Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Kenya.
Kenya Status
WATCH
Travel to Kenya is operating normally overall, including international flights and major tourist destinations. However, official travel warnings remain elevated because of terrorism, crime, kidnapping and unrest, with severe warnings applying to parts of the Somalia border region and northern Kenya.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Nairobi airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is operating. The aviation workers’ strike that disrupted flights at the end of August was called off on 1 September.
Mombasa and coastal tourism
Moi International Airport and Kenya’s main coastal tourism areas remain accessible. However, stronger security warnings apply to specific areas farther north towards the Somalia border.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
Most foreign visitors who require authorization must obtain Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. Some categories of travellers are exempt.
Somalia border
Severe official travel warnings apply to parts of northeastern Kenya close to Somalia because of terrorism, kidnapping and armed attacks. This includes Mandera County and specified parts of Wajir and Garissa counties.
Lamu area
Security advice varies considerably within Lamu County. Travellers should check the exact destination rather than assuming that the same warning applies to the entire coastal region.
Ethiopia border
Travellers crossing between Kenya and Ethiopia through Moyale should remain on the main A2 road. Official UK guidance reports a landmine risk in areas around Moyale away from the principal route.
Northern Kenya
Banditry, cattle rustling and intercommunal violence occur in some northern and northwestern areas. Security operations can result in temporary movement restrictions.
Crime
Violent and petty crime occur, particularly in major cities. Official advice highlights robbery, carjacking, mugging and theft as risks.
Safari destinations
Kenya’s major safari destinations remain open to visitors. Travellers should use reputable tour operators and check local conditions when travelling through remote areas.
Yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on the traveller’s age, origin and recent travel history.
Road travel
Road conditions and driving standards vary significantly. Long-distance road travel after dark carries additional risks from poor lighting, accidents and crime.
Latest Travel Changes
Aviation strike has ended
The aviation workers’ strike that disrupted flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other Kenyan airports at the end of August was called off on 1 September.
Industrial-action warning removed
Current UK travel guidance, updated on 4 September, removed the previous information concerning industrial action. Flights and airports are operating normally overall.
Security warnings remain
The current U.S. advisory remains Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health and traffic-safety risks.
Severe localized warnings remain
UK guidance continues to advise against travel to specified areas near the Somalia border and parts of northern and coastal Kenya.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, passport and Kenyan entry requirements before departure.
If required for your nationality, obtain your Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling rather than waiting until arrival.
If travelling overland, check the security conditions and operating status of your intended border crossing before departure.
Avoid areas near the Somalia border covered by severe official travel warnings.
If crossing between Kenya and Ethiopia at Moyale, remain on the main A2 route and follow current local security advice.
Use reputable safari and transport operators when travelling through remote areas.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.