On this web page
Threat degree
Border with Somalia – Keep away from all journey
Keep away from all journey to Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties bordering Somalia, as a consequence of a threat of kidnapping and assaults.
Border with South Sudan and Ethiopia – Keep away from all journey
Keep away from all journey to Turkana and Marsabit counties, inside 110 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, as a consequence of armed banditry and cross-border violence.
Regional advisory – Keep away from all journey
Keep away from all journey to the next areas, as a consequence of a threat of kidnapping and assaults:
- inside 50 km of the coast of Tana River County
- inside 50 km of the coast of Kilifi County (from north of the town of Malindi to the Tana River County limits)
Neighbourhoods of Nairobi – Keep away from non-essential journey
Keep away from non-essential journey to the neighbourhoods of Eastleigh, Kibera and Pangani, in Nairobi, as a result of excessive crime fee.
Security and safety
Terrorism
There’s a risk of terrorism. Credible data signifies that westerners could also be focused by extremists in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Meru, Narok and the coastal areas of Kenya.
Terrorist assaults have occurred:
- in Nairobi
- within the coastal area, together with in Mombasa and Malindi
- within the Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties, close to the border with Somalia
Foreigners have been focused in some assaults. Additional assaults can’t be dominated out.
Targets may embody:
- authorities buildings, together with colleges
- locations of worship
- airports and different transportation hubs and networks
- public areas equivalent to vacationer sights, eating places, bars, espresso retailers, buying centres, markets, lodges and different websites frequented by foreigners
Be significantly alert throughout spiritual holidays, sporting occasions and public celebrations. Terrorists have carried out assaults throughout these occasions.
- At all times pay attention to your environment when in public locations
- Keep at lodges which have strong safety measures, however understand that even probably the most safe areas can’t be thought-about fully freed from threat
Areas bordering Somalia and portion of the Coast area
Kenya’s border with Somalia is closed, however it’s porous and Somali militias and bandit teams have carried out cross-border assaults towards foreigners and humanitarian employees on this area. Some incidents concerned the usage of improvised explosive gadgets and have resulted in accidents and deaths, together with on the Dadaab refugee camp, 80 km from the Somali border. The chance of such assaults within the area stays excessive.
Disputes between Somali clans additionally make the area unstable and harmful. There may be an elevated army and police presence and frequent roadblocks as a result of Authorities of Kenya’s efforts to restrict Somali incursions and gun-running within the border space.
There may be additionally a threat of kidnapping within the northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir and Garissa bordering Somalia and the coastal areas of Lamu County. Teams based mostly in Somalia and northeastern Kenya have focused humanitarian employees, vacationers and residents prior to now and deaths have occurred.
Beachfront lodging on the coastal space are weak to legal exercise, equivalent to armed theft, break-ins and carjacking.
Areas bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia
There may be an excessive risk of kidnapping, terrorism and cross-border violence within the northern counties of Marsabit and Turkana inside 110 km of Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Neighbourhoods of Nairobi
Legal exercise stays excessive in a number of neighbourhoods and areas of Nairobi. Police capability to answer crime and different incidents may be very restricted.
Northern and Western Kenya
Some areas positioned in Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera counties are thought-about unsafe. The continuing risk posed by terrorism is joined by numerous regional, tribal or clan-based conflicts involving land, cattle and water. Think about using armed escorts when travelling inside these counties; escorts can typically be organized by way of native police stations.
- Keep away from venturing away from vacationer areas
- Don’t journey after darkish
Tribal conflicts have occurred within the Mount Elgon space within the western counties of Trans-Nzoia and Bungoma. When you resolve to journey to that area:
- stay vigilant always
- monitor native media
Curfews
As a result of elevated banditry, native authorities have introduced a dusk-to-dawn curfew within the following counties :
- Baringo
- Elgeyo-Marakwet
- Laikipia
- Samburu
- Turkana
- West Pokot
- Shakahola (Malindi)
Kenyan safety forces are engaged in safety operations in these counties.
In case you are in an affected space:
- preserve a low profile
- observe curfew orders
- monitor native media for the most recent data
Crime
There’s a excessive crime fee in most areas of Kenya, significantly in main cities equivalent to Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and at coastal seashore resorts. Historically, crimes enhance within the weeks earlier than Christmas.
Bear in mind that there have been incidents of “mob justice” during which a crowd lynches suspected criminals previous to the arrival of police.
