Travel advice for US citizens
April 08, 2021
Kenya Travel Advice: Level 4 Do not travel
Do not travel to Kenya because of this COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to Crime, Terrorism, Health Problems and Kidnapping.
Some areas are at increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory. Read the Department of State COVID-19 page before planning an international trip.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to COVID-19.
International flights are still operated, albeit limited. Internal flights are restricted, and road and rail travel is limited geographically and by curfew. Most of the companies operate, but with significant limitations, in the dining and entertainment sectors. Visit the embassy COVID-19 page More information on COVID-19 in Kenya.
Do not travel to:
· Kenya-Somalia border and some coastal areas due to terrorism.
· Territories of Turkana County due to crime.
Reconsider the trip to:
· Nairobi districts from Eastleigh and Kibera at all times Crime and kidnapping. Be especially careful if you are traveling anywhere in Kenya due to crime after dark.
Violent crimes such as armed carjacking, robbery, home invasion, and kidnapping can occur at any time. Local police are ready, but often unable to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Ambulance and fire services are also limited.
Terrorist attacks occurred without warning and were directed against Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist spots, transport hubs, hotels, resorts, markets / shopping centers and places of worship. Terrorist attacks have included armed attacks, suicide operations, bomb / grenade attacks and kidnappings.
Due to the risks to civil aviation near the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice to Airmen (NOTAM). For more information, US citizens should consult Federal Aviation Administration Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Some schools and other institutions that function as cultural rehabilitation centers operate in Kenya with insufficient or nonexistent licensing and supervision. Reports of minors and young adults detained and physically abused in these facilities against their will are widespread.
Read the Security and Protection section on the Country information page.
read this Country information page.
If you decide to travel to Kenya:
· See the US Embassy website regarding COVID-19.
· Visit the CDC website at Travel and COVID-19.
· Stay vigilant in places that are frequented by Westerners.
· Do not resist attempted robbery.
· Monitor local media for current events and be ready to adjust your plans.
· Make contingency plans to leave the country in an emergency. Check the Travel list.
· Always carry a copy of your US passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a safe place.
· Log in to the Smart Traveler Registration Program ((STEP) to receive safety messages and make it easier to find you in an emergency.
· Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Twitter.
· Check the Crime and Security Report for Kenya.
Kenya-Somalia border districts and coastal areas – Do not travel
US government officials are banned from entering the Kenya-Somalia border districts and some coastal areas due to terrorist concerns.
Kenya-Somalia border wards – do not travel
· Mandera
· Wajir
· Garissa
Coastal Areas – Don’t Travel
· County Tana River
· Lamu County
· Kilifi County areas north of Malindi
Turkana County – Don’t Travel
· Road from Kainuk to Lodwar because of banditry
Visit our website for Travel to high risk areas.
Nairobi neighborhoods Eastleigh and Kibera – Reconsider Travel
Violent crimes such as armed carjacking, robbery, home invasion, and kidnapping can occur at any time. Street crime can affect multiple armed attackers. Local police forces often lack the resources and training to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents.
For safety reasons, carefully consider using the Likoni ferry in Mombasa.
Visit our website for Travel to high risk areas.
