On this web page
Danger stage
Border with Somalia – Keep away from all journey
Keep away from all journey to Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties bordering Somalia, on account of a danger of kidnapping and assaults.
Border with South Sudan and Ethiopia – Keep away from all journey
Keep away from all journey to Turkana and Marsabit counties, inside 110 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, on account of armed banditry and cross-border violence.
Regional advisory – Keep away from all journey
Keep away from all journey to the next areas, on account of a danger of kidnapping and assaults:
- inside 50 km of the coast of Tana River County
- inside 50 km of the coast of Kilifi County (from north of town of Malindi to the Tana River County limits)
Neighbourhoods of Nairobi – Keep away from non-essential journey
Keep away from non-essential journey to the neighbourhoods of Eastleigh, Kibera and Pangani, in Nairobi, because of the excessive crime price.
Security and safety
Terrorism
There’s a menace of terrorism. Credible info signifies that westerners could also be focused by extremists in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Meru, Narok and the coastal areas of Kenya.
Terrorist assaults have occurred:
- in Nairobi
- within the coastal area, together with in Mombasa and Malindi
- within the Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties, close to the border with Somalia
Foreigners have been focused in some assaults. Additional assaults can’t be dominated out.
Targets might embrace:
- authorities buildings, together with faculties
- locations of worship
- airports and different transportation hubs and networks
- public areas equivalent to vacationer sights, eating places, bars, espresso retailers, purchasing centres, markets, motels and different websites frequented by foreigners
Be notably alert throughout spiritual holidays, sporting occasions and public celebrations. Terrorists have carried out assaults throughout these occasions.
- All the time pay attention to your environment when in public locations
- Keep at motels which have strong safety measures, however remember that even essentially the most safe areas can’t be thought-about fully freed from danger
Areas bordering Somalia and portion of the Coast area
Kenya’s border with Somalia is closed, however it’s porous and Somali militias and bandit teams have carried out cross-border assaults in opposition to foreigners and humanitarian employees on this area. Some incidents concerned the usage of improvised explosive gadgets and have resulted in accidents and deaths, together with on the Dadaab refugee camp, 80 km from the Somali border. The chance of such assaults within the area stays excessive.
Disputes between Somali clans additionally make the area unstable and harmful. There’s an elevated army and police presence and frequent roadblocks because of the Authorities of Kenya’s efforts to restrict Somali incursions and gun-running within the border space.
There’s additionally a danger of kidnapping within the northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir and Garissa bordering Somalia and the coastal areas of Lamu County. Teams based mostly in Somalia and northeastern Kenya have focused humanitarian employees, vacationers and residents up to now and deaths have occurred.
Beachfront lodging on the coastal space are susceptible to legal exercise, equivalent to armed theft, break-ins and carjacking.
Areas bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia
There’s an excessive menace of kidnapping, terrorism and cross-border violence within the northern counties of Marsabit and Turkana inside 110 km of Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Neighbourhoods of Nairobi
Felony exercise stays excessive in a number of neighbourhoods and areas of Nairobi. Police capability to reply to crime and different incidents may be very restricted.
Northern and Western Kenya
Some areas positioned in Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera counties are thought-about unsafe. The continuing menace posed by terrorism is joined by numerous regional, tribal or clan-based conflicts involving land, cattle and water. Think about using armed escorts when travelling inside these counties; escorts can typically be organized via native police stations.
- Keep away from venturing away from vacationer areas
- Don’t journey after darkish
Tribal conflicts have occurred within the Mount Elgon space within the western counties of Trans-Nzoia and Bungoma. In case you determine to journey to that area:
- stay vigilant always
- monitor native media
Curfews
Attributable to elevated banditry, native authorities have introduced a dusk-to-dawn curfew within the following counties :
- Baringo
- Elgeyo-Marakwet
- Laikipia
- Samburu
- Turkana
- West Pokot
- Shakahola (Malindi)
Kenyan safety forces are engaged in safety operations in these counties.
In case you are in an affected space:
- keep a low profile
- comply with curfew orders
- monitor native media for the most recent info
Crime
There’s a excessive crime price in most areas of Kenya, notably in main cities equivalent to Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and at coastal seashore resorts. Historically, crimes enhance within the weeks earlier than Christmas.
Bear in mind that there have been incidents of “mob justice” through which a crowd lynches suspected criminals previous to the arrival of police.
