Travel & holidays
Visiting Kenya: a practical guide for first-time visitors (2026)
Entry (eTA), money and M-Pesa, SIM cards, getting around, health, plugs, emergency numbers and local etiquette: the practical things to know before your first trip to Kenya.
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) from etakenya.go.ke before they fly. Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES), and mobile money (M-Pesa) is used almost everywhere. Emergency numbers are 999 and 112. English and Swahili are the official languages.
Before you fly
- eTA: most visitors must apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. Citizens of East African Community countries and most African countries are exempt. Use only the official site.
- Passport: valid for at least six months from arrival, with blank pages for stamps.
- Yellow fever: you need a vaccination certificate if you're arriving from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk. Check your whole route.
- Health: malaria is present in many parts of Kenya, especially the coast and the west. See a travel clinic four to six weeks before you go.
- Insurance: get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Money and payments
The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards work in hotels, malls and many restaurants, but small shops, markets and transport often prefer cash or M-Pesa. Visitors can register a Kenyan SIM and M-Pesa with a passport. METRIKA shows amounts in your own currency next to KES: use the currency button at the top of every page.
Phones and internet
Buy a local SIM at the airport or an official shop, and register it with your passport. Mobile data is widely available in towns and along main roads, but coverage is patchy in parks and the far north.
Getting around
- In cities: ride-hailing apps and taxis are the easiest choice; agree the fare first if there's no app. Matatus (shared minibuses) are cheap but busy.
- Between cities: domestic flights, the SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa, and long-distance buses and shuttles.
- Driving: Kenya drives on the left. Roads between towns can be slow, so avoid driving at night outside cities.
Practical details
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Time zone | East Africa Time, UTC+3, all year (no daylight saving) |
| Languages | English and Swahili are official; many people also speak a local language |
| Plugs | Type G (three square pins, as in the UK), 240 volts |
| Emergency | 999 or 112 for police and emergencies; Kenya Red Cross on 1199 |
| Plastic bags | Single-use plastic carrier bags are banned, including in your luggage |
| Water | Drink bottled or treated water |
Local etiquette
- Greetings matter. Start with "Habari?" (how are you?) or "Jambo" (hello) before asking for anything.
- Ask before you photograph people, and don't photograph police, the military or government buildings.
- Dress modestly away from the beach, especially at the coast and in religious places.
- Tipping isn't required, but around 10% is appreciated in restaurants, and guides and drivers are usually tipped.
Useful Swahili
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Jambo / Habari? | Hello / How are you? |
| Karibu | Welcome |
| Asante (sana) | Thank you (very much) |
| Tafadhali | Please |
| Bei gani? | How much is it? |
| Pole pole | Slowly, take it easy |
| Hakuna matata | No problem |
Safety
Most visits to Kenya are trouble-free. Take the same care as in any big city: avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Several governments advise against travel to areas near the Somalia border. Check your government's current travel advice before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) from etakenya.go.ke instead of a visa. Citizens of East African Community countries and most African countries are exempt.
What currency is used in Kenya?
The Kenyan shilling (KES). Mobile money such as M-Pesa is widely used, and cards work in larger shops, hotels and restaurants.
What is the emergency number in Kenya?
999 or 112 for police and emergencies. The Kenya Red Cross can be reached on 1199.
What plugs are used in Kenya?
Type G, the three-pin plug used in the UK, at 240 volts.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Kenya?
You need a certificate if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk. A travel clinic can advise whether the vaccine is recommended for your trip.
Sources
- Kenya eTA — official application site
- Magical Kenya — Kenya Tourism Board
- Kenya Wildlife Service — park entry fees
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 19 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.