Important Info & FAQs

Important info:

  • Kenya has a zero tolerance on single use plastic - do not carry in your suitcase. They sometimes inspect suitcases at the airport. The fine is between $500-$1500 for carrying plastic bags etc.

  • Get your vaccinations at least 8 weeks before you travel - more info below

  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months

  • Complete an Electronic Travel Application at least 3 weeks before you arrive - the applications can take a while to process

General info:

Weather: Highs of 33° | Lows of 24°

Money:

  • Most restaurants and establishments take card payment

  • It is helpful to have some cash for very local shopping, tuk tuks, taxis etc

  • Every individual and business operates on mPesa (money transfer app). Apps such as Tap Tap Send allow you to send money securely using your phone

Phones:

  • You can buy sim cards (recommend Safaricom) at Nairobi airport:

    • useful for mPesa (digital money transfer) if you want to tip but not carry cash

    • or if your provider is expensive abroad

  • Most places have Wifi

  • Plugs: Same as the UK - hurray

  • Time zone: In February, Kenya will be 3 hours ahead of the UK

Vaccinations etc:

Speak to your GP for advice & review the UK government guidelines:

  • Get your vaccinations at least 8 weeks before your trip

  • Hepatitus A

  • Tetanus

  • Typhoid

  • Maleria tablets: speak to your GP

Essential things to pack:

  • Recommend travelling light. It’s possible to wash your clothes cheaply at most hotels and Air BnBs

  • If you’re doing safari, check with the provider about your luggage limits on the small planes. Nairobi to Diani on SafariLink has a 20kg limit per person so a bigger suitcase is fine. You can pay a small fee to add extra luggage

  • Mosquito repellant

  • Hat

  • Light material, linen etc

  • Layers for safari, the temperature really drops in the morning and evening

  • Mosquito net for prams and cots - nearly all hotels and Air BnB’s provide mosquito nets

Culture & language:

  • It’s a very conservative country so:

    • Dress modestly in religious places or anywhere outside of your hotel

    • No PDA

    • Haggle politely

  • Language:

    • Almost everyone speaks English in Kenya, though the local language is Swahili. Find some useful words and phrases here.

Passports & Visas:

Passport validity requirements:

To enter Kenya, your passport must have:

  • an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive

  • at least 2 blank pages

Visas:

  • As of Jan 2024, visas are no longer required to enter Kenya. However, you now need an Electronic Travel Application: here. Do this at least 3 weeks before you arrive. The application sometimes requires more information and the process can be slow so 3 weeks should be enough lead time

Gifts:

  • Your presence is the best present of all time