The Pearl of East Africa – Entering Kenya

Kenya is a country in East Africa, well known and popular as a tourist destination for its fascinating flora and fauna and unique landscapes. The country's capital, with a population of more than 55 million, is Nairobi, which is located in the southwest of the country. Alongside English, Swahili is still one of Kenya's two official languages. Although the Maasai are probably the best-known people in Kenya, they make up less than two per cent of the total population. In addition to the Maasai, there are more than 40 other ethnic groups.

Describing the Kenyan landscape is not that easy. This is due to both its location and the extent of the country. In the southeast, long white sandy beaches entice visitors, while the eastern border area with Somalia is a dry, almost unreal zone. Most of Kenya's land area is characterised by a steppe landscape that extends away from the central highlands.

The diverse and varied landscape has led to a wide range of animal species feeling at home here, in addition to countless plant species. Among others, the Big Five, the most spectacular animals on the African continent, can be found here. If you decide on a safari in Kenya, then with a little luck you can see not only elephants but also rhinos, lions, buffalos and leopards. The experience of seeing all of the Big Five up close and in the wild is only possible in a few African countries these days.

However, before you can set out on a journey of discovery through the country, you have to successfully enter it. Since entry requirements in African countries can vary considerably, we have summarised all the relevant information for you.

First of all, it should be noted that Kenya is a very hospitable country that is particularly open to tourists. As a result, entry requirements have been steadily relaxed over the past few years, making it easier to visit than other African countries.

Anyone wishing to visit the East African country will need a visa in any case. This applies to all persons who have reached the age of 16. The visa itself can be applied for in different ways. While the regular visa allows for a single entry, you also have the option of applying for an East African visa or a multiple-entry visa. The East African visa is valid not only in Kenya but also in Rwanda and Uganda, and thus allows for a hassle-free round trip through the three nations. However, if you would like to visit other countries, the multiple entry visa is recommended.

In addition to the visa, valid identification documents are required. These must be valid for at least another six months after the end of the planned stay. Both passports and temporary passports are accepted by the Kenyan authorities. ID cards or provisional ID cards, on the other hand, are not accepted. For this reason, make sure that your passport is valid for at least another six months or apply for a new passport as soon as possible.

Since the regulations regarding entry and importation can change at short notice, it is also advisable to check with the relevant embassy or consulate before starting your journey. This will enable you to react in good time and request any necessary documents if needed.

As in many other African countries, there is a certain risk of various diseases in Kenya. However, there are no mandatory vaccinations. The only exception is the yellow fever vaccination, which you must show proof of if you are travelling from one of the following countries:

The German authorities also have some vaccination recommendations. To prevent possible illness, you can get vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A and yellow fever before starting your journey. Other vaccinations may be given to high-risk patients in consultation with their general practitioners.

There are other health aspects you should be aware of during your stay in Kenya. Almost the entire Kenyan territory is a risk area for malaria. The capital Nairobi and areas above 2,500 metres are exceptions. Although an infection cannot be ruled out here, the risk is significantly lower. Since there is no vaccination against malaria, you should take preventive malaria medication with you on your trip. If you want to protect yourself from mosquito bites while you are there, there are a number of things you can do. On the one hand, you should rub mosquito repellent into all exposed skin. On the other hand, mosquito nets help to keep the unwelcome pests out during the night.

Adults may only enter the country if they can present a valid visa. The situation is slightly different for children under the age of 16 who wish to enter the country with their parents. If they have not yet reached the age of 16, they do not require a visa to enter Kenya. Instead, it is sufficient for them to be accompanied by their parents and to have a passport or a temporary passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of their stay.

To avoid problems when entering the country with children, you should pay particular attention to one point. If you want to visit the East African country with your children but not with both parents, you must apply for an exit permit at the airport in Germany that includes the permission of both parents. Otherwise, there is a risk that the Kenyan authorities at the airport will prevent entry.

If you want to take your four-legged friends with you on your trip to Kenya, you have to fulfil a few requirements. In general, however, it is always possible to take a dog or cat with you. The basis for this is a valid import permit, which you can apply for through the Kenyan Embassy. To obtain such a permit, you will need to present a current health certificate issued by the local veterinary officer. Furthermore, you are only allowed to take dogs or cats with you if you have a vaccination certificate that shows a valid rabies vaccination.

A special feature regarding the guidelines for pets in Kenya is another document that must be presented. You must be able to present a declaration from the airline or ship crew stating that your four-legged friend did not leave the aircraft during the journey and that there was no contact with other cats or dogs. Anyone entering Kenya by land must present their dog or cat to a local physician within three days.

As in other countries, you must comply with regional customs regulations when staying in Kenya. Although Kenya is very open to guests and tourists, it is advisable to follow the import regulations to avoid any trouble at the airport or borders.

The most important point with regard to customs regulations is cash. Here, Kenya is more open than almost any other country. There are no limits on the import and export of foreign currencies. Accordingly, high cash values do not have to be declared at customs. However, please bear in mind that this is different when you return to Germany, where sums of more than €10,000 must be declared at customs. An exception to this is the Kenyan currency, which may only be exported up to a maximum equivalent value of 6,000 US dollars.

If you intend to import valuable electronic devices, you should declare them at customs. In addition, the import of any kind of drugs or weapons is prohibited. According to Kenyan law, weapons include many products that are freely available in Germany, such as pepper spray. The Kenyan authorities also impose severe penalties for importing pornographic material. These are often protected, for example by the Washington Convention. Anyone who wants to export possible souvenirs faces, in the worst case, heavy fines or even imprisonment.

In addition to the airports listed, there are a number of smaller airports in Kenya. These are particularly interesting for tourists who are on a round trip or want to head for specific destinations.

Kenya's stable political and geographic situation means that the country's airports are often used as important transit stations. If you are planning to use Kenyan airports for onward travel, there are a few things you should know.

Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have joined forces to promote tourism in the country and in East Africa in general. Together, the three states have made it possible to apply for an East African visa. This is valid for all three nations, so it only needs to be applied for once, and it entitles you to multiple entries to the three nations. If you want to save yourself unnecessary bureaucracy and explore the three countries around Lake Victoria, the East African Visa is African visa is the best option.

Even if you are only using a Kenyan airport for onward travel and do not want to enter the country, a yellow fever vaccination may sometimes be necessary. This is mandatory if you are travelling from a risk area. You can find out which countries these are in the Vaccinations and medical information section.

As a result of the corona pandemic, the country's borders were closed for a long time. However, the government has now largely relaxed the measures, which is why you only have to observe a few points. Entry is only possible with either a valid vaccination certificate for Covid-19 or a current coronavirus test. However, you only have to present