Kenya Travel Essentials: Entry, Health, Money and Getting Connected

Kenya is one of Africa’s most welcoming and well-connected destinations. A little preparation before you travel, from entry paperwork to a local SIM card, means you can spend your time enjoying the wildlife instead of worrying about the details.

Key takeaways

• Most visitors need an electronic travel authorisation, applied for online before travelling.

• See a travel health clinic well before departure about vaccinations and malaria prevention.

• Mobile money (M-Pesa) is everywhere, but carry some cash for tips and small purchases.

• A local SIM card is easy to buy with your passport and makes staying connected simple.

Entry requirements

Kenya has moved to an electronic system: most international visitors apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation before they travel, through the Government of Kenya’s official portal. Requirements can change and some nationalities are treated differently, so always check the official website before booking and apply in good time.

Only use the official government website for your travel authorisation, and apply well before your flight.

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with blank pages for stamps.

Health

Vaccinations

Visit a travel health clinic six to eight weeks before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your route, particularly if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, and it is recommended for many visitors.

Malaria

Malaria is present in many parts of Kenya, including several safari areas and the coast. Ask your doctor about antimalarial medication, and protect yourself from mosquito bites with repellent, long sleeves in the evening and nets where provided.

Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, ideally including emergency medical evacuation, which matters in remote safari areas.

Money

• The local currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).

• Cards are accepted at most hotels, lodges and larger shops; smaller businesses may prefer cash.

• M-Pesa mobile money is used almost everywhere in Kenya, from shops to taxis.

• Keep some small notes for tips, markets and roadside purchases.

Staying connected

Buying a local SIM card from a major network such as Safaricom or Airtel is quick and inexpensive; you will need your passport to register it. Coverage is good in towns and along main roads, but expect patchy signal in remote parks, so download offline maps and entertainment before you go.

Useful facts at a glance

Time zone	East Africa Time (UTC+3)
Plugs	UK-style Type G sockets
Driving	On the left
Languages	English and Swahili are official languages
Useful word	“Asante” means thank you in Swahili

Etiquette and tipping

• Always ask before photographing people.

• Dress modestly in towns and on the coast, especially in Mombasa’s Old Town and Lamu.

• Tipping guides, drivers and camp staff is customary and very much appreciated.

• Greetings matter: a friendly “Jambo” (hello) goes a long way.

Pre-trip checklist

• Apply for your electronic travel authorisation on the official portal

• Check your passport validity

• Book a travel health appointment

• Arrange travel insurance with medical evacuation cover

• Let your bank know your travel dates

• Download offline maps

Plan your Kenya trip

With the essentials sorted, the fun part begins. Explore tours, hotels and activities across Kenya on Safirify, all in one place.