Violent Crime
Carjacking, residence invasions, kidnappings and robberies happen, together with throughout sunlight hours and in neighbourhoods usually thought-about protected.
Vacationers have been the goal of carjacking, robberies and kidnappings whereas travelling to or from the worldwide airports in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- Solely use transportation organized by respected tour corporations or well-marked taxis
- Be significantly vigilant in case you are commuting alone
In Nairobi, train excessive warning in casual settlement communities, equivalent to Kasarani, Kibera and Mathare, as a result of excessive degree of crime and restricted capability of police to answer incidents.
The Outdated City of Fort Jesus in Mombasa has an analogous crime fee to different areas of the town in the course of the day. Nonetheless, there’s a significantly elevated threat of legal exercise at night time, together with robberies, assaults and different road crimes. Crime charges are additionally excessive on and across the Likoni Ferry (which hyperlinks Mombasa and the southern resorts).
- Concentrate on your environment always, significantly on roads linking a metropolis centre to residential areas
- Don’t stroll outdoor at night time, significantly in remoted areas
- Train warning whereas strolling throughout sunlight hours and if travelling after darkish
- When confronted by robbers, comply and don’t supply resistance
Petty Crime
Petty crime, equivalent to pickpocketing and purse snatching, happens.
- Be certain that your belongings, together with your passport and different journey paperwork, are safe always
- Keep away from exhibiting indicators of affluence or carrying massive sums of cash
- Be certain that your credit score and debit playing cards, money and every other monetary sources are usually not all saved in the identical place
- Retailer your belongings in safekeeping amenities
- By no means go away your baggage unsupervised at a ticket workplace or a registration desk
- Once you go away your lodge room, be sure that the door is locked and the “don’t disturb” signal is displayed
Thieves travelling on scooters or on foot have focused the baggage of automotive or scooter passengers.
- Hold your home windows closed, doorways locked and valuables out of attain and sight
- Be particularly vigilant when stopped at site visitors lights
Incidents of passport theft have occurred within the departure space of Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport in Nairobi. There have additionally been circumstances the place checked baggage has been pilfered.
- Concentrate on your environment in any respect airports
- Retailer your valuables in locked hand-luggage
- Don’t trade foreign money within the public areas of the airport
Demonstrations
Demonstrations happen often. Even peaceable demonstrations can flip violent at any time. They’ll additionally result in disruptions to site visitors and public transportation.
- Keep away from areas the place demonstrations and enormous gatherings are going down
- Observe the directions of native authorities
- Monitor native media for data on ongoing demonstrations
Curfews
Curfews could be imposed with out discover.
At all times adjust to the directives issued by native authorities.
Spiked meals and drinks
By no means go away meals or drinks unattended or within the care of strangers. Be cautious of accepting snacks, drinks, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These things could include medication that might put you liable to sexual assault and theft.
Fraud
Criminals have been recognized to impersonate lodge workers, cops or authorities officers in makes an attempt to get cash from vacationers.
In case you are approached by somebody claiming to be a authorities official or police officer and so they wonderful you for an alleged offence, ask for an official authorities receipt.
Law enforcement officials are required to establish themselves. There’s a criticism course of by way of the Kenyan Police Service to analyze allegations of corruption and abuse.
Train warning in case you are travelling to Kenya to satisfy somebody with whom you have got developed a relationship on the Web (friendship, enterprise or romance). Foreigners are sometimes lured to Kenya, particularly in the course of the vacation season (Christmas and New Yr), to satisfy their on-line contact in individual. As soon as there, they change into victims of crime. Some have misplaced 1000’s of {dollars} and a few have been arrested for failing to pay money owed accrued regionally or exorbitant payments racked up on account of scams.
Nationwide parks, safaris and reserves
Vacationers have been victims of crime, typically involving violence, in nationwide parks and reserves, in addition to on safaris.
- Stay conscious of your environment always
- Keep away from tenting alone or with out skilled native help
Overland journey
Guests travelling overland to sure sport parks and reserves have been attacked by armed bandits. Train warning on the roads between the next areas as a consequence of assaults, robberies and car hijackings:
- Malindi to Lamu
- Nairobi and the Amboseli, Masai Mara, Nakuru and Tsavo sport parks/reserves
- Nairobi and the Mount Kenya/Aberdare space
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing poses dangers, significantly on foot or at shut vary.
