atlas•

Before you go to Kenya: what to know

Must know

  • Obtain an approved eTA before departure; official UK advice recommends applying 2 weeks ahead. Most short-stay visitors must also buy the Kenyan Government's inbound health insurance.
  • Cards and ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. Remote areas need a cash plan; parks may require card or M-PESA payment.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Obtain an approved eTA before departure; official UK advice recommends applying 2 weeks ahead. Most short-stay visitors must also buy the Kenyan Government's inbound health insurance. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; 2 blank pages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, immigration.go.ke ↗, immigration.go.ke ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Cards and ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. Remote areas need a cash plan; parks may require card or M-PESA payment.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Dress conservatively and respect local religious customs, particularly in coastal areas.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

Kenya's rainy seasons generally fall in March–June and October–November; floods and mudslides can affect roads and camps.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Insurance: Most visitors staying under 12 months must buy Kenyan Government-provided health insurance; foreign insurance does not replace it. Check exemptions and also arrange personal cover.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tcs.ch ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.