Sub Saharan Africa

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Local laws and customs

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. For more general information see travelling during ramadan.

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 open places, including any public street, beaches and open areas is not banned under the Act. Offences attract fines ranging from 50,000 to three million Kenya shillings and/or imprisonment for six months to three years. If in doubt about whether smoking is permitted in a certain place, it is recommended that you should check before doing so or refrain from smoking.

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 our Your Trip page.