23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 999 or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Kenya.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to border regions with Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Do not travel to border regions with Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia due to the high risk of terrorist attack and kidnapping. To the Nairobi, coastal areas from Lamu county to Mombasa and outskirts due to the high risk of terrorist attack. And the A2 highway from Isiolo to Moyale due to the high risk of violent riots and clashes.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There is an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks in Kenya, including in Nairobi and coastal areas. Many people have been killed or injured in previous attacks in Nairobi, including in the 2019 attack on the DusitD2 hotel. Terrorist group al-Shabaab continues to threaten attacks. Further attacks are possible, and could happen at anytime. Kenyan authorities are still in a high state of alert.
If you are passing through Nairobi for other travel in Kenya (for example for a safari), we recommend you minimise your time spent there and be alert to safety risks. If you have to spend time in Nairobi, consider carefully the places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided.
Terrorist acts could include:
An attack could happen anywhere in Kenya.
Areas prone to terrorist attack include:
Terrorists may target:
Terrorists may also target transport and transport infrastructure such as:
Western aid workers may be targeted at refugee camps near the Kenya-Somalia border.
An attack is possible at any time.
A major terrorist attack on the DusitD2 Hotel complex in Nairobi in January 2019 resulted in 21 deaths.
Many terrorist attacks have occurred in Kenya in the past few years, including in Lamu, Kwale, Mandera and Garissa counties.
Due to security concerns, Australian High Commission staff in Nairobi are on high alert.
Security has been increased for travel to Kenyan Government buildings, the CBD and areas north of Mombasa.
Consider likely terrorist targets and the level of security provided.
Always be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
Report any suspicious items or activities to police.
To protect yourself when attending sporting events and public gatherings:
To reduce your risks:
If there's a terrorist attack:
Don't gather in groups after an attack. This also applies if you're evacuated from a building for security reasons, such as a bomb threat.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Westerners are targets for kidnapping in Kenya.
Armed groups from Somalia have kidnapped Western aid workers in the Somalia border region. Foreigners and residents in coastal resorts and towns in north eastern Kenya, especially Lamu county, have been the target of kidnapping.
Kidnapping is a high threat in these regions for:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
If despite this advice, you're travelling to an area where there's a high kidnapping threat:
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Large demonstrations can happen in Kenya during and after international events or political changes.
Demonstrations resulting in violence and arrests have happened over:
Violent outbreaks are more common away from tourist areas. However, riots and clashes have happened in:
Violent clashes along the A2 Highway between Isiolo and Moyale have caused several deaths and injuries. If you choose to travel along this road, be extra careful.
During periods of unrest:
More information:
Crime is high in Kenya.
Incidents of armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and muggings are possible in:
Don't resist.
If you travel to remote areas, border regions, or coastal regions, you risk being attacked or kidnapped.
Crime increases during holiday periods.
Thieves snatch jewellery and bags from open vehicle windows, most often while cars are stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic.
Groups of bag-snatchers and carjackers on motorbikes target pedestrians and motorists.
Robberies have occurred on trains and buses.
To protect yourself from theft:
If you're attacked, don't resist.
Violent criminals often target Westerners in Nairobi. Crimes include:
Reports suggest foreigners are being targeted in private homes in Nairobi, tourist areas and while travelling by road. Several incidents have occurred at night outside residential security gates.
Some Australians have been killed in home invasions.
Violent crime is extremely common in the Nairobi suburbs of Buruburu, Eastleigh, Kasarani, Kibera, Mathare, Pangani, South B and South C, as well as the CBD.
If you're living in Kenya, invest in strong personal security measures. Regularly review your personal security arrangements.
Due to widespread HIV/AIDS, if you're a victim of violent crime such as rape, visit a doctor immediately.
Violent herder clashes are common in central and north central Kenya. These clashes are aimed at either private ranches or wildlife conservation parks.
Herders are often armed and violent towards property, wildlife and, in some cases, landowners.
Travellers haven't been targeted. However, a dual British-Kenyan landowner was killed in March 2017. A Swiss national was killed in April 2017.
The government has increased security in Nyandarua and Laikpia countries.
