10 Things International Visitors Should Know Before Visiting Kenya

Planning your first trip to Kenya is exciting. Whether you are coming for a safari, business, the coast, culture or a visit with friends and family, a little preparation can make your experience smoother.

Kenya is welcoming, diverse and relatively easy to explore, but international visitors should understand a few practical details before travelling.

1. Check Kenya’s Entry Requirements

Most foreign visitors need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before starting their journey. Kenya’s official eTA website says travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months after their planned arrival, with at least one blank page. Some travellers, including citizens of East African Partner States, are exempt.

2. Keep Your Travel Documents Accessible

Keep your passport, eTA, accommodation details, return or onward travel information and important contacts easily accessible. Avoid putting everything in checked luggage.

3. Know the Health Requirements

If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission occurs, Kenya’s Ministry of Health requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. The ministry also advises travellers to check current health requirements before travelling.

For health advice specific to your itinerary, consult a qualified travel-health professional before departure.

4. Understand Customs Rules

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requires arriving passengers to make appropriate customs declarations. Restricted goods, certain commercial items, gifts and other specified goods may need to be declared. Currency or monetary instruments exceeding US$10,000 or its equivalent must also be declared.

When uncertain, ask a customs officer rather than guessing.

5. Kenya Uses Kenyan Shillings

The local currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). International visitors will find card and electronic payment options in many established hotels, restaurants and businesses, while cash can still be useful, particularly when travelling beyond major urban areas.

6. English and Swahili Are Widely Used

English and Kiswahili are Kenya’s official languages. You will encounter English extensively in tourism, business and public services, while Kiswahili is widely spoken in everyday life.

Learning a few words such as “Karibu” (welcome) and “Asante” (thank you) can be a lovely way to connect with people.

7. Kenya Is Culturally Diverse

There is no single Kenyan culture. Kenya is home to many communities, each with their own traditions, languages, music, food and social practices.

When experiencing traditional dance, music or ceremonies, remember that a performance usually reflects a particular cultural tradition—not every Kenyan community.

8. Plan Your Airport Arrival

If you are flying into Nairobi, allow time for immigration, baggage collection and customs before making onward arrangements.

For first-time visitors, having a confirmed airport reception or transfer can remove unnecessary uncertainty after a long international flight.

9. Respect Local Customs

Dress and behaviour expectations can vary depending on where you are visiting. Religious sites, rural communities and cultural events may have particular expectations. Ask your guide or host when you are unsure, and always seek permission before photographing people in sensitive or private situations.