Violent Crime
Carjacking, residence invasions, kidnappings and robberies happen, together with throughout daytime and in neighbourhoods usually thought-about protected.
Vacationers have been the goal of carjacking, robberies and kidnappings whereas travelling to or from the worldwide airports in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- Solely use transportation organized by respected tour corporations or well-marked taxis
- Be notably vigilant if you’re commuting alone
In Nairobi, train excessive warning in casual settlement communities, equivalent to Kasarani, Kibera and Mathare, because of the excessive stage of crime and restricted capability of police to reply to incidents.
The Outdated City of Fort Jesus in Mombasa has an analogous crime price to different areas of town throughout the day. Nevertheless, there’s a significantly elevated danger of legal exercise at evening, together with robberies, assaults and different avenue crimes. Crime charges are additionally excessive on and across the Likoni Ferry (which hyperlinks Mombasa and the southern resorts).
- Concentrate on your environment always, notably on roads linking a metropolis centre to residential areas
- Don’t stroll outside at evening, notably in remoted areas
- Train warning whereas strolling throughout daytime and if travelling after darkish
- When confronted by robbers, comply and don’t provide resistance
Petty Crime
Petty crime, equivalent to pickpocketing and purse snatching, happens.
- Make sure that your belongings, together with your passport and different journey paperwork, are safe always
- Keep away from displaying indicators of affluence or carrying giant sums of cash
- Make sure that your credit score and debit playing cards, money and every other monetary assets are usually not all stored in the identical place
- Retailer your belongings in safekeeping amenities
- By no means depart your luggage unsupervised at a ticket workplace or a registration desk
- While you depart your resort room, be sure that the door is locked and the “don’t disturb” signal is displayed
Thieves travelling on scooters or on foot have focused the baggage of automobile or scooter passengers.
- Maintain your home windows closed, doorways locked and valuables out of attain and sight
- Be particularly vigilant when stopped at visitors lights
Incidents of passport theft have occurred within the departure space of Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport in Nairobi. There have additionally been instances the place checked baggage has been pilfered.
- Concentrate on your environment in any respect airports
- Retailer your valuables in locked hand-luggage
- Don’t change forex within the public areas of the airport
Demonstrations
Demonstrations happen usually. Even peaceable demonstrations can flip violent at any time. They’ll additionally result in disruptions to visitors and public transportation.
- Keep away from areas the place demonstrations and huge gatherings are going down
- Comply with the directions of native authorities
- Monitor native media for info on ongoing demonstrations
Curfews
Curfews will be imposed with out discover.
All the time adjust to the directives issued by native authorities.
Spiked meals and drinks
By no means depart meals or drinks unattended or within the care of strangers. Be cautious of accepting snacks, drinks, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These things could comprise medication that might put you vulnerable to sexual assault and theft.
Fraud
Criminals have been identified to impersonate resort workers, law enforcement officials or authorities officers in makes an attempt to get cash from vacationers.
In case you are approached by somebody claiming to be a authorities official or police officer they usually wonderful you for an alleged offence, ask for an official authorities receipt.
Law enforcement officials are required to determine themselves. There’s a criticism course of via the Kenyan Police Service to research allegations of corruption and abuse.
Train warning if you’re travelling to Kenya to fulfill somebody with whom you might have developed a relationship on the Web (friendship, enterprise or romance). Foreigners are sometimes lured to Kenya, particularly throughout the vacation season (Christmas and New Yr), to fulfill their on-line contact in individual. As soon as there, they grow to be victims of crime. Some have misplaced hundreds of {dollars} and a few have been arrested for failing to pay money owed accrued domestically or exorbitant payments racked up because of scams.
Nationwide parks, safaris and reserves
Vacationers have been victims of crime, generally involving violence, in nationwide parks and reserves, in addition to on safaris.
- Stay conscious of your environment always
- Keep away from tenting alone or with out professional native help
Overland journey
Guests travelling overland to sure sport parks and reserves have been attacked by armed bandits. Train warning on the roads between the next areas on account of assaults, robberies and automobile hijackings:
- Malindi to Lamu
- Nairobi and the Amboseli, Masai Mara, Nakuru and Tsavo sport parks/reserves
- Nairobi and the Mount Kenya/Aberdare space
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing poses dangers, notably on foot or at shut vary.