Clashes between local groups have occasionally caused violence in north and north-eastern Kenya. Clashes have also happened in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya.
If you're travelling to north, north-eastern or western Kenya, first ask the police for advice. Travel in a convoy or with a police escort.
Armed attacks, violent cattle rustling and counter raids are common along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and the Kenya-South Sudan border.
Reports suggest there are bandit groups and robbers at unauthorised border crossing points on the borders with Uganda and Tanzania. Back roads from Nairobi to the Tanzania border are hotspots for robbery and bandit groups.
The region bordering Somalia is extremely dangerous.
If you plan to travel to central and northern Kenya, get up-to-date advice on security and other conditions from your tour operator before you travel.
Police regularly confront criminal suspects in public places. Random gunfire has killed or wounded bystanders in crowded areas.
Scams are common. Criminals often use fake police, hotel and government identification to extort money from travellers.
To protect yourself:
Serious incidents in Kenya's national parks and conservation areas are rare. However, crime happens.
Visitors to the Ngong Forest Reserve and Ngong Hills risk being robbed. In June 2017, thieves robbed tourists at gunpoint in the Samburu National Reserve north of Nairobi.
If you plan to visit national parks or game reserves:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as diving.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Kenya can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:
If a natural disaster occurs:
Kenya has 2 rainy seasons, from March to June, and October to November, Flash flooding and mudslides are common. Roads may close.
Northern and eastern Kenya is currently in severe drought. Essential services may be affected. Expect delays when travelling in these areas.
Kenya lies on a fault line, and sometimes experiences earthquakes and tremors.
Volcanic activity and earthquakes can happen near Mt Elgon on the Kenya-Uganda border.
Get to know earthquake safety measures for each place you stay.
Tsunamis can occur in Kenya's coastal areas.
To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System.
Move to high ground right away if local or regional authorities tell you to, or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Kenya. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Kenya. Monitor the media for latest developments on COVID-19 and follow the advice of local officials. See Travel.
More information:
Yellow fever is widespread in Kenya. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria is widespread except in Nairobi and at altitudes above 2500m.
Other insect-borne diseases occur, such as:
To protect yourself from disease:
Visit a doctor if you develop either a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
HIV/AIDS infection rates are very high.
Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.
Polio outbreaks happen in Kenya.
Check your vaccination status for polio with a doctor or travel clinic. Do this at least 8 weeks before you travel.
If you aren't vaccinated, complete the full course of vaccinations before you leave. If you've been vaccinated in the past, get a booster dose if needed.
More information:
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks occur from time to time.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical facility standards vary. Medical facilities are adequate in urban areas but may be extremely limited in other places.
The COVID-19 crisis has tested the Kenyan health system. Consider how the availability of essential healthcare such as intensive care units and oxygen in your locality could impact you.
Before receiving treatment, public and private facilities need either:
If you become seriously ill or injured in a remote area, you'll need to be evacuated to a major city. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
There's a decompression chamber at the Kenyan Naval Base in Mombasa.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include long jail terms.
More information:
Get legal advice in Australia and Kenya before going to Kenya for commercial surrogacy arrangements.
More information:
In Kenya it's illegal to:
It's also illegal for men to have same-sex relations.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws apply overseas. If you commit these offences, you may be prosecuted in Australia.
More information:
Kenya recognises dual nationality. However, Kenya has not yet fully enacted dual nationality laws.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
Kenya has conservative dress and behaviour standards, especially in coastal and rural areas. Take care not to offend.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. Muslims don't eat, drink or smoke between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.
Some people are against same-sex relationships and being affectionate in public. Displays of affection can lead to harrassment,particularly for same-sex couples.
For information on Kenyan visas and permits visit the Directorate of Immigration website.
You need a visa to travel to Kenya. Kenyan entry visas are now exclusively issued electronically, with passengers required to obtain their e-visas before arrival. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visas website.
Entry and exit requirements can change at short notice. Contact the Kenyan High Commission for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
If you're entering Kenya you must carry evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of your flights departure that can be verified digitally through the Trusted Travel Initiative. If you are coming from a country not yet party to the Trusted Travel Initiative you must use a tool made available through the Global Haven partnership for COVID-19 test results and vaccine certificates verification.
