Useful Information for Kenya

PASSPORTS

Please ensure that your passport is valid for six months after your return date.

VISAS

British citizens holding a British passport do require visas when visiting Kenya. You can download the visa form from the website www.kenyahighcommission.net. Please contact the Kenyan Embassy on 0870 005 6953 if you require further information. Information is also available on the website: www.kenyanembassy.co.uk. You are advised to apply for your visa at least three months before the proposed date of travel to Kenya.

Visas can also be obtained at the airport on arrival. For less than 24 hours, the requirement is a transit visa costing US$ 20, but if clients don’t leave the airport there is no charge.
Otherwise the tourist visa is US$ 50 and is valid for 3 months on a single entry basis.
As your passport is an important document it is advisable, though not essential, that you send it by Special Delivery post and enclose a prepaid Special Delivery SAE for the return of the passport's

Applications

9.30 am – 12.00 noon (Working Days)

Collection

2.00 pm - 3.30 pm (Working Days)

Telephone

0870 162 0849

Fax

020 7323 6717

Email

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Address

Visa Section
Kenya High Commission
45 Portland Place
London W1B 1AS

INNOCULATIONS & HEALTH

As a guideline immunisation against Yellow Fever, Cholera, polio, typhoid and hepatitis are recommended. Malarial mosquitoes are not present in large quantities inland due to the high altitude of the country, but there is a higher risk at the coast and it is recommended that you take Malaria prophylaxis.

Clients are advised to seek current information from NHS Direct: Tel No: 0845 4647 or your local GP at least 4 to 8 weeks prior to departure. Information is also provided online at: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Adequate medical care is available in Nairobi, though facilities are limited elsewhere. Most doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

CLIMATE

The Kenyan climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool, elsewhere the temperatures can reach approx. 35°C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy. Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons:
The short rains that occur from late October through November
The long rains which occur from late March to early June

It is possible to visit Kenya during the rainy season. Few roads are affected and the parks are fresh and green. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days. July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. December – mid March is the warmest time of year.

SAFETY

The latest information can be found at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel Advice:www.fco.gov.uk/travel/ or by telephone on 020 7008 0232/0233 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it As in any foreign country, hazards exist. Sensible precautions should be taken to protect your belongings.

DRESS

It is recommended that you bring light casual clothes (please bring Khaki clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and insect repellent if you go on Safari). In the evenings it can get rather chilly, especially in the desert areas and in the months of May – August, so a sweater and jacket recommended.

DRINKING WATER

Please note during your stay only bottled water should be consumed.

BAGGAGE

Passengers taking more than their baggage allowance will incur excess baggage charges. All charter/private flights insist on soft bags weighing no more than 20kg.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. The written abbreviation is KSh. Available Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. Available coins are 5, 10 and 20 shillings. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pound Sterling and Euro.

Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency.

LANGUAGE

Swahili is the national language and English is the official language. There are over 42 ethnic languages spoken, including Kikuyu and Luo.

TIME

GMT + 3 (Winter), GMT + 2 (Summer)

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

240 volts Ac/ 50 Hz
Plugs are 3 point square:
Rectangular Blade Plug

TIPS

Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya, in general it is expected that you tip approximately 10-15% in restaurants, bars and for taxis. Driver guides, game rangers and other service staff would also expect a tip for good service.