may run generators for limited hours.

  8. 08

    Pack for altitude, not for the equator

    Nairobi and the Rift Valley are cool, and dawn game drives are cold. A fleece, long trousers and a light waterproof matter more than an extra pair of shorts.

  9. 09

    Book the busy things early

    The Maasai Mara in migration season, coast hotels over Christmas and Easter, and the SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa all sell out. Check the public holiday calendar before locking dates.

  10. 10

    Set your expectations on time

    Kenya is UTC+03:00 year-round with no daylight saving, so Kenya's side never moves — the gap from home only changes when your own clocks do. Allow generously for Nairobi traffic; distances mislead.

Once you're there

Keep an eye on the current time in Kenya when arranging calls home, and see visiting Kenya for transport, money and connectivity in more detail.