Reconsider travel to Kenya due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, health issues, and kidnapping.
Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to COVID-19.
Kenya has resumed flight options and business operations. Land borders are open to commercial trucks. Other improved conditions have been reported within Kenya. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Kenya.
Do Not Travel to:
Reconsider Travel to:
Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited.
Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight. Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their wills and physically abused are common.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Kenya:
Kenya-Somalia Border Counties and Coastal Areas – Do Not Travel
Due to terrorism concerns, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas.
Kenya-Somalia Border Counties – Do Not Travel
Coastal Areas – Do Not Travel
Turkana County – Do Not Travel
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants. Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.