TRAVEL INFORMATION

 GETTING THERE

Most international airlines fly to the three international airports located at Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret. The national carrier Kenya Airways is a highly regarded international airline.  

VISAS

Visitors must be in possession of a valid passport throughout their stay in Kenya. Nationals from certain countries require visas. Visitors are advised to apply for visas at the nearest Kenya Embassy or Consulate before leaving for Kenya.

CUSTOMS

Apart from personal effects, visitors may bring with them:

•  Cameras (still and video); films and binoculars which must not be sold during visitors stay in Kenya.

•  Non consumable provisions and non-alcoholic beverages in such quantities as are in the opinion of the authorities, consistent with the visit

•  Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, tobacco products not exceeding in all two hundred and fifty grams in weight, sprits (including liquors) or wine not exceeding in all one litre, perfume and eau de toilette not exceeding in all one half litre (these duty free allowances are granted only to passengers of seventeen and over).

•  Live animals provided they have a veterinary certificate.

•  Gifts are dutiable, while firearms, illicit drugs and obscene literature are prohibited.

 BUSINESS HOURS

Banks are open from 9.00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and from 9.00 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturdays of the month. Hotels, bureaux de change and other tourist related establishments  make foreign currency transactions outside the above hours. Shops are open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on weekdays and 8.30 to 1.00 p.m. on Saturdays and sometimes Sundays. However, there are shops which are open outside these hours.

ELECTRICITY

The electricity supply is 220/240 volts/50 Hz. Electric sockets are three pin square (British-type. Visitors are advised to ensure that their electric appliances such as shavers and battery chargers for video cameras operating on different voltage have in-built adapters.

HEALTH

Yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates are not mandatory. Visitors following specific course of treatment should ensure that they carry enough medicine during their stay.

MEDICAL COVER

Visitors are advised to get medical cover with a company that provides medical assistance. Most travel agents and tour operators subscribe to the Flying Doctor Service. Independent cover can also be arranged through the travel agents.

INSURANCE

 Visitors are advised to take appropriate insurance cover before leaving for Kenya.

CURRENCY

There are no foreign exchange restrictions in Kenya. Major international credit cards (Visa, Access,  Diners, etc) are accepted in most places. The use of Travellers Cheques in dollars or other currencies is advised. Visitors are also advised not to carry large sums of cash on them.

SECURITY

Kenya has maintained political and economic stability since independence. The security situation is therefore reasonable. Visitors are however advised to exercise care – do not forget that expensive jewellery and money are a temptation to thieves. Visitors are advised not to leave valuable items in the hotel rooms and should use the hotel safes.

AIRPORT TAX

A departure airport tax is (currently $40) is charged at Kenyan airports. The tax can be paid in Kenya Shillings or foreign currency. In most cases, this amount is included in the ticket.