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4,238 mi away
£1 KES 176.11
Today
2:21 pm
+3h from you
Travel warning
There's a high risk of terrorist attacks across the country, including at places like hotels, restaurants, and beaches frequented by tourists.
Weather & climate
Weather in Kenya
Kenya
22°
Moderate rain
Sat
16°
22°
Sun
15°
24°
Mon
15°
25°
Tue
16°
23°
Wed
16°
23°
Thu
16°
23°
Fri
16°
23°
SPF level in Kenya
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Kenya
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages.
You must apply online for an electronic travel authorisation in advance of your trip.
It is recommended you apply for your electronic travel authorisation at least 2 weeks before you depart.
You must carry a valid British passport when returning to the UK.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country considered a transmission risk.
Good to know:
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering Kenya.
Bringing a drone into Kenya requires prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
Safety in Kenya
Tips when travelling
Kenya is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including in daylight.
Keep your windows closed and doors locked while driving.
Always carry identification, such as a copy of your passport.
Do not accept drinks or food from strangers in bars or clubs.
Do not buy or sell any protected wildlife or its parts.
Bonus tips:
Dress conservatively when away from tourist resorts, especially in coastal areas.
Do not take photographs of official buildings or airports.
Leave your valuables with you if you leave your train compartment.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Kenya
A UK driving license is valid for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
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
No UK adapter needed
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
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Kenya
Country code
+254
00 254 722 123456
To call Kenya from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 254 (Kenya's country code), followed by the local number. Mobile numbers in Kenya typically start with 7.
Languages in Kenya
Swahili(primary)
English
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Regional risks
11 days ago
Regional risks
- The security operation and risk status for Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties has been merged with the existing advice for Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, and Samburu.
- The specific 30-day timeline for the security operation in Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo has been removed. It’s now described as a continuing operation.
Airports in Kenya
Beaches in Kenya
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply for an e-visa online before you travel through the official Kenya e-visa portal. Ensure you apply well in advance of your trip.
Kenya has a relatively high crime rate. Be vigilant, especially in major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables out of sight. Keep up to date with travel advice from the UK government.
The best time for safaris in Kenya is during the dry seasons: July to October and January to February. These months offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal due to the warm climate. Pack neutral colours for safaris. If visiting coastal areas, swimwear is acceptable. When visiting religious sites, dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
No, it is generally not safe to drink tap water in Kenya. Drink bottled water or use a water purifier. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it is made from purified water.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering assistance, as this may be a prelude to theft. Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers and always negotiate fares in advance. Beware of fake charity collectors and never hand over your belongings to someone you don't know.
Kenya is a diverse country with many different ethnic groups. Politeness and respect are highly valued. Bargaining is common in markets, but do so reasonably. Avoid public displays of affection. Photography of government buildings or military installations is prohibited.
Getting around Kenya can be challenging. Roads can be poor, and traffic in cities is often congested. Consider hiring a driver for longer trips or using reputable tour operators for safaris. Domestic flights are a good option for covering long distances quickly.
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.