- All the time keep a protected distance when observing wildlife
- Solely exit a automobile when an expert information or warden says it’s protected to take action
- Solely use respected {and professional} guides or tour operators
- Intently comply with park laws and wardens’ recommendation
Native help
The Kenya Tourism Federation operates a 24-hour Security and Communication Centre, which offers info on tourism and street situations, and has details about regional help in an emergency.
Security Centre – Kenya Tourism Federation
Non-governmental organizations
Foreigners volunteering with native non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have generally reported incidents of fraud, threats and mistreatment by native personnel.
In case you are considering volunteering with NGOs in Kenya, it is best to contact the Nationwide Bureau of NGOs earlier than making any dedication and earlier than departing Canada, to verify that the group you want to work with is reputable. All NGOs in Kenya are required by legislation to be registered with the Nationwide Council of NGOs, a self-regulating, non-partisan physique.
Ladies’s security
Ladies travelling alone could also be topic to some types of harassment and verbal abuse. Assaults involving sexual assault have occurred.
Recommendation for girls travellers
Pressured Marriages
Pressured marriage affecting foreigners happen. It generally happens with out the affected individual’s prior data or consent.
Normal info and recommendation about pressured marriage
Highway journey
Highway situations and street security can fluctuate significantly all through the nation.
Main highways are usually in good situation however minor roads are poorly maintained. Drivers don’t respect visitors legal guidelines, and consuming and driving is prevalent, particularly at evening.
Maintain this in thoughts when planning journey by street, as driving at evening will be dangerous. Extreme speeds, poorly maintained automobiles, poor lighting and insufficient signage pose hazards.
Throughout the wet season, some unpaved roads grow to be impassable, even with four-wheel drive automobiles. It’s best to drive defensively and at all times pay attention to your environment.
Severe visitors delays are frequent. The street from Nairobi to Mombasa is especially congested and will be harmful for vacationers unfamiliar with native driving situations. It’s best to journey by air or practice if doable.
Use licensed border crossings when travelling by automobile between Kenya and Tanzania.
Public transportation
Public transportation is unsafe.
Inter metropolis buses
Lengthy-distance buses have been concerned in severe accidents.
Intra Metropolis journey
Native mini buses (matatus) and bike taxis (boda-bodas) are usually poorly maintained, recklessly pushed and never adequately insured. Matatu hijackings and incidents of passengers being robbed have occurred.
Taxis
Use dependable taxi corporations, and ensure the fare upfront.
Rail
The Madaraka Specific Railway line between Nairobi and Mombasa is dependable and protected. Different passenger practice traces are usually not protected and are routinely late.
Maritime transportation
The Likoni Ferry (from Mombasa to Likoni) is unsafe on account of a mixture of excessive crime charges, uncontrolled crowds, restricted security coaching, frequent breakdowns and inconsistent upkeep. Stampedes and overcrowding on the ferry have resulted in a number of accidents.
Piracy
Pirate assaults and armed theft in opposition to ships happen in coastal waters. Mariners ought to take applicable precautions.
Dwell piracy report – Worldwide Maritime Bureau
Air journey
We don’t make assessments on the compliance of international home airways with worldwide security requirements.
Entry and exit necessities
Each nation or territory decides who can enter or exit via its borders. The Authorities of Canada can not intervene in your behalf if you don’t meet your vacation spot’s entry or exit necessities.
We’ve obtained the data on this web page from Kenyan authorities. It may, nevertheless, change at any time.
Confirm this info with the Overseas Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry necessities fluctuate relying on the kind of passport you employ for journey.
Earlier than you journey, test together with your transportation firm about passport necessities. Its guidelines on passport validity could also be extra stringent than the nation’s entry guidelines.
Common Canadian passport
Your passport should be legitimate for not less than six months from the date of entry into Kenya.
Passport for official journey
Completely different entry guidelines could apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
Whereas the Authorities of Canada points passports with an “X” gender identifier, it can not assure your entry or transit via different nations. You would possibly face entry restrictions in nations that don’t acknowledge the “X” gender identifier. Earlier than you permit, test with the closest international consultant in your vacation spot.
Different journey paperwork
Completely different entry guidelines could apply when travelling with a brief passport or an emergency journey doc. Earlier than you permit, test with the closest international consultant in your vacation spot.
Helpful hyperlinks
Visas
You should receive your visa on-line previous to your departure.
Vacationer visa: required
Transit visa: required
Enterprise visa: required
Pupil visa: required
Work Allow: required
Vacationer visas are legitimate for as much as three months.
