VaccineChecking
Back to all destinations

Kenya

Standard Coverage

East Africa • KEN

Last updated: October 13, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Kenya is a breathtaking East African destination renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from savannahs and lakelands to mountain highlands. It offers world-class wildlife safari experiences and unique cultural encounters with traditional tribes like the Maasai.

Visa Requirements

e-Visa / ETA Available

Kenya has replaced the traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which all visitors must apply for online prior to departure.

Typically Required Documents

  • Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
  • Digital passport-style photograph
  • Confirmed flight itinerary
  • Hotel booking details or invitation letter
  • Credit card or debit card for the processing fee

Popular Attractions

1

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Famous for its incredible wildlife population and the spectacular annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.

2

Amboseli National Park: Known for offering the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, against a backdrop of free-ranging elephants.

3

Lake Nakuru National Park: A stunning alkaline lake that serves as a sanctuary for millions of flamingos and various species of rhinos.

4

Diani Beach: A beautiful coastal retreat featuring pristine white sands and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports.

5

Mount Kenya: The second-highest peak in Africa, providing challenging trekking opportunities and stunning alpine scenery for adventure seekers.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals, as it is considered respectful and polite.

Use your right hand for greeting, eating, or giving gifts, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites, to avoid offending local sensibilities.

Tipping is appreciated in the tourism industry; round up your bill or tip 10 percent in restaurants for good service.

Accept hospitality with a smile, as Kenyans are known for their warm and welcoming nature towards visitors.

Safety Tips

Avoid walking alone at night in urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa, and prefer using registered taxi services.

Keep your valuables, such as passports and extra cash, in a hotel safe rather than carrying them around openly.

Be cautious of street vendors or individuals offering unsolicited assistance in busy markets to prevent scams.

Stay informed about current travel advisories and avoid areas near the border with Somalia due to security concerns.

Drink only bottled or treated water to avoid waterborne illnesses during your stay.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

View source

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

Proof of vaccination is required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.

View source
Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population, need medical care, or experience exposure to potential blood.

View source

COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

To reduce risk of severe illness during travel.

View source

Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel for general health protection.

View source

For Most Travelers

Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities.

Risk exists through contaminated food and water.

View source

Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to risk through contaminated food or water.

View source

Malaria Prophylaxis & Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Kenya is malaria-endemic. Take prescription antimalarial medication (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) as directed, and use insect repellent (DEET/Picaridin), permethrin-treated clothing, and mosquito netting. Consult a healthcare provider to choose the right prophylaxis.

Including use of insect repellent and bed nets.

View source

Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent gastrointestinal illnesses by consuming safe food and water.

Drink bottled or boiled water and ensure food is cooked thoroughly and served hot.

View source

Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms.

View source

Itinerary-Specific

Cholera

Source: CDC

All ages

Considered for travelers to areas with active cholera transmission, especially if accessing potentially contaminated water or food.

View source

Meningococcal vaccine

Source: CDC

adult

Consider vaccination if traveling to crowded areas, particularly during the hajj.

View source

Rabies vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers at risk of animal bites, especially in rural areas.

View source

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo, or have medical procedures.

View source

Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Considered for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.

View source
Malaria Information

Risk Area: Nairobi and highlands above 2,500 meters

Chemoprophylaxis: No significant risk; malaria prophylaxis generally not recommended

View source

Risk Area: Lake Victoria basin and western provinces

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Nairobi and central highlands (altitudes above 2,500m)

Chemoprophylaxis: No routine chemoprophylaxis required

View source

Risk Area: Coastal areas

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Lake Victoria basin and western highlands

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Entire country (including urban areas like Nairobi)

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: High altitudes (above 2500m)

Chemoprophylaxis: None

View source

Risk Area: Most areas of Kenya, including low-altitude regions and cities like Nairobi (at risk at lower altitudes)

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Entire country except urban centers

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Rural areas below 2000m

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: Entire country (higher risk in rural areas)

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source

Risk Area: No malaria risk

View source

Risk Area: Entire country

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

View source
Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

View our data sources and disclaimer →