Kenya

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

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

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

Plug Type 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: Wednesday, March 27, 2024