Kenya - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: The population is diverse with more than 40 different tribes and languages and cultures. Visitors must be aware of local sensitivities and dress conservatively, especially in Mombasa town. Local customs must be respected at all times but especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious sites. Alcohol is only available on the coast in tourist areas.

Smoking is banned in public places in Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa. Infringement will result in arrest, prosecution and a fine of KSh2,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

The Kenyan authorities have a strict drugs policy, and the use and trafficking of Class A drugs carries heavy fines and jail sentences.

Working without a permit is punishable by fines, deportation or imprisonment. Visitors must not take pictures of official buildings, including embassies.

Casual lightweight clothes are acceptable for most occasions. Suits are customary for business meetings, which are generally by appointment only.

Main urban centres have conference facilities. Business hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1300 and 1400–1700.

Immigration and customs: A visa is required to enter Kenya and passports must be valid for three months from the date of entry. Airport departure tax is usually included in the price of the airline ticket.

Visitors are advised to leave their passport in the hotel safe and to take with them a copy of the photopage of their passport and visa for ID purposes. It is recommended that all return flights are confirmed.

Prohibited imports include seeds, live animals, plants, ammunition and imitation firearms. Export of gold, diamonds, wildlife skins and game trophies not obtained from the Kenyan government is forbidden.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required for all those arriving from infected countries.

Lone parents should carry documentation showing parental responsibility for an accompanying child.

Travel within the country:Traffic drives on the left. A national driving licence is valid in Kenya, as long as it is in English. Cars should only be hired from recommended car-hire companies. All major roads are paved and there are petrol stations on most highways. Speed limits are 120kph outside urban areas and 60kph in towns.

There are long-distance bus services that connect the towns and cities, and short-distance minibuses (matatu). The three-wheeled rickshaw or tuk tuk is becoming popular. In Kisumu, cycle rickshaws and bicycle taxis are popular – known locally as boda-bodas.

Newer taxis are usually white with a yellow band.

The main train line between Nairobi and Mombasa has a fast and reliable service. The journey takes 13 hours, and first- and second-class sleeping compartments can be booked in advance.

Kenya Airways operates scheduled domestic flights.

Local dhows run between Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu but they are not permitted for foreigners. However, visitors may take a short sightseeing dhow from Mombasa.

Travel health: Visitors will need to take out comprehensive health insurance which will cover medical repatriation. Serious medical conditions may result in evacuation.

Visitors must exercise caution when travelling outside urban areas, as diphtheria, Hepatitis A, malaria, rabies, tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever are all present. They should take insect repellent and suitable clothing to prevent insect bites. Current vaccination requirements for Kenya must be adhered to before travel.

Bottled water is recommended.

Money: ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and the main towns. Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Currency can be exchanged at major banks, bureaux de change and airports. The easiest to change are euros, US dollars and pounds sterling. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1500 and Sat 0900–1100. The bank at Nairobi airport is open 24 hours.

There were 1,199,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.