Sub Saharan Africa

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• We advise against all but essential travel to coastal areas within 150km of the Somali border due to the threat of kidnapping. This includes the Lamu area. There were two attacks by armed gangs in small boats against beach resorts in this area on 11 September and 1 October 2011.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel within 60km of the Somali border inland from the coastal strip, and to Garissa District, due to continuing instability in these areas.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya.  Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels, bars, shopping centres and beaches.  See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• The Kenyan authorities have alerted the public to a heightened threat from terrorist attacks in Nairobi. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks. Attacks may target Kenyan government and other public institutions, but could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. We advise British nationals to exercise extra vigilance and caution in public places and at public events.
  
  
• There is a high threat of kidnapping in the areas to which we advise against all but essential travel. Westerners have previously been the target of kidnaps and further attacks are likely. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. On 23 October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage while sailing in the Indian Ocean. They were approximately 60 nautical miles from the Seychelles' main island of Mahé. Since this incident occurred, other nationals have been taken from yachts. See Safety and Security - Sea Travel .
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels.  See Safety and Security - Crime.
  
  
• Large public gatherings and demonstrations occur from time to time in Kenya and these should be avoided.  Any rally, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent. You should check local media reports for information about any planned demonstrations.
  
  
• 174,051 British nationals visited Kenya in 2010 (Source: Kenya Tourist Board). 81 British nationals required consular assistance in Kenya in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya.  Attacks are highly likely and could affect British travellers.  Following Kenyan military action in Somalia, the Kenyan authorities have increased security to counter potential reprisal attacks.  Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels, bars, shopping centres and beaches.

The Kenyan authorities have alerted the public to a heightened threat from terrorist attacks in Nairobi. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks. Attacks may target Kenyan government and other public institutions, but could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. We advise British nationals to exercise extra vigilance and caution in public places and at public events.

The Kenyan authorities have increased security to counter potential reprisal attacks following Kenyan military intervention in Somalia. There is a high threat of kidnapping in the areas to which we advise against all but essential travel. Westerners have previously been the target of kidnaps and further attacks are likely. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

We advise against all but essential travel to coastal areas within 150km of the Somali border, following two attacks by armed gangs in small boats against beach resorts in the Lamu area on 11 September and 1 October 2011. This advice will be kept under review.  Both attacks were on beach-front properties, with two Westerners kidnapped and one murdered.  Beach-front accommodation in that area and boats off the coast are vulnerable.

We advise against all but essential travel within 60km of the Somali border inland from the coastal strip.  In addition, we advise against all but essential travel to Garissa District due to continuing instability in the area.

British aid workers and others working at or visiting Dadaab refugee camp should satisfy themselves that their employer, or those arranging their visit to the camp, has sufficient security arrangements in place during their stay.

Recent attacks in Kenya include:

     

• On 12 January, terrorists attacked a police camp near Wajir using explosives and gunfire. At least five people were killed.
• On 31 December 2011, a hand grenade attack on a club in Garissa town killed five people.
• On 24 December 2011, a hand grenade at a bar in Wajir wounded at least six people.
• On the weekend of 5-6 November 2011, an unexploded Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found near Hagadera, (a sub-camp of Dadaab refugee camp).
• On the weekend of 5-6 November 2011, there was a grenade attack on a church in Garissa Town that killed 2 people.
• An unexploded grenade was also found at a petrol station next to a petrol tank in Garissa District.
• On 28 October 2011, a police vehicle was hit by an IED in Garissa Town.
• On 27 October 2011 there was an attack on a vehicle in Mandera. Several people were killed.
• On 24 October 2011, there was a grenade attack at a bar near the business district in Nairobi. Several people were injured. An explosive device was also thrown at a bus stop in central Nairobi. One person was killed and several injured.
• On 13 October 2011, two aid workers were kidnapped from Dadaab refugee camp.
• On 1 October 2011, A French national was kidnapped at a beach resort close to Lamu, 150km from the Kenya-Somalia border.
• On 11 September 2011, Two British nationals were attacked at a beach resort north of Lamu, near the Kenya-Somalia border. One was killed and the other kidnapped.
• In July 2009, three aid workers were kidnapped from the Kenyan border town of Mandera and taken into Somalia but were later released.
• In November 2008, armed groups based in Somalia crossed into Kenya near the town of El Wak and kidnapped two western nuns, who were later released.
• On 28 November 2002, there was a suicide car bomb attack on a hotel near Mombasa in which at least 15 people died.
• On 28 November 2002, an unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Israeli charter plane.