You could have a visa if you’re transiting Kenya to a different vacation spot. Your keep could not exceed 72 hours. In case you are connecting to a flight immediately with out leaving the airport, you don’t want a transit visa.
You’ll want to test the visa validity instantly after issuance.
In case you don’t have a legitimate visa you possibly can be detained, taken to courtroom and charged for being in Kenya illegally. You could possibly be topic to a wonderful or deportation.
eVisa– Kenyan Division of Immigration Companies
Visa extension
Kenyan Immigration authorities could prolong your visa for one month at a time, for a most of three months. Every extension prices KSH 1000, and should be requested whereas the visa continues to be legitimate.
To increase your visa, contact immigration authorities as soon as you’re within the nation.
Charges
You could pay all visa charges in actual money and solely in U.S. {dollars}, British pound sterling or euros. You’ll be able to’t pay for a visa with a bank card.
There is no such thing as a charge for visas for youngsters beneath 16 years.
East African vacationer visa
The East African Vacationer Visa permits for a number of entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
This visa is legitimate for 90 days and can’t be prolonged.
You could receive this visa from the authorities of the nation that’s your first entry level. In case you plan to start your journey in Kenya, you should receive it from the Excessive Fee for the Republic of Kenya or on arrival.
Work Permits
You could have a legitimate work allow to work or volunteer in Kenya. It’s unlawful to work or volunteer in Kenya with every other kind of visa.
As a international employee in Kenya, you should carry the required work permits and documentation with you always, even when volunteering. Strict actions will probably be taken for those who don’t comply, together with deportation.
To acquire an digital working allow, apply on-line with the Division of Immigration Companies. You could go to the Kenya Immigration headquarters (Nyayo Home within the Central Enterprise District of Nairobi) after finishing the net software to acquire your allow.
Apply for a piece allow – Kenyan Division of Immigration Companies
NGO employees
Canadians planning to work or volunteer (together with, briefly or part-time) in Kenya for any interval are required to have a piece allow.
The Nationwide Council of NGOs can present help in acquiring a piece allow for people planning to work for a neighborhood NGO if contacted upfront.
If an worker strikes from one group to a different, the primary allow turns into void and the person should apply for a brand new allow to work with the next group.
Seek the advice of with the NGO with whom you’re planning to volunteer, in addition to with the Kenya Immigration Overseas Nationals Companies for full info and necessities.
Extra details about Kenyan work permits – Excessive fee of Kenya
Well being screening
Because of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus illness in neighbouring nations chances are you’ll be topic to a fast thermal scanner screening and/or a well being questionnaire on the airports upon boarding or disembarking a aircraft and at land border crossings.
Kids and journey
Study extra about travelling with youngsters.
Yellow fever
Study potential entry necessities associated to yellow fever (vaccines part).
The Kenyan authorities usually perform spot checks for proof of yellow fever vaccinations. Carry a duplicate of your proof of vaccination with you always.
Well being
Related Journey Well being Notices
This part comprises info on doable well being dangers and restrictions usually discovered or ongoing within the vacation spot. Comply with this recommendation to decrease your danger of turning into in poor health whereas travelling. Not all dangers are listed under.
Seek the advice of a well being care skilled or go to a journey well being clinic ideally 6 weeks earlier than you journey to get customized well being recommendation and proposals.
Routine vaccines
Make certain that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date earlier than travelling, no matter your vacation spot.
A few of these vaccinations embrace measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and drugs
You could be in danger for preventable illnesses whereas travelling on this vacation spot. Speak to a journey well being skilled about which drugs or vaccines could also be best for you, based mostly in your vacation spot and itinerary.
Yellow Fever – Nation Entry Necessities
Yellow fever is a illness attributable to a flavivirus from the chunk of an contaminated mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated both as a result of it’s required to enter a rustic or as a result of it is suggested for his or her safety.
Danger
- There’s a danger of yellow fever on this nation.
Nation Entry Requirement*
Advice
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is very important notice that nation entry necessities could not mirror your danger of yellow fever at your vacation spot. It is strongly recommended that you simply contact the closest diplomatic or consular workplace of the vacation spot(s) you may be visiting to confirm any further entry necessities.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a illness of the liver unfold via contaminated meals and water or contact with an contaminated individual. All these travelling to areas with a danger of hepatitis A an infection ought to get vaccinated.
Measles
Measles is a extremely contagious viral illness. It may unfold rapidly from individual to individual by direct contact and thru droplets within the air.
