COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Kenya (19 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents can enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Foreign nationals can enter Kenya. They must have a valid passport and a visa issued electronically.

• All inbound passengers from India or who have transited through India or have been in India in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Kenya until further notice.

• Only Kenyans and Indian nationals who are residents in Kenya are allowed to travel from India to Kenya provided that they possess a COVID-19 PCR negative test result conducted within 96 hours before travel and submit to an antigen test on arrival. If the antigen test is negative, travellers shall self-quarantine for 14 days at home and if antigen test is positive, travellers shall self-isolate while being monitored in a government facility for 14 days at their own cost.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transiting travellers must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within 96 hours prior to departure. All transiting travellers must also have a Trusted Travel code.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• All arrivals are subject to health screenings.

• All arriving passengers from India will need to submit an antigen test on arrival.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Test certificates from other countries are accepted. The test certificate must be in English.

Test certificate required?

• Yes with exceptions

• All arriving travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 96 hours prior to arrival in Kenya. This test result must be verified by the Trusted Travel Initiative or Global Haven partnership to guarantee entry before departure for Kenya. Travellers below the age of five years are exempted from the requirement.

• All arrivals will need to verify the COVID-19 PCR test certificate prior to entering Kenya.

• All arrivals must have a QR code and departures must have a TT code. Travelers can get the TT code with their test results from an accredited lab at any major hospital.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers from these countries are exempted from the quarantine requirement.

• Travellers from Brunei, Kuwait, Ireland, Thailand, and Pakistan must meet the following requirements: 1) Quarantine for 14 days at their own expense, 2) Must not exhibit any flu-like symptoms on arrival, and 3) May be required to provide evidence of their booking for the quarantine locations at least 24-hours prior to departure for Kenya. The list of quarantine facilities can be requested from [email protected].

• Travellers arriving from the United Kingdom, regardless of nationality, residency status, and route of travel to Kenya must 1) self isolate for seven days upon arrival and have a PCR test four days after arrival, and 2) submit daily health information including the result of the second PCR test on the Jitenge platform app for 14 consecutive days.

• Only Kenyans and Indian nationals who are residents in Kenya are allowed to travel from India to Kenya provided that they possess a COVID-19 PCR negative test result conducted within 96 hours before travel and submit to an antigen test on arrival. If antigen test is negative, travellers shall self-quarantine for 14 days at home; and if antigen test is positive, travellers shall self-isolate while being monitored in a government facility for 14 days at their own expense.

• Based on the above restrictions, incoming travellers will either be exempt from quarantine or will be required to spend a maximum of up to 14 days in quarantine.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Incoming Travelers are required to have a QR code for a completed Travelers Health Surveillance Form which they can access from the website, when they register on the website, the code will be sent to their email.

Recommended Health App

• No with exceptions

• Authorities have developed and recommended the contact tracing app Jitenge. Jitenge is available as an Android Mobile Application – Jitenge MOH.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not currently required for entering the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Airports are open. International flights have resumed in a limited capacity.

• Flight services between Kenya and India remain suspended.

• Limited domestic flight services are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Borders with Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania have reopened only for commercial traffic.

• For travel to and from the counties having higher infection rates, cross-border cargo drivers will need to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 48-hours prior to their travel.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The nationwide night curfew from 22:00 to 04:00 hours has been extended until further notice.

• Curfew from 19:00-04:00 (local time) is in effect in Busia, Vihiga, Kisii, Nyamira, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Kericho, Bomet, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori. Further localized lockdowns/curfew may be enforced in counties with higher infection rates.

• Detention and forced quarantine of 14 days will be imposed on anyone violating the curfew.

• International travellers and their associates arriving or departing by air are exempt from the night curfew restrictions.

• Passengers departing the airport during curfew hours must keep their boarding pass as proof of their arrival time, which will allow for movement to their accommodation. Similarly, evidence of air passengers arriving during curfew will enable access to drivers coming to collect passengers.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Social distancing norms are strictly in place.

• Masks must be worn in public places, except when dining, or when adhering to social distancing at hotels, gardens, or on beaches.

• All physical meetings or events including social gatherings are limited to 15 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Face masks must be worn in public places.

• Public transportation, as well as private vehicles, are allowed to operate at reduced capacity adhering to social distancing norms.

• Movement between the counties with higher infection rates may remain banned.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential shops are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and other accommodations are allowed to operate provided they follow health protocols and curfew.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants, food outlets, and eateries are allowed to open.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars are open.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Tourism sites are open.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Public places, tourism and hospitality establishments, travel and tour companies are allowed to open.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious services are allowed with reduced capacity. Local jurisdictions may have their own restrictions.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• In weddings, funerals and any other ceremonies, the gatherings should not exceed more than 100 people across the nation. Local jurisdictions may have their own restrictions.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory for all people while in public places and on public transportation. The government will not provide services to individuals not wearing a mask.

Other

• Entertainment and recreation facilities are allowed to operate.

• Universities have resumed classes.

• All sporting events are suspended.

• Sporting and recreational activities are suspended.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.