These incidents illustrate the continued threat posed by terrorism in Kenya and the capacity of terrorist groups which emanate from Somalia, to carry out attacks. One of the most likely perpetrators of an attack in Kenya is Al Shabaab, an militant group in Somalia who are opposed to the Somali government. Al Shabaab, and other terrorist groups, continue to carry out attacks in Somalia. Kenya is seen by Al Shabaab as a legitimate target because of its military intervention in Somalia, in support of the Somali government.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Incidents of armed car-hijackings are more prevalent in Nairobi and Mombasa but can occur in any area of the country. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands.

Remain vigilant at all times. Avoid stopping at the side of the road, particularly at night, and should drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. (See Local Travel for more information).

Cases of kidnapping have increased since mid-2009 in Nairobi and some other major towns. Some have been opportunist crimes linked to car-jackings, while others appear to have been more organised. A resident British national was kidnapped on 29 October 2009 and two other incidents towards the end of 2009 involved resident European nationals.  Although there is no evidence of the expatriate community being specifically targeted, both resident and visiting British nationals should remain vigilant at all times.  See the Terrorism section of this advice for the British Government's policy on concessions to hostage takers including payment of ransoms.

Muggings and incidents of armed robbery can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Be alert at all times. Avoid walking around after dark as attacks can occur anywhere, but especially in isolated areas such as empty beaches. Do not carry valuables or wear jewellery in public places. Do not carry credit cards or cash cards unless you must:  people have been forced by thieves to withdraw cash. Beware of thieves posing as police officers; always ask to see identification. Following a number of armed attacks on golf courses around Nairobi, be extra vigilant while playing in remote areas away from the Club House of any golf course.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged. Only stay in tourist camps with good perimeter security. If in doubt, seek advice from your tour operator or the Kenya Tourist Federation (Tel:  + 254 20 604730).

In August 2009 a British resident was attacked and killed near Voi. Another British resident was killed in Thika in October and one in Nairobi in November. Two British visitors were killed during their stay in Mombasa in October 2009.  

You should take precautions for your personal and vehicle safety and travel in convoy in remote areas.

If you are involved in any security incident you should insist with both the Kenyan authorities and your tour operator that the British High Commission be informed straight away.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Large public gatherings and demonstrations occur from time to time and should be avoided. Any rally, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent. On 13 June 2010 six people were killed and over 100 injured following explosions at a rally in Uhuru Park in central Nairobi. The deaths and many of the injuries were probably caused by the stampede to leave the area. You should check local media reports for information about any planned demonstrations.

We advise against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels. Such areas include, but are not limited to, Kibera, Mathare, Huruma, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Korogocho, Kariobangi  Kangemi, Mwiki and Kawangware

You should remain vigilant against the risk of car-jacking, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa, at night and on the roads that link Nairobi city centre to residential areas. You should use the Mombasa road between Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi city; there is a higher risk of car-jacking on the old airport road (Airport South Road) and Jogoo Road.

If you visit Lamu Island, you should do so by air if possible, for security reasons and also because of the poor road conditions. Buses and other vehicles on the road to Lamu have been attacked by armed robbers in the past and overland travel from Lamu to Malindi should only be undertaken in an armed police convoy.

Rural areas, and in particular the arid north and north eastern parts of Kenya experience sporadic cattle rustling, banditry and ethnic clashes which regularly cause fatalities. Whilst foreigners are not usually the targets of localised violence and banditry, travel in the north and north east should only be undertaken with care and after seeking the advice of the police and in convoy with at least two vehicles to ensure back-up.

Most visits to game reserves and other tourist areas are trouble-free.