Anybody who will not be protected in opposition to measles is vulnerable to being contaminated with it when travelling internationally.
No matter the place you’re going, speak to a well being care skilled earlier than travelling to ensure you are absolutely protected in opposition to measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a illness of the liver unfold via blood or different bodily fluids. Travellers who could also be uncovered (e.g., via sexual contact, medical remedy, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational publicity) ought to get vaccinated.
COVID-19
Coronavirus illness (COVID-19) is an infectious viral illness. It may unfold from individual to individual by direct contact and thru droplets within the air.
It is strongly recommended that each one eligible travellers full a COVID-19 vaccine collection together with any further beneficial doses in Canada earlier than travelling. Proof reveals that vaccines are very efficient at stopping extreme sickness, hospitalization and demise from COVID-19. Whereas vaccination offers higher safety in opposition to severe sickness, you should still be vulnerable to an infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anybody who has not accomplished a vaccine collection is at elevated danger of being contaminated with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at higher danger for extreme illness when travelling internationally.
Earlier than travelling, confirm your vacation spot’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit necessities. No matter the place you’re going, speak to a well being care skilled earlier than travelling to ensure you are adequately protected in opposition to COVID-19.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza happens worldwide. The flu season normally runs from November to April within the northern hemisphere, between April and October within the southern hemisphere and yr spherical within the tropics. Influenza (flu) is attributable to a virus unfold from individual to individual once they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces which have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Meningococcal illness
This nation is within the African Meningitis Belt, an space the place there are a lot of instances of meningococcal illness. Meningococcal illness is a severe and generally deadly an infection. Travellers who could also be at excessive danger ought to take into account getting vaccinated. Excessive-risk travellers embrace these residing or working with the native inhabitants (e.g., well being care employees) or these travelling to crowded areas or collaborating in giant gatherings.
Malaria
- There’s a danger of malaria in sure areas and/or throughout a sure time of yr on this nation.
- Malaria is a severe and sometimes deadly illness that’s unfold by the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. There is no such thing as a vaccine in opposition to malaria.
- Shield your self from mosquito bites. This contains masking up, utilizing insect repellent and staying in enclosed, air-conditioned lodging. You may additionally take into account pre-treating clothes and journey gear with pesticides and sleeping beneath an insecticide-treated mattress internet.
- Antimalarial remedy could also be beneficial relying in your itinerary and the time of yr you’re travelling (see CATMAT Appendix 1). If beneficial, it is best to begin taking antimalarial remedy previous to journey. See a well being care supplier or go to a journey well being clinic, ideally six weeks earlier than you journey to debate your choices.
Rabies
On this vacation spot, rabies is usually carried by canines and a few wildlife, together with bats. Rabies is a plague that spreads to people primarily via bites or scratches from an contaminated animal. Whereas travelling, take precautions, together with maintaining your distance from animals (together with free-roaming canines), and intently supervising youngsters.
In case you are bitten or scratched by a canine or different animal whereas travelling, instantly wash the wound with cleaning soap and clear water and see a well being care skilled. On this vacation spot, rabies remedy could also be restricted or might not be out there, subsequently chances are you’ll have to return to Canada for remedy.
Earlier than journey, focus on rabies vaccination with a well being care skilled. It might be beneficial for travellers who’re at excessive danger of publicity (e.g., occupational danger equivalent to veterinarians and wildlife employees, youngsters, journey travellers and spelunkers, and others in shut contact with animals).
Protected meals and water precautions
Many sicknesses will be attributable to consuming meals or consuming drinks contaminated by micro organism, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Study extra about meals and water precautions to take to keep away from getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely overseas web page. Keep in mind: Boil it, prepare dinner it, peel it, or depart it!
- Keep away from getting water into your eyes, mouth or nostril when swimming or taking part in actions in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), notably after flooding or heavy rain. Water could look clear however might nonetheless be polluted or contaminated.
- Keep away from inhaling or swallowing water whereas bathing, showering, or swimming in swimming pools or scorching tubs.
Cholera
Danger
Cholera is a danger in elements of this nation. Most travellers are at very low danger.
To guard in opposition to cholera, all travellers ought to practise protected meals and water precautions.
Travellers at larger danger of getting cholera embrace these:
- visiting, working or residing in areas with restricted entry to protected meals, water and correct sanitation
- visiting areas the place outbreaks are occurring
Vaccination could also be beneficial for high-risk travellers, and needs to be mentioned with a well being care skilled.