Depending on where you're travelling from, you may need to quarantine for 14 days, at your own expense. Some countries are exempt from the requirement to quarantine, but this can change at short notice. See the list of exempt countries here.
You'll need to complete an online health surveillance form prior to arriving in Kenya, and show the QR codes to health officials before the immigration desk. Keep up to date with entry requirements.
You do not need a negative COVID-19 test to board domestic flights in Kenya.
If you're departing Kenya for a country requiring a negative COVID-19 test as a condition of entry, or transiting through a country that requires travellers to have a negative COVID-19 test, you must have a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative. You will not be allowed to depart Kenya if your certificate has not been verified. Approved COVID-19 PCR testing laboratories in Kenya are party to the Trusted Travel Initiative.
If you're traveling out of Kenya, you'll be required to abide by the health requirements of the destination country and any transit countries. Australians traveling back to Australia will be subject to mandated quarantine on arrival in Australia.
Adhere to the advice of local authorities, including measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A nationwide curfew is in place from 10pm to 4am, excluding essential services.
You must wear a face mask when in public areas, including within private and public vehicles.
Public places, tourism and hospitality establishments must comply with public health protocols, including 1.5 metre social distancing and adhering to curfew.
Bars are only permitted to operate until 7pm.
Public and private vehicles may not carry more than 60% of total seating capacity.
Large gatherings, meetings, conferences and political events are prohibited. All physical meetings including social gatherings shall be capped at 15 persons.
All political gatherings are prohibited until otherwise directed.
If you're staying in Kenya:
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Kenya. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Kenya has strict laws about importing or exporting certain goods, including:
More information:
If you're a foreign resident, always carry your alien identity card. If you don't, you could be fined or jailed.
It's illegal to work without a valid visa. Authorities can fine or jail you for paid or volunteer work.
To work in the charity sector, get a valid work permit through the Charity Register.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Kenya is introducing new banknotes. Starting from 1 October 2019, the old one-thousand shilling note will not be legal tender and other notes will be phased out.
More information:
Declare all amounts over US$10,000 when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
Large banks and foreign exchange bureaus accept traveller's cheques. Hotels don't often accept them.
ATMs in Nairobi and major towns accept international credit cards.
Take care when paying with credit cards or using ATMs. Card skimming incidents are increasing. Only use ATMs at large shopping centres or in banks. Check the machine for unusual parts before you use it. Always keep your card in sight during transactions.
Ask your bank if your cards will work in Kenya.
To drive in Kenya, you'll need both:
Get your IDP before leaving Australia.
You're six times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Kenya than in Australia.
Hazards include:
Before you drive:
More information:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Only use official taxis and limousine services. Arrange these through your hotel.
Only use radio taxis from official taxi stands or via callout.
When travelling at night to and from Nairobi's airports (JKIA and Wilson), always use a tour or taxi company with a good reputation.
Avoid public transport. Public transport options such as buses and minivans ('matutus') are dangerous.
Bus terminals and other transport hubs have been targeted in terrorist and criminal attacks. There are risks of further attacks.
Theft is common on trains. Passengers' belongings have been taken from their compartments. Watch your belongings at all times.
Pirates have attacked ships to the north of Kenya. These attacks have happened around Somalia's waters and the Gulf of Aden.
Don't travel within 1000 nautical miles (1850km) of Somalia's coast. Somali pirates have attacked ships further out than this.
If you travel in Kenyan waters, despite the risks:
Enhanced security and COVID-19 checks are in place at Kenyan airports. Allow at least an hour to get through security.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Kenya's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 999 or visit the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
For more information on tourist safety, contact:
Kenya Tourism Federation (Safety and Communication Centre)
Phone: (+254) 20 800 100
Email: operations@ktf.co.ke
Check the Consular Services Charter to find out what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Nairobi.
Limuru Road, Rosslyn
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: (+254) 20 4277 100
Fax: (+254) 20 4277 139
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in East Africa
Twitter: @AusHCKenya
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.