Robberies of visitors to game parks have also occasionally been reported. A robbery within the Masai Mara on 8 October 2009 involved two British nationals. If you wish to visit reserves you should use reputable tour operators and arrive at your destination in daylight hours. You are advised not to buy safari tours from touts but only through reputable agencies or from your hotel. You should always follow park regulations and wardens' advice, but be aware that there are risks associated with viewing wildlife, particularly on foot or at close range. Bathing in rivers and lakes is forbidden in National Parks and is best avoided elsewhere due to the dangers from both wildlife and from water-borne disease.

The area of Mount Elgon in Western Kenya (next to the Ugandan border) has been the site of armed clashes since December 2006. A large-scale security operation in early 2008 has stabilised the area but a large security force presence remains and there continues to be a risk of further incidents. You should seek local advice if intending to travel in the area of Mount Elgon.

The border with Somalia has been closed since 3 January 2007. In addition landmines have in the past been used in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border at this point should stay on the A2, avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo, and travel directly to Marsabit Town before breaking the journey.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

A UK Driving Licence is sufficient in Kenya for up to three months. For stays of longer than three months a Kenyan driving licence is required. Only hire vehicles from reputable companies.

Take care if driving, especially at night, as road conditions and driving standards are often poor. You are advised to avoid driving at night wherever possible.

There have been a number of serious accidents involving Kenyan long-distance bus services. Vehicles are often poorly maintained, and driven at excessive speed even on poorly maintained roads. Check with any bus operator on the standards they observe before using this form of transport. Another common form of public transport is the matatu, usually a minibus plying a specific route. Though very cheap to use, matatus are notorious for being poorly maintained, badly driven and in some instances do not have proper insurance cover. There are frequent reports of matatus being hijacked, or of passengers being robbed. You are advised to think carefully before using matatus.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel

Passenger trains run between Nairobi and Kisumu and between Nairobi and Mombasa. Quoted arrival and departure times may vary. First, second and third class compartments are available on both routes. Doors can only be locked from the inside. Passengers are advised to take care of their belongings while on the train and at the railway stations. If you are leaving your compartment, take your valuables with you.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

We are concerned about the lack of security arrangements in place at Wilson airport in Nairobi. The airport is mainly used for domestic flights, including charters. Concerns have been raised with the Kenyan authorities. We continue to monitor the situation. You should remain vigilant at all times when transiting airports.

If you plan to charter a private aircraft, you are advised to check with the company's Safety Pilot about the condition of the aircraft and runways to be used. If the company has no Safety Pilot, seek another that does.

For more general information see Airline Security.
 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel
Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Attacks of piracy and armed robbery against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin are successful almost exclusively against shipping which has not complied with agreed shipping industry best practice on self-defence measures, including on routing.  Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable to attack due to their low speed and low freeboard. All mariners intending to sail through high risk areas should consider the necessity of their travel and alternatives, such as transporting the vessel by yacht carrier.

Yacht races and rallies do not have to take place in these high risk areas and place their competitors at unnecessary risk of attack. We advise mariners not to take part in these races.

On 23 October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage while sailing in the Indian Ocean. They were approximately 60 nautical miles from the Seychelles' main island of Mahé. Since this incident occurred, other nationals have been taken from yachts.

On 6 November 2010 a South African-Italian national and a South African national were taken hostage while sailing by yacht along the coast of Tanzania.

All mariners should follow the 'Best Management Practise for the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia' (http://www.icc-ccs.org.uk/images/stories/pdfs/bmp 21-8-2009.pdf), published by the International Maritime Bureau.  We urge mariners to register with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) for up to date advice and guidance on passage round the Horn of Africa - www.mschoa.org. They should also report regularly to the UKMTO (email: ukmto@eim.ae; Tel: +971 50 552 3215), giving location, course and speed, and plan their routing carefully so as to avoid placing themselves in unnecessary danger.  

Mariners can find more general information on our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Kenya Country Profile

On 13 April 2008 President Kibaki announced a Grand Coalition cabinet bringing to an end weeks of negotiation following the signing of a power-sharing agreement on 28 February. On 4 August 2010, Kenyans voted peacefully for a new Constitution, one of the key reforms promised by the coalition government. However tension in Kenya remains, particularly in parts of Rift Valley and Central Province, which received large influxes of Kenyans displaced in the post-election violence.