Travellers’ diarrhea
Travellers’ diarrhea is the most typical sickness affecting travellers. It’s unfold from consuming or consuming contaminated meals or water.
Danger of growing travellers’ diarrhea will increase when travelling in areas with poor requirements of hygiene and sanitation. Practise protected meals and water precautions.
A very powerful remedy for travellers’ diarrhea is rehydration (consuming a lot of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial an infection unfold by contaminated meals or water. Danger is larger amongst youngsters, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting buddies and kin or these travelling for an extended time period.
Travellers visiting areas with a danger of typhoid, particularly these uncovered to locations with poor sanitation, ought to communicate to a well being care skilled about vaccination.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis will be unfold to people via freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms). The eggs of the worms could cause abdomen sicknesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary issues. Danger is mostly low for many travellers. Keep away from swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds). There is no such thing as a vaccine out there for schistosomiasis.
Insect chunk prevention
Many illnesses are unfold by the bites of contaminated bugs equivalent to mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas the place contaminated bugs could also be current:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on uncovered pores and skin
- Cowl up with light-coloured, unfastened garments product of tightly woven supplies equivalent to nylon or polyester
- Decrease publicity to bugs
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outside or in buildings that aren’t absolutely enclosed
To study extra about how one can scale back your danger of an infection and illness attributable to bites, each at residence and overseas, go to our insect chunk prevention web page.
Discover out what varieties of bugs are current the place you’re travelling, once they’re most lively, and the signs of the illnesses they unfold.
Chikungunya
There’s a danger of chikungunya on this nation. The chance could fluctuate between areas of a rustic. Chikungunya is a virus unfold via the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. Chikungunya could cause a viral illness that usually causes fever and ache within the joints. In some instances, the joint ache will be extreme and final for months or years.
Shield your self from mosquito bites always. There is no such thing as a vaccine out there for chikungunya.
Rift Valley fever
Rift Valley fever is a viral illness that may trigger extreme flu-like signs. In some instances, it may be deadly. It’s unfold to people via contact with contaminated animal blood or tissues, from the chunk of an contaminated mosquito, or consuming or consuming unpasteurized dairy. Danger is mostly low for many travellers. Shield your self from insect bites and keep away from animals, notably livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no such thing as a vaccine out there for Rift Valley fever.
Visceral Leishmaniasis
Visceral leishmaniasis (or kala azar) impacts the bone marrow and inside organs. It’s attributable to a parasite unfold via the chunk of a feminine sandfly. It will also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it may possibly trigger demise. Danger is mostly low for many travellers. Shield your self from sandfly bites, which generally happen after sundown in rural and forested areas and in some city centres. There is no such thing as a vaccine or remedy to guard in opposition to leishmaniasis.
Dengue
- On this nation, dengue is a danger to travellers. It’s a viral illness unfold to people by mosquito bites.
- Dengue could cause flu-like signs. In some instances, it may possibly result in extreme dengue, which will be deadly.
- The extent of danger of dengue modifications seasonally, and varies from yr to yr. The extent of danger additionally varies between areas in a rustic and might rely upon the elevation within the area.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue usually chunk throughout the daytime, notably round dawn and sundown.
- Shield your self from mosquito bites. There is no such thing as a vaccine or remedy that protects in opposition to dengue.
Zika virus
Zika virus is a danger on this nation.
Zika virus is primarily unfold via the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. It will also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus could cause severe delivery defects.
Pregnant ladies and girls planning a being pregnant ought to go to a well being care skilled earlier than travelling to debate the potential dangers of travelling to this nation. Pregnant ladies could select to keep away from or postpone journey to this nation.
Journey suggestions:
- Forestall mosquito bites always.
- In case you are pregnant, at all times use condoms accurately or keep away from sexual contact with anybody who has travelled to this nation all through your being pregnant.
- Ladies: Wait 2 months after journey to this nation or after onset of sickness on account of Zika virus (whichever is longer) earlier than attempting for a being pregnant. In case your male accomplice travelled with you, wait 3 months after journey or after onset of sickness on account of Zika virus (whichever is longer).
- Males: Wait 3 months after journey to this nation or after onset of sickness on account of Zika virus (whichever is longer) earlier than attempting for a being pregnant.
