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4,238 mi away
£1 KES 175.07
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1:06 pm
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Travel warning
There's a high threat of terrorist attacks across many areas, including popular spots like beaches and hotels, and the government advises against travel to certain coastal and border regions due to this risk.
Weather & climate
Weather in Kenya
Kenya
27°
Overcast
Thu
13°
27°
Fri
13°
27°
Sat
13°
26°
Sun
12°
25°
Mon
13°
25°
Tue
13°
26°
Wed
14°
26°
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
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
Tips when travelling
Kenya is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be particularly alert to terrorist threats in places like hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, beaches, and safari parks.
There is a high threat of mugging, armed robbery, and carjacking, especially in major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa and on major highways.
Do not accept drinks or food from strangers in bars or clubs as criminals spike them to commit theft or sexual assault.
You must always carry identification; a copy of your passport is normally acceptable but police may insist on seeing the original.
It is illegal to smoke in any public place in Kenya except in designated smoking areas, and fines or imprisonment can result.
Bonus tips:
Always drive with windows closed and doors locked, and avoid driving at night if possible due to the risk of carjacking and bogus checkpoints.
Show courtesy by dressing conservatively away from tourist resorts and hotels, especially in coastal and Muslim areas like Mombasa.
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
Safety and security
7 days ago
Political situation
- 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.
Safety and security
21 days ago
Political situation
- 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.
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.