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Kenya Travel Advisory

Nairobi

Exercise Caution
By TravelSafe Research TeamSource: U.S. State Department ↗
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CapitalNairobi
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyKES · Kenyan shilling
TimezoneUTC+03:00
Exercise CautionUpdated 2025-03-17
Risk Level2 / 4
L1L2L3L4

Updated to include a risk indicator for health and to reflect additional safety and security information. Do Not Travel to: Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi due to terrorism and kidnapping; West Pokot and western Turkana County due to banditry; Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions. Reconsider Travel to: The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping . Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious crimes and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid traveling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety. Crime Motorycle crimes are common, where thieves grab items from victims and are able to quickly flee the scene. Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond to these crimes. Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items. Terrorism Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning. They have targeted: Kenyan and foreign government buildings, Tourist locations, Transportation hubs, Hotels and resorts, Markets and shopping malls, and Places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb or grenade attacks, and kidnappings. Demonstrations Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They often block key intersections or highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Violence during demonstrations has occurred across the country. This includes rock-throwing and police using deadly force. Political violence is most common in western Kenya and Nairobi. Health Access to medical care in Kenya is limited and medica

General Emergency

general emergency

Ambulance

ambulance

Fire

fire

Police

police

Tap any number to call from a mobile device

General

Unasema Kiingereza?

oo-nah-SEM-ah keen-geh-REH-zah?

Do you speak English?

Excuse me

ek-SKYOOZ mee

Excuse me

Samahani

sah-mah-HAH-nee

Excuse me / Sorry

Hii ni bei gani?

hee nee BAY GAH-nee?

How much does this cost?

How much?

how MUCH

How much?

Sielewi

see-eh-LEH-vee

I don't understand

I want to buy

eye WANT too BUY

I want to buy

Nataka hii

nah-TAH-kah hee

I would like this

No

noh

No

Please

PLEEZ

Please

Asante

ah-SAHN-teh

Thank you

Choo kiko wapi?

choh KEE-koh WAH-pee?

Where is the bathroom?

Where is?

WARE iz

Where is...?

Yes

yes

Yes

Ndiyo / Hapana

NDEE-yoh / hah-PAH-nah

Yes / No

Greetings

Hello

HEL-oh

Hello

Jambo

JAHM-boh

Hello

Thank you

THANK yoo

Thank you

Emergency

Help!

help

Help!

Msaada! / Nahitaji daktari

m-sah-DAH / na-hee-TAH-jee dak-TAH-ree

Help! / I need a doctor

Consulate

Nairobi

United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya

+254-20-363-6000
Is it safe to travel to Kenya right now?
The U.S. Department of State rates Kenya at Level 2 (Exercise Caution) as of the current advisory. Updated to include a risk indicator for health and to reflect additional safety and security information. Do Not Travel to: Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi due to terrorism and kidnapping; West Pokot and western Turkana County due to banditry; Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Visa requirements depend on your passport and length of stay. Use TravelSafe's free Visa Checker (linked in the Visa Requirements section above) to see the latest entry rules, passport validity requirements, and any visa-on-arrival options.
What are the emergency numbers in Kenya?
Emergency services in Kenya: general emergency 112; ambulance 999; fire 999; police 999. Tap any number in the Emergency section above to call directly from a mobile device.
Is Kenya safe for solo travelers?
With the current advisory at Level 2 (Exercise Caution), Kenya is generally manageable for prepared solo travelers. Standard precautions apply: share your itinerary, keep digital copies of your passport, and register with STEP (step.state.gov).

Always cross-check with official sources: travel.state.gov · cdc.gov

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Data Sources

U.S. State DepartmentWHO Health NoticesTimatic VisaEmbassies Worldwide
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