For extra journey suggestions, see the journey well being discover: Zika virus: Recommendation for travellers
Animal precautions
Some infections, equivalent to rabies and influenza, will be shared between people and animals. Sure varieties of actions could enhance your likelihood of contact with animals, equivalent to travelling in rural or forested areas, tenting, mountain climbing, and visiting moist markets (locations the place stay animals are slaughtered and offered) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to keep away from contact with animals, together with canines, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to keep away from consuming undercooked wild sport.
Intently supervise youngsters, as they’re extra prone to are available in contact with animals.
Individual-to-person infections
Keep residence for those who’re sick and practise correct cough and sneeze etiquette, which incorporates coughing or sneezing right into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Scale back your danger of colds, the flu and different sicknesses by:
- washing your palms typically
- avoiding or limiting the period of time spent in closed areas, crowded locations, or at large-scale occasions (live shows, sporting occasions, rallies)
- avoiding shut bodily contact with individuals who could also be displaying signs of sickness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are unfold via blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise protected intercourse, and restrict your variety of sexual companions. Verify together with your native public well being authority pre-travel to find out your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an an infection attributable to micro organism and normally impacts the lungs.
For many travellers the danger of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who could also be at excessive danger whereas travelling in areas with danger of tuberculosis ought to focus on pre- and post-travel choices with a well being care skilled.
Excessive-risk travellers embrace these visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting buddies and kin.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that assaults and impairs the immune system, leading to a continual, progressive sickness referred to as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Excessive danger actions embrace something which places you involved with blood or physique fluids, equivalent to unprotected intercourse and publicity to unsterilized needles for drugs or different substances (for instance, steroids and medicines), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
Medical providers and amenities
Good medical amenities can be found in Nairobi, however health-care requirements in different elements of the nation fluctuate and will be very restricted. Medical amenities could require proof of insurance coverage or up-front cost earlier than beginning remedy.
Ensure you get journey insurance coverage that features protection for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Journey well being and security
Maintain in Thoughts…
The choice to journey is the only accountability of the traveller. The traveller can also be chargeable for his or her personal private security.
Be ready. Don’t anticipate medical providers to be the identical as in Canada. Pack a journey well being package, particularly if you may be travelling away from main metropolis centres.
Legal guidelines and tradition
You could abide by native legal guidelines.
Study what it is best to do and the way we might help if you’re arrested or detained overseas.
Identification
You could carry photograph identification or a duplicate of your passport always. Police and immigration officers have the suitable to demand proof of your identification, residency or legitimate visas. It’s best to cooperate with authorities if you’re requested for identification. Failure to current proof of residence or a legitimate visa to authorities when requested to take action might end in fines or arrest. Maintain a photocopy of your passport in a protected place, in case it’s misplaced or confiscated.
Volunteering
It’s unlawful to work or volunteer in Kenya with out a legitimate work allow. Kenyan authorities strictly implement this legislation. Convicted offenders might face heavy fines, jail sentences of as much as 5 years and deportation.
Medication
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of unlawful medication are extreme. Convicted offenders can anticipate jail sentences starting from 10 years to life imprisonment and heavy fines. You could possibly additionally face fines and jail time if you’re convicted of being in a location the place there are unlawful medication, even when they don’t seem to be yours.
Alcohol
There are strict restrictions on the sale of alcoholic drinks and on consuming alcohol in public locations.
Helpful hyperlinks
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public locations. Convicted offenders might pay heavy fines or face a jail sentence.
Wildlife
Possession of ivory or different banned wildlife gadgets, even when bought outdoors of Kenya, is strictly prohibited. Killing, shopping for, promoting or buying and selling any protected wild animal or any of its elements is illegitimate. Offenders will be arrested and given prolonged jail sentences and heavy fines.
Images
Images of presidency buildings, international embassies and missions (together with the Canadian Excessive Fee), airports, army amenities or different delicate areas is prohibited and should result in arrest or detention.
Unlawful and restricted gadgets
Plastic luggage
The use, manufacture or importation of plastic luggage, together with rubbish luggage and purchasing luggage, is illegitimate. Convicted offenders, together with vacationers, can face very heavy fines (as much as USD 40,000), imprisonment for as much as two years, or each.
Firearms
To hold firearms, you should receive permission from native authorities previous to coming into the nation. Firearms are strictly forbidden in wildlife reserves and nationwide parks.
Pornographic materials
Possession of pornographic materials is forbidden.
