ESSENTIAL INFORMATION – KENYA
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should have a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.
An Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Kenya and must be obtained prior to departure.To apply for an eTA, visit www.etakenya.go.ke.
The current fee is US $30 plus a $2.50 service charge (subject to change without notice) and is valid for one journey/single entry and expires upon exiting Kenya. Guests traveling on a journey that enters Kenya multiple times (after visiting either Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda) only need to secure the initial eTA. On arrival in Kenya, they will receive a Visitor's Pass that will allow them re-entry into Kenya after visiting other countries.
Kenya eTA applications should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorization. Travelers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travelers apply as soon as possible after they have booked their Kenya travel arrangements. Children under the age of 18 must travel with an eTA, and the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling out their application.
CHECKLIST FOR KENYA eTA APPLICATION:
Passport: Valid for at least six (6) months after your arrival date in Kenya with at least one blank page.
Photo: A selfie or passport-type photo.
Contact information: Home address, email address and phone number.
Details of arrival and departure: Arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights.
Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmations (travel itinerary).
Credit/debit card, Apple Pay, etc.
Once approved, save the eTA (sent as a PDF) on your mobile device and print it out. Your electronic travel authorization needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points. If you have an Android phone there is the option to store your approved eTA in the “Kenya Travel Authorization” mobileapp. You can download the app for free Google Play Store. The app is currently not available in the Apple Store.
Citizens of other countries should contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements
pertaining to their journey.
PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE AND EVACUATION:
It is compulsory that all clients carry comprehensive travel insurance or have the financial means to cover themselves in full, in the event of a medical emergency, trip interruption or curtailment. Pre-travel planning for Special Medical Concerns (SMCs). In the event that you may require guidance around specific medical needs, please be sure to notify your Travel Designer in advance, so that the necessary ground arrangements can be made.
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION & MALARIA PREVENTION
A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Kenya if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa–including East African countries such as Tanzania and Uganda. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.
You will be traveling to an area of malaria transmission. We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart.
CASH & CREDIT CARDS
Kenya has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be clean, crisp, recently-issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis, mainly in the largest shops, hotels and lodges. Access to ATM machines is available in Nairobi but limited in rural areas.
SPECIAL NOTE: PLASTIC BAGS IN KENYA
The government of Kenya has implemented a ban on plastic bags. The ban applies to “carrier and flat bags,” primarily targeting bags from shops and grocery stores, but also extending to Ziploc bags, duty-free bags and bubble wrap. If tourists have those types of bags visible while in the airport, they are likely to be confiscated. Bags designed for multiple use, such as zippered cosmetic bags, are not included in the ban.
PACKING LIST & BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
Each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage allowance of 33 lbs (15Kg) on flights within East Africa. This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to regular luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and also on aircraft used throughout East Africa. Dimensions should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimeters) long x 13 inches (33 centimeters) high x 10 inches (25 centimeters) wide.
Flights aboard light aircraft within East Africa may not be direct. Multiple stops may be made to offload passengers at safari camp landing strips. A change of aircraft may be required.
CLOTHING & OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered, as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (though not camouflage, which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colors tend to attract insects. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary.
❏ Casual slacks
❏ Walking shorts
❏ Polo shirts, casual short-sleeve shirts or blouses
❏ Long sleeve shirts or blouses
❏ Comfortable walking shoes with traction
❏ A pair of rubber beach sandals to use as slippers.
❏ If you are traveling during Africa's winter months of mid-May through early September, bringwarm clothing — heavy sweater, hat, gloves, lined jacket — to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures
❏ Brimmed hat for sun protection
❏ Swimwear/cover-up
❏ Personal garments
❏ Sports bra for women for bumpy roads
❏ Sleepwear
❏ Socks
❏ Face masks and hand sanitizer
❏ Sunglasses / Sun block
❏ Prescriptions and medications (in their original bottles and/or packaging)
❏ Insect repellent with high % of DEET to protect against mosquitos and tsetse flies*
❏ Simple first-aid kit
❏ Smartphone
❏ Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
❏ Global travel adapter
❏ Charging cables for electronics
Other Items to consider:
❏ Small LED flashlight
❏ Lightweight binoculars
❏ Foldable walking stick
❏ Small daypack or fanny pack
*Note: many properties provide insect repellent in rooms/tents. However you may wish to bring your own preferred brand.
Laundry Services are available at most hotels, lodges and camps. Because some laundries in Africa do not accept any underclothing, be prepared to wash your own smalls. Laundry techniques may not be suitable for delicate and/or synthetic fabrics. Check costs and return times before using these services.