Going to Kenya – entry formalities and health matters

When you travel to Kenya, you should remember a few formalities related to entry and to your health and safety while you are there.

How do you get a visa for Kenya?

First of all, remember to get a visa. The procedure itself is simple and goes very smoothly.

On https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/ you can apply for a visa for yourself and your family. The visa costs 51 USD for adults. You pay for it online. The forms are simple, so you don't need to use intermediaries who charge extra fees. (If you are travelling with us and need help filling in the form, get in touch and we'll guide you.)

For the visa you will need photos of yourself and of your passport, your arrival and departure dates and places, and your hotel booking confirmation. The visa itself is granted within a dozen or so hours. But don't leave it to the last minute. Without it you won't board the plane.

Apart from the visa, check the current Covid-19 requirements. At the moment (as of Q1 2023) Kenya requires 2 vaccine doses (or 1 dose of Johnson&Johnson) or a negative Covid test.

Beyond these simple formalities, many travellers ask about required/recommended vaccinations and preventive tablets.

Which vaccinations for Kenya?

We are not medical advisers, and most travellers use common sense here. Talk to your doctor about vaccinations and the details of protecting your health during the trip.

What you should prepare for and protect yourself against is the chance of meeting mosquitoes that can carry malaria, which is why many of our travellers bring Mugga repellent and take Malarone as a preventive measure.

Ask your doctor how best to make sure your trip is healthy and safe.

Travel insurance for Kenya

Medical care for tourists in Kenya can be very expensive, so we suggest taking out travel insurance before you leave.

If you don't have your own broker yet to advise you on the best insurance, we recommend Barbara Broda (604 255 789), whom many of our travellers work with. The small cost of insurance lets you enjoy your trip with peace of mind!