Although there are no strict dress codes, you should note that the coastal areas are predominantly Muslim in tradition. You should dress conservatively away from the tourist resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town, to avoid offending local sensitivities. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See our travelling during Ramadan page.

Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited throughout Kenya. This applies to areas such as hotel grounds, lounge areas and entrances. If you wish to smoke in your hotel room please confirm first with hotel management that it is permitted. Smoking outdoors in any public street or on the beach, is not banned under the Act However, it is advisable to check before doing so or, if in doubt, to refrain from smoking. Offences attract fines ranging from 50,000 to three million Kenya shillings and/or imprisonment for six months to three years.

The use and trafficking of illegal Class A drugs in Kenya carries heavy fines and jail sentences. The penalty for possession is ten years imprisonment.

You must obtain a valid work permit before taking up any paid or volunteer work in Kenya; the penalties for not doing so can be a fine, jail or deportation depending on the nature of the offence.

The taking of photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, is not recommended and can lead to detention. If in any doubt about what a building is used for, do not photograph it or film around it.

Permission to carry any kind of firearm must be obtained from the local authorities prior to entry.

It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency whatever the denomination.

Homosexual activity is illegal in Kenya.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry Requirements - Visas
British nationals need a visa to enter Kenya This can be obtained from the Kenya High Commission in London, or at the airport on arrival. For further information, please visit the Kenya High Commission website.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Kenya. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Kenya. We advise that you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Entry Requirements - Work permits
If you are coming to live and work in Kenya, you should be aware that there can be delays in obtaining work permits. It is illegal to work without a permit and this also applies to voluntary work and to the self-employed. British nationals living in Kenya are advised to register with the British High Commission in Nairobi: Kenya: British High Commission Nairobi.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
For information on exactly what will be required at Immigration, please contact the Kenya High Commission in London.

Health - Cholera & Malaria
Cholera and malaria occur in Kenya. The latter is found outside of Nairobi and in areas below 1,800 metres above sea level.

In March 2009 an alert was issued by the Kenyan Ministry of Health, following an outbreak of cholera.  There have been thousands of cases and a significant number of deaths. The outbreak has so far affected Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, Eastern and North Eastern provinces. Cases of cholera continue to be reported (July 2010) in these areas. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at any time.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Kenya you should seek immediate medical attention.

Health - HIV/AIDS

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,300,000 adults aged 15 or over in Kenya were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 6.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Health - General

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Kenya and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health page.

Kenya lies on an active fault line and tremors occur from time to time. The last significant earth tremor to affect the region was a magnitude 5.2 tremor on 20 August 2007. The epicentre was 180-km south west of Nairobi.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Medical facilities, including ambulance services, outside major cities are very limited, and your insurance should cover you for the possibility of medical repatriation;. Check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Leave your passport in the hotel safe, but carry a photocopy for ID purposes.

General - Registration with the British High Commission

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

British nationals visiting Kenya for more than a month and/or travelling to remote areas are recommended to register with the High Commission using the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s on-line consular registration service.  If you are unable to access the internet you should contact the High Commission in advance or on arrival.

General - Advice on tourist and travel matters

There is a Safety and Communication Centre operated by the Kenya Tourism Federation which can give up to the minute advice on tourist and travel matters, road conditions etc. as well as providing help in an emergency. This can be accessed at any time by telephoning +254 20 604730 or by e-mail to: safetour@wananchi.com.

General - Time difference

Local time is three hours ahead of British winter time (GMT) and two hours ahead of British summer time (BST).

General - Money

It is unlikely that you will be able to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes in Kenya. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and the main towns.  Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are widely accepted.

General – Consular Assistance Statistics

174,051 British Nationals visited Kenya in 2010 (Source: Kenya Tourist Board). 81 British nationals required consular assistance in Kenya in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident, 18 deaths; 17 hospitalisations; and 17 arrests.