Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[254] (20) 363-6170 or (254) (20) 363-6451; US Embassy Nairobi, United Nations Avenue Nairobi, P. O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya; kenya_acs@state.gov https://ke.usembassy.go
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
254
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kenya: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior
Currency (Code)
Kenyan shillings (KES)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
English, Kiswahili, numerous indigenous languages
Major Religions
Christian 85.5%, Muslim 10.9%
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
National Parks of Nairobi, Tsavo, Lake Nakuru; National Reserves of Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Shaba, Buffalo Springs; Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, beaches near Malindi and Diani
Major Sports
Soccer, track and field, basketball, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Giving gifts with the left hand is considered taboo; use your right hand or both hands.
Tipping Guidelines
A tip of 10% is appropriate for the wait staff in restaurants. At hotels, porters may be tipped anything from 50-100 shillings, and housekeepers from 200-500 shillings per week.
Souvenirs
Sisal or leather baskets; carved teak, ebony, or mninga wood statues, gourds, and tableware; soapstone items; wax paintings; tribal sarongs, blankets, jewelry, spears, and drums; coffee
Traditional Cuisine
Ugali nyama choma na kachumbari — maize meal, grilled meat, and an onion-and-tomato salsa
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