2SLGBTQI+ travellers
Kenyan legislation prohibits sexual acts between people of the identical intercourse. These convicted can face prolonged jail sentences.
Although there are few convictions, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are routinely harassed by the police, and societal discrimination based mostly on sexual orientation is widespread.
2SLGBTQI+ travellers ought to fastidiously take into account the dangers of travelling to Kenya.
Journey and your sexual orientation, gender id, gender expression and intercourse traits
Twin citizenship
Twin citizenship is legally acknowledged in Kenya.
In case you are a Canadian citizen, but additionally a citizen of Kenya, our skill to give you consular providers could also be restricted whilst you’re there. You may additionally be topic to totally different entry/exit necessities.
Travellers with twin citizenship
Worldwide Baby Abduction
The Hague Conference on the Civil Features of Worldwide Baby Abduction is a global treaty. It may assist mother and father with the return of youngsters who’ve been eliminated to or retained in sure nations in violation of custody rights. It doesn’t apply between Canada and Kenya.
In case your baby was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Kenya by an abducting mother or father:
- act as rapidly as you may
- seek the advice of a lawyer in Canada and in Kenya to discover all of the authorized choices for the return of your baby
- report the scenario to the closest Canadian authorities workplace overseas or to the Weak Kids’s Consular Unit at World Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
In case your baby was faraway from a rustic apart from Canada, seek the advice of a lawyer to find out if The Hague Conference applies.
Bear in mind that Canadian consular officers can not intrude in non-public authorized issues or in a foreign country’s judicial affairs.
Helpful hyperlinks
Driving
Visitors drives on the left.
Whereas driving, drivers should at all times carry:
- a legitimate driver’s licence
- automobile registration paperwork
- proof of legitimate insurance coverage
- a legitimate automobile inspection certificates
These paperwork should be produced on demand by a police officer.
You should be not less than 18 years previous to drive a non-public motorcar in Kenya.
You could drive utilizing a Canadian driver’s licence for as much as 90 days from the date of entry into Kenya.
An Worldwide Driving Allow is accepted, if introduced together with your authentic Canadian licence.
Residents of Kenya could apply for a Kenyan driver’s licence with proof of a legitimate Canadian driver’s licence.
If utilizing a Canadian licence for any of the above instances, it should be in English or a licensed translation should accompany it and be introduced on demand.
Non-public motor automobiles should have 2 emergency triangles.
In case you are stopped on account of a visitors violation, the police officer could ask you to pay an on-the spot wonderful. Police, nevertheless, are usually not permitted to simply accept money on the spot with out issuing an official receipt. In case you disagree with the visitors ticket, you might have the suitable to ask for due course of. The officer ought to give you info on when and the place you may go to be correctly charged, after which chances are you’ll pursue that course of.
Tradition
Train frequent sense and discretion in your costume and behavior, notably within the coast area, the place the vast majority of the inhabitants is Muslim.
To keep away from offending native sensitivities:
- costume conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect spiritual and social traditions
Ramadan
In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is predicted to start on or round March 10.
In public, between dawn and sundown, be discreet when:
Cash
The forex is the Kenyan shilling (KES).
ATMs are broadly out there.
Bank cards are broadly accepted at main motels, however not at all times in additional distant areas.
Many banks and motels change international forex. It is usually doable to transform Kenyan shillings into international forex on the airport upon departure.
M-PESA is a standard type of digital funds switch accepted throughout Kenya, together with at nationwide parks. Nationwide parks don’t settle for money and usually settle for bank cards, however at instances, on account of technical difficulties, solely cost by way of M-PESA is accepted.
Travellers who import the equal of U.S. $5,000 or extra should present documentation stating the supply and function of the funds.
Pure disasters and local weather
Wet seasons and droughts
Drought is essentially the most prevalent pure hazard in Kenya affecting primarily the japanese, north japanese and coast space, in addition to elements of the Rift Valley.
There are usually two wet seasons in Kenya: from October to November, and from late March to mid-June. Seasonal flooding and mudslides can hamper overland journey and scale back the supply of important providers. Roads could grow to be impassable and bridges broken.
In case you reside in or are travelling to affected areas:
- train warning
- monitor native information and climate studies
- comply with the recommendation of native authorities.
Volcanoes and earthquakes
Pure disasters are doable on account of regional volcanic and seismic exercise. Whereas there haven’t been any latest incidents, pay cautious consideration to all warnings issued.









