Kenya Holidays
Diani Beach, Watamu's marine parks, and Lamu's timeless dhow-sailed shores. Plan your Kenya beach holiday with flights, hotels, and travel tips.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Kenya
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in Kenya
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Kenya
You must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date.
Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty on arrival.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or use a lost or stolen passport.
Good to know:
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
It is illegal to import or export drones without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
Safety in Kenya
Kenya is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Stay alert in hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, beaches and other busy tourist venues.
Avoid isolated walks, especially alone, and do not resist if criminals attack you.
Never accept drinks or food from strangers in bars or clubs.
Carry ID; a passport copy is usually accepted, but keep the original nearby.
Dress conservatively away from coastal resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa.
Bonus tips:
Smoke only in designated areas or risk a fine of up to 50,000 shillings or prison.
Use reputable safari operators, arrive in daylight, and follow wardens' instructions.
Saily eSIM for Kenya
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Driving in Kenya
A UK driving license is valid for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Kenya drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Kenya
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation and treatment in Kenya. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not valid in Kenya.
No vaccinations required
Malaria is a risk in Kenya, so consult your doctor about antimalarial medication. Dengue fever and Zika virus are also present. Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Seek medical advice if you become ill.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more widespread in urban areas, hotels, and larger establishments. However, cash is still preferred in many smaller businesses and rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Kenya
Tipping is customary in Kenya for good service. While not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated by service staff.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10% of the bill for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or 10% for good service
Hotel Porter
50-100 KES per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
100-200 KES per day
Tour Guide
500-1000 KES per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Kenya. Roaming charges can be high. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
10 GB for 1500 KES (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Kenya
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities and tourist destinations. Coverage can be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
20 Mbps
Many hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi, but the speed and reliability can vary. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan for more consistent internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Kenya
Country code
254
To call Kenya from abroad, dial 254 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Upper Hill Road, Nairobi
Phone
+254 (0)20 2879000
Website
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Moi International Airport
Wilson Airport
Kisumu International Airport
Eldoret Airport
Ukunda Airport
Recent updates
Safety
The specific warning for protests around the anniversaries of the 2024 Finance Bill (25 June to 7 July) has been removed.
General advice to stay away from gatherings is now linked to anniversaries of previous protests, without specific dates.
The advice now highlights a specific high-risk period for protests between 25 June and 7 July 2024, marking the anniversaries of the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
The travel advice has been updated to include these dates as 'key dates' to monitor.
Travel Disruption
Aviation workers and the Kenyan government agreed on 1 September 2026 to end strike action affecting Kenyan airports.
Flight delays and airport disruption may continue while services recover.
Check your airline’s flight status before travelling to the airport.
Ongoing industrial action by aviation workers is causing significant flight delays and disruption at several Kenyan airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
If travelling to, from or within Kenya, check your flight status with your airline before going to the airport.
Beaches in Kenya
Diani Beach
Galu Beach
Nyali Beach
Shanzu Beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.