Visiting Kenya

Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for travellers who require one. Many travellers are exempt, including citizens of East African Community partner states and nationals of a number of other countries. Check your nationality and eligibility on the official Kenya eTA website before travelling and apply there if an eTA is required.

A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have recently transited, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria risk is present across much of the country, including parts of the western highlands, and is lowest in central Nairobi and at high altitude — a travel clinic can advise on prophylaxis for your specific route, ideally six to eight weeks before you fly.

The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). M-Pesa is widely used throughout Kenya for everyday payments, including taxis, shops, restaurants and bills, alongside cash and cards. Visitors can register for it with a local SIM and a passport.

Cards work in hotels, malls, supermarkets and safari lodges. Kenya Wildlife Service park entry is paid electronically through KWSPay, with payment methods including M-Pesa, Visa card and bank transfer. Still carry some cash for small purchases and tips. ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities.

Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) is the main gateway, with Moi International (MBA) serving Mombasa. Between the two cities, the SGR Madaraka Express train is comfortable and good value; express services take roughly six hours and the intercounty stopping service longer. Timetables and fares change, so check the operator before you plan around it, and book ahead — especially around holidays.

Ride-hailing apps operate in major cities and are often a convenient option for visitors. Matatus — shared minibuses — are the backbone of local transport and very cheap, though crowded and confusing at first. For safari circuits most people either fly to airstrips on small aircraft or travel with a driver-guide.

Nairobi traffic is heavy in both morning and evening peaks. Budget far more time than the distance suggests.

Mobile data is widely available in populated areas, although coverage and pricing vary by operator and location. A prepaid SIM or eSIM from a Kenyan operator, bought with your passport at the airport or an operator shop, is much cheaper than roaming.

Electricity is 240 V, 50 Hz, using the UK-style three-pin Type G plug. Bring an adapter if you are coming from Europe or the Americas. Power reliability varies by location and property, and some accommodation providers have backup generators or solar power.

English and Kiswahili are both official languages, and English is widely used in business, signage and education, so most visitors manage easily. A few Kiswahili words go a long way: jambo or habari for hello, asante for thank you, pole pole for slowly. Greetings matter — it is normal to greet someone properly before asking a question.

January–February and much of June–September are generally drier in many popular safari areas, while March–May is the main Long Rains period over much of Kenya. Conditions vary significantly by region and year, so check the weather page and current forecasts when planning your trip.

Next: ten things to sort out before you travel.