- At all times preserve a protected distance when observing wildlife
- Solely exit a car when an expert information or warden says it’s protected to take action
- Solely use respected {and professional} guides or tour operators
- Intently observe park laws and wardens’ recommendation
Native help
The Kenya Tourism Federation operates a 24-hour Security and Communication Centre, which supplies data on tourism and street situations, and has details about regional help in an emergency.
Security Centre – Kenya Tourism Federation
Non-governmental organizations
Foreigners volunteering with native non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have typically reported incidents of fraud, threats and mistreatment by native personnel.
In case you are considering volunteering with NGOs in Kenya, it’s best to contact the Nationwide Bureau of NGOs earlier than making any dedication and earlier than departing Canada, to verify that the group you want to work with is authentic. All NGOs in Kenya are required by legislation to be registered with the Nationwide Council of NGOs, a self-regulating, non-partisan physique.
Girls’s security
Girls travelling alone could also be topic to some types of harassment and verbal abuse. Assaults involving sexual assault have occurred.
Recommendation for ladies travellers
Compelled Marriages
Compelled marriage affecting foreigners happen. It typically happens with out the affected individual’s prior data or consent.
Normal data and recommendation about compelled marriage
Highway journey
Highway situations and street security can range significantly all through the nation.
Main highways are usually in good situation however minor roads are poorly maintained. Drivers don’t respect site visitors legal guidelines, and ingesting and driving is prevalent, particularly at night time.
Hold this in thoughts when planning journey by street, as driving at night time could be dangerous. Extreme speeds, poorly maintained autos, poor lighting and insufficient signage pose hazards.
Through the wet season, some unpaved roads change into impassable, even with four-wheel drive autos. You need to drive defensively and at all times pay attention to your environment.
Severe site visitors delays are widespread. The street from Nairobi to Mombasa is especially congested and could be harmful for vacationers unfamiliar with native driving situations. You need to journey by air or practice if potential.
Use licensed border crossings when travelling by car between Kenya and Tanzania.
Public transportation
Public transportation is unsafe.
Inter metropolis buses
Lengthy-distance buses have been concerned in severe accidents.
Intra Metropolis journey
Native mini buses (matatus) and bike taxis (boda-bodas) are usually poorly maintained, recklessly pushed and never adequately insured. Matatu hijackings and incidents of passengers being robbed have occurred.
Taxis
Use dependable taxi corporations, and ensure the fare prematurely.
Rail
The Madaraka Categorical Railway line between Nairobi and Mombasa is dependable and protected. Different passenger practice strains are usually not protected and are routinely late.
Maritime transportation
The Likoni Ferry (from Mombasa to Likoni) is unsafe as a consequence of a mix of excessive crime charges, uncontrolled crowds, restricted security coaching, frequent breakdowns and inconsistent upkeep. Stampedes and overcrowding on the ferry have resulted in a number of accidents.
Piracy
Pirate assaults and armed theft towards ships happen in coastal waters. Mariners ought to take acceptable precautions.
Dwell piracy report – Worldwide Maritime Bureau
Air journey
We don’t make assessments on the compliance of international home airways with worldwide security requirements.
Entry and exit necessities
Each nation or territory decides who can enter or exit by way of its borders. The Authorities of Canada can’t intervene in your behalf if you don’t meet your vacation spot’s entry or exit necessities.
We’ve got obtained the knowledge on this web page from Kenyan authorities. It may, nevertheless, change at any time.
Confirm this data with the Overseas Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry necessities range relying on the kind of passport you utilize for journey.
Earlier than you journey, examine together with your transportation firm about passport necessities. Its guidelines on passport validity could also be extra stringent than the nation’s entry guidelines.
Common Canadian passport
Your passport have to be legitimate for no less than six months from the date of entry into Kenya.
Passport for official journey
Totally different entry guidelines could apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
Whereas the Authorities of Canada points passports with an “X” gender identifier, it can’t assure your entry or transit by way of different international locations. You may face entry restrictions in international locations that don’t acknowledge the “X” gender identifier. Earlier than you permit, examine with the closest international consultant to your vacation spot.
Different journey paperwork
Totally different entry guidelines could apply when travelling with a short lived passport or an emergency journey doc. Earlier than you permit, examine with the closest international consultant to your vacation spot.
Helpful hyperlinks
Visas
You should receive your visa on-line previous to your departure.
Vacationer visa: required
Transit visa: required
Enterprise visa: required
Scholar visa: required
Work Allow: required
Vacationer visas are legitimate for as much as three months.
You will need to have a visa in case you are transiting Kenya to a different vacation spot. Your keep could not exceed 72 hours. In case you are connecting to a flight straight with out leaving the airport, you don’t want a transit visa.
You should definitely examine the visa validity instantly after issuance.
When you don’t have a legitimate visa you would be detained, taken to courtroom and charged for being in Kenya illegally. You could possibly be topic to a wonderful or deportation.
eVisa– Kenyan Division of Immigration Providers
Visa extension
Kenyan Immigration authorities could lengthen your visa for one month at a time, for a most of three months. Every extension prices KSH 1000, and have to be requested whereas the visa continues to be legitimate.
To increase your visa, contact immigration authorities as soon as you might be within the nation.
Charges
You will need to pay all visa charges in actual money and solely in U.S. {dollars}, British pound sterling or euros. You may’t pay for a visa with a bank card.
There isn’t any payment for visas for youngsters underneath 16 years.
East African vacationer visa
The East African Vacationer Visa permits for a number of entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
This visa is legitimate for 90 days and can’t be prolonged.
You will need to receive this visa from the authorities of the nation that’s your first entry level. When you plan to start your journey in Kenya, it’s essential to receive it from the Excessive Fee for the Republic of Kenya or on arrival.
Work Permits
You will need to have a legitimate work allow to work or volunteer in Kenya. It’s unlawful to work or volunteer in Kenya with every other kind of visa.
As a international employee in Kenya, it’s essential to carry the required work permits and documentation with you always, even when volunteering. Strict actions will probably be taken for those who don’t comply, together with deportation.
To acquire an digital working allow, apply on-line with the Division of Immigration Providers. You will need to go to the Kenya Immigration headquarters (Nyayo Home within the Central Enterprise District of Nairobi) after finishing the net software to acquire your allow.
Apply for a piece allow – Kenyan Division of Immigration Providers
NGO employees
Canadians planning to work or volunteer (together with, briefly or part-time) in Kenya for any interval are required to have a piece allow.
The Nationwide Council of NGOs can present help in acquiring a piece allow for people planning to work for a neighborhood NGO if contacted prematurely.
If an worker strikes from one group to a different, the primary allow turns into void and the person should apply for a brand new allow to work with the following group.
Seek the advice of with the NGO with whom you might be planning to volunteer, in addition to with the Kenya Immigration Overseas Nationals Providers for full data and necessities.
Extra details about Kenyan work permits – Excessive fee of Kenya
Well being screening
Because of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus illness in neighbouring international locations it’s possible you’ll be topic to a fast thermal scanner screening and/or a well being questionnaire on the airports upon boarding or disembarking a aircraft and at land border crossings.
Youngsters and journey
Be taught extra about travelling with youngsters.
Yellow fever
Find out about potential entry necessities associated to yellow fever (vaccines part).
The Kenyan authorities often perform spot checks for proof of yellow fever vaccinations. Carry a replica of your proof of vaccination with you always.
Well being
Related Journey Well being Notices
This part incorporates data on potential well being dangers and restrictions often discovered or ongoing within the vacation spot. Observe this recommendation to decrease your threat of turning into unwell whereas travelling. Not all dangers are listed beneath.
Seek the advice of a well being care skilled or go to a journey well being clinic ideally 6 weeks earlier than you journey to get personalised well being recommendation and proposals.
Routine vaccines
Make sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date earlier than travelling, no matter your vacation spot.
A few of these vaccinations embody measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and drugs
You could be in danger for preventable ailments whereas travelling on this vacation spot. Discuss to a journey well being skilled about which drugs or vaccines could also be best for you, based mostly in your vacation spot and itinerary.
Yellow Fever – Nation Entry Necessities
Yellow fever is a illness brought on by a flavivirus from the chunk of an contaminated mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated both as a result of it’s required to enter a rustic or as a result of it is strongly recommended for his or her safety.
Threat
- There’s a threat of yellow fever on this nation.
Nation Entry Requirement*
Suggestion
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is very important observe that nation entry necessities could not mirror your threat of yellow fever at your vacation spot. It’s endorsed that you just contact the closest diplomatic or consular workplace of the vacation spot(s) you’ll be visiting to confirm any further entry necessities.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a illness of the liver unfold by way of contaminated meals and water or contact with an contaminated individual. All these travelling to areas with a threat of hepatitis A an infection ought to get vaccinated.
Measles
Measles is a extremely contagious viral illness. It may unfold shortly from individual to individual by direct contact and thru droplets within the air.
Anybody who just isn’t protected towards measles is liable to being contaminated with it when travelling internationally.
No matter the place you’re going, speak to a well being care skilled earlier than travelling to be sure you are absolutely protected towards measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a illness of the liver unfold by way of blood or different bodily fluids. Travellers who could also be uncovered (e.g., by way of sexual contact, medical therapy, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational publicity) ought to get vaccinated.
COVID-19
Coronavirus illness (COVID-19) is an infectious viral illness. It may unfold from individual to individual by direct contact and thru droplets within the air.
It’s endorsed that every one eligible travellers full a COVID-19 vaccine sequence together with any further advisable doses in Canada earlier than travelling. Proof exhibits that vaccines are very efficient at stopping extreme sickness, hospitalization and loss of life from COVID-19. Whereas vaccination supplies higher safety towards severe sickness, you should still be liable to an infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anybody who has not accomplished a vaccine sequence is at elevated threat of being contaminated with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at higher threat for extreme illness when travelling internationally.
Earlier than travelling, confirm your vacation spot’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit necessities. No matter the place you’re going, speak to a well being care skilled earlier than travelling to be sure you are adequately protected towards COVID-19.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza happens worldwide. The flu season often runs from November to April within the northern hemisphere, between April and October within the southern hemisphere and 12 months spherical within the tropics. Influenza (flu) is brought on by a virus unfold from individual to individual once they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces which have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Meningococcal illness
This nation is within the African Meningitis Belt, an space the place there are various circumstances of meningococcal illness. Meningococcal illness is a severe and typically deadly an infection. Travellers who could also be at excessive threat ought to contemplate getting vaccinated. Excessive-risk travellers embody these dwelling or working with the native inhabitants (e.g., well being care employees) or these travelling to crowded areas or collaborating in massive gatherings.
Malaria
- There’s a threat of malaria in sure areas and/or throughout a sure time of 12 months on this nation.
- Malaria is a severe and infrequently deadly illness that’s unfold by the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. There isn’t any vaccine towards malaria.
- Defend your self from mosquito bites. This contains overlaying up, utilizing insect repellent and staying in enclosed, air-conditioned lodging. You might also contemplate pre-treating clothes and journey gear with pesticides and sleeping underneath an insecticide-treated mattress web.
- Antimalarial treatment could also be advisable relying in your itinerary and the time of 12 months you might be travelling (see CATMAT Appendix 1). If advisable, it’s best to begin taking antimalarial treatment previous to journey. See a well being care supplier or go to a journey well being clinic, ideally six weeks earlier than you journey to debate your choices.
Rabies
On this vacation spot, rabies is often carried by canine and a few wildlife, together with bats. Rabies is a plague that spreads to people primarily by way of bites or scratches from an contaminated animal. Whereas travelling, take precautions, together with holding your distance from animals (together with free-roaming canine), and carefully supervising youngsters.
In case you are bitten or scratched by a canine or different animal whereas travelling, instantly wash the wound with cleaning soap and clear water and see a well being care skilled. On this vacation spot, rabies therapy could also be restricted or will not be obtainable, subsequently it’s possible you’ll must return to Canada for therapy.
Earlier than journey, talk about rabies vaccination with a well being care skilled. It might be advisable for travellers who’re at excessive threat of publicity (e.g., occupational threat equivalent to veterinarians and wildlife employees, youngsters, journey travellers and spelunkers, and others in shut contact with animals).
Protected meals and water precautions
Many diseases could be brought on by consuming meals or ingesting drinks contaminated by micro organism, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Be taught extra about meals and water precautions to take to keep away from getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely overseas web page. Keep in mind: Boil it, cook dinner it, peel it, or go away it!
- Keep away from getting water into your eyes, mouth or nostril when swimming or collaborating in actions in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), significantly after flooding or heavy rain. Water could look clear however may nonetheless be polluted or contaminated.
- Keep away from inhaling or swallowing water whereas bathing, showering, or swimming in swimming pools or sizzling tubs.
Cholera
Threat
Cholera is a threat in components of this nation. Most travellers are at very low threat.
To guard towards cholera, all travellers ought to practise protected meals and water precautions.
Travellers at larger threat of getting cholera embody these:
- visiting, working or dwelling in areas with restricted entry to protected meals, water and correct sanitation
- visiting areas the place outbreaks are occurring
Vaccination could also be advisable for high-risk travellers, and must be mentioned with a well being care skilled.
Travellers’ diarrhea
Travellers’ diarrhea is the most typical sickness affecting travellers. It’s unfold from consuming or ingesting contaminated meals or water.
Threat of growing travellers’ diarrhea will increase when travelling in areas with poor requirements of hygiene and sanitation. Practise protected meals and water precautions.
Crucial therapy for travellers’ diarrhea is rehydration (ingesting plenty of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial an infection unfold by contaminated meals or water. Threat is larger amongst youngsters, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting associates and kin or these travelling for a protracted time period.
Travellers visiting areas with a threat of typhoid, particularly these uncovered to locations with poor sanitation, ought to converse to a well being care skilled about vaccination.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis could be unfold to people by way of freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms). The eggs of the worms may cause abdomen diseases like diarrhea and cramps or urinary issues. Threat is usually low for many travellers. Keep away from swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds). There isn’t any vaccine obtainable for schistosomiasis.
Insect chunk prevention
Many ailments are unfold by the bites of contaminated bugs equivalent to mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas the place contaminated bugs could also be current:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on uncovered pores and skin
- Cowl up with light-coloured, free garments made from tightly woven supplies equivalent to nylon or polyester
- Reduce publicity to bugs
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoor or in buildings that aren’t absolutely enclosed
To be taught extra about how one can scale back your threat of an infection and illness brought on by bites, each at residence and overseas, go to our insect chunk prevention web page.
Discover out what forms of bugs are current the place you’re travelling, once they’re most energetic, and the signs of the ailments they unfold.
Chikungunya
There’s a threat of chikungunya on this nation. The chance could range between areas of a rustic. Chikungunya is a virus unfold by way of the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. Chikungunya may cause a viral illness that usually causes fever and ache within the joints. In some circumstances, the joint ache could be extreme and final for months or years.
Defend your self from mosquito bites always. There isn’t any vaccine obtainable for chikungunya.
Rift Valley fever
Rift Valley fever is a viral illness that may trigger extreme flu-like signs. In some circumstances, it may be deadly. It’s unfold to people by way of contact with contaminated animal blood or tissues, from the chunk of an contaminated mosquito, or consuming or ingesting unpasteurized dairy. Threat is usually low for many travellers. Defend your self from insect bites and keep away from animals, significantly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There isn’t any vaccine obtainable for Rift Valley fever.
Visceral Leishmaniasis
Visceral leishmaniasis (or kala azar) impacts the bone marrow and inner organs. It’s brought on by a parasite unfold by way of the chunk of a feminine sandfly. It can be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it might probably trigger loss of life. Threat is usually low for many travellers. Defend your self from sandfly bites, which usually happen after sundown in rural and forested areas and in some city centres. There isn’t any vaccine or treatment to guard towards leishmaniasis.
Dengue
- On this nation, dengue is a threat to travellers. It’s a viral illness unfold to people by mosquito bites.
- Dengue may cause flu-like signs. In some circumstances, it might probably result in extreme dengue, which could be deadly.
- The extent of threat of dengue adjustments seasonally, and varies from 12 months to 12 months. The extent of threat additionally varies between areas in a rustic and may rely on the elevation within the area.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue usually chunk in the course of the daytime, significantly round dawn and sundown.
- Defend your self from mosquito bites. There isn’t any vaccine or treatment that protects towards dengue.
Zika virus
Zika virus is a threat on this nation.
Zika virus is primarily unfold by way of the chunk of an contaminated mosquito. It can be sexually transmitted. Zika virus may cause severe delivery defects.
Pregnant ladies and ladies planning a being pregnant ought to go to a well being care skilled earlier than travelling to debate the potential dangers of travelling to this nation. Pregnant ladies could select to keep away from or postpone journey to this nation.
Journey suggestions:
- Stop mosquito bites always.
- In case you are pregnant, at all times use condoms appropriately or keep away from sexual contact with anybody who has travelled to this nation in the course of your being pregnant.
- Girls: Wait 2 months after journey to this nation or after onset of sickness as a consequence of Zika virus (whichever is longer) earlier than attempting for a being pregnant. In case your male accomplice travelled with you, wait 3 months after journey or after onset of sickness as a consequence of Zika virus (whichever is longer).
- Males: Wait 3 months after journey to this nation or after onset of sickness as a consequence of Zika virus (whichever is longer) earlier than attempting for a being pregnant.
For extra journey suggestions, see the journey well being discover: Zika virus: Recommendation for travellers
Animal precautions
Some infections, equivalent to rabies and influenza, could be shared between people and animals. Sure forms of actions could enhance your probability of contact with animals, equivalent to travelling in rural or forested areas, tenting, mountaineering, and visiting moist markets (locations the place dwell animals are slaughtered and bought) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to keep away from contact with animals, together with canine, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to keep away from consuming undercooked wild sport.
Intently supervise youngsters, as they’re extra more likely to are available in contact with animals.
Particular person-to-person infections
Keep residence for those who’re sick and practise correct cough and sneeze etiquette, which incorporates coughing or sneezing right into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Scale back your threat of colds, the flu and different diseases by:
- washing your arms typically
- avoiding or limiting the period of time spent in closed areas, crowded locations, or at large-scale occasions (concert events, sporting occasions, rallies)
- avoiding shut bodily contact with individuals who could also be exhibiting signs of sickness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are unfold by way of blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise protected intercourse, and restrict your variety of sexual companions. Test together with your native public well being authority pre-travel to find out your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an an infection brought on by micro organism and often impacts the lungs.
For many travellers the chance of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who could also be at excessive threat whereas travelling in areas with threat of tuberculosis ought to talk about pre- and post-travel choices with a well being care skilled.
Excessive-risk travellers embody these visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting associates and kin.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that assaults and impairs the immune system, leading to a persistent, progressive sickness often known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Excessive threat actions embody something which places you in touch with blood or physique fluids, equivalent to unprotected intercourse and publicity to unsterilized needles for drugs or different substances (for instance, steroids and medicines), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
Medical providers and amenities
Good medical amenities can be found in Nairobi, however health-care requirements in different components of the nation range and could be very restricted. Medical amenities could require proof of insurance coverage or up-front cost earlier than beginning therapy.
Ensure you get journey insurance coverage that features protection for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Journey well being and security
Hold in Thoughts…
The choice to journey is the only real accountability of the traveller. The traveller can also be chargeable for his or her personal private security.
Be ready. Don’t count on medical providers to be the identical as in Canada. Pack a journey well being equipment, particularly if you’ll be travelling away from main metropolis centres.
Legal guidelines and tradition
You will need to abide by native legal guidelines.
Find out about what it’s best to do and the way we may also help in case you are arrested or detained overseas.
Identification
You will need to carry picture identification or a replica of your passport always. Police and immigration officers have the proper to demand proof of your identification, residency or legitimate visas. You need to cooperate with authorities in case you are requested for identification. Failure to current proof of residence or a legitimate visa to authorities when requested to take action may lead to fines or arrest. Hold a photocopy of your passport in a protected place, in case it’s misplaced or confiscated.
Volunteering
It’s unlawful to work or volunteer in Kenya with out a legitimate work allow. Kenyan authorities strictly implement this legislation. Convicted offenders may face heavy fines, jail sentences of as much as 5 years and deportation.
Medicine
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of unlawful medication are extreme. Convicted offenders can count on jail sentences starting from 10 years to life imprisonment and heavy fines. You could possibly additionally face fines and jail time in case you are convicted of being in a location the place there are unlawful medication, even when they aren’t yours.
Alcohol
There are strict restrictions on the sale of alcoholic drinks and on consuming alcohol in public locations.
Helpful hyperlinks
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public locations. Convicted offenders may pay heavy fines or face a jail sentence.
Wildlife
Possession of ivory or different banned wildlife gadgets, even when bought outdoors of Kenya, is strictly prohibited. Killing, shopping for, promoting or buying and selling any protected wild animal or any of its components is unlawful. Offenders could be arrested and given prolonged jail sentences and heavy fines.
Pictures
Pictures of presidency buildings, international embassies and missions (together with the Canadian Excessive Fee), airports, army amenities or different delicate areas is prohibited and will result in arrest or detention.
Unlawful and restricted gadgets
Plastic baggage
The use, manufacture or importation of plastic baggage, together with rubbish baggage and buying baggage, is unlawful. Convicted offenders, together with vacationers, can face very heavy fines (as much as USD 40,000), imprisonment for as much as two years, or each.
Firearms
To hold firearms, it’s essential to receive permission from native authorities previous to coming into the nation. Firearms are strictly forbidden in wildlife reserves and nationwide parks.
Pornographic materials
Possession of pornographic materials is forbidden.
2SLGBTQI+ travellers
Kenyan legislation prohibits sexual acts between people of the identical intercourse. These convicted can face prolonged jail sentences.
Although there are few convictions, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are routinely harassed by the police, and societal discrimination based mostly on sexual orientation is widespread.
2SLGBTQI+ travellers ought to fastidiously contemplate the dangers of travelling to Kenya.
Journey and your sexual orientation, gender id, gender expression and intercourse traits
Twin citizenship
Twin citizenship is legally acknowledged in Kenya.
In case you are a Canadian citizen, but in addition a citizen of Kenya, our capability to give you consular providers could also be restricted whilst you’re there. You might also be topic to totally different entry/exit necessities.
Travellers with twin citizenship
Worldwide Baby Abduction
The Hague Conference on the Civil Points of Worldwide Baby Abduction is a world treaty. It may assist mother and father with the return of youngsters who’ve been eliminated to or retained in sure international locations in violation of custody rights. It doesn’t apply between Canada and Kenya.
In case your little one was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Kenya by an abducting guardian:
- act as shortly as you’ll be able to
- seek the advice of a lawyer in Canada and in Kenya to discover all of the authorized choices for the return of your little one
- report the state of affairs to the closest Canadian authorities workplace overseas or to the Susceptible Youngsters’s Consular Unit at International Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
In case your little one was faraway from a rustic aside from Canada, seek the advice of a lawyer to find out if The Hague Conference applies.
Bear in mind that Canadian consular officers can’t intervene in personal authorized issues or overseas’s judicial affairs.
Helpful hyperlinks
Driving
Visitors drives on the left.
Whereas driving, drivers should at all times carry:
- a legitimate driver’s licence
- car registration paperwork
- proof of legitimate insurance coverage
- a legitimate car inspection certificates
These paperwork have to be produced on demand by a police officer.
You have to be no less than 18 years previous to drive a personal motorized vehicle in Kenya.
You could drive utilizing a Canadian driver’s licence for as much as 90 days from the date of entry into Kenya.
An Worldwide Driving Allow is accepted, if introduced together with your authentic Canadian licence.
Residents of Kenya could apply for a Kenyan driver’s licence with proof of a legitimate Canadian driver’s licence.
If utilizing a Canadian licence for any of the above circumstances, it have to be in English or an authorized translation should accompany it and be introduced on demand.
Non-public motor autos should have 2 emergency triangles.
In case you are stopped as a consequence of a site visitors violation, the police officer could ask you to pay an on-the spot wonderful. Police, nevertheless, are usually not permitted to just accept money on the spot with out issuing an official receipt. When you disagree with the site visitors ticket, you have got the proper to ask for due course of. The officer ought to offer you data on when and the place you’ll be able to go to be correctly charged, after which it’s possible you’ll pursue that course of.
Tradition
Train widespread sense and discretion in your gown and behavior, significantly within the coast area, the place the vast majority of the inhabitants is Muslim.
To keep away from offending native sensitivities:
- gown conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect spiritual and social traditions
Ramadan
In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is anticipated to start on or round March 10.
In public, between dawn and sundown, be discreet when:
Cash
The foreign money is the Kenyan shilling (KES).
ATMs are extensively obtainable.
Bank cards are extensively accepted at main lodges, however not at all times in additional distant areas.
Many banks and lodges trade international foreign money. It is usually potential to transform Kenyan shillings into international foreign money on the airport upon departure.
M-PESA is a standard type of digital funds switch accepted throughout Kenya, together with at nationwide parks. Nationwide parks don’t settle for money and customarily settle for bank cards, however at instances, as a consequence of technical difficulties, solely cost through M-PESA is accepted.
Travellers who import the equal of U.S. $5,000 or extra should present documentation stating the supply and objective of the funds.
Pure disasters and local weather
Wet seasons and droughts
Drought is probably the most prevalent pure hazard in Kenya affecting primarily the japanese, north japanese and coast space, in addition to components of the Rift Valley.
There are usually two wet seasons in Kenya: from October to November, and from late March to mid-June. Seasonal flooding and mudslides can hamper overland journey and scale back the availability of important providers. Roads could change into impassable and bridges broken.
When you reside in or are travelling to affected areas:
- train warning
- monitor native information and climate stories
- observe the recommendation of native authorities.
Volcanoes and earthquakes
Pure disasters are potential as a consequence of regional volcanic and seismic exercise. Whereas there haven’t been any current incidents, pay cautious consideration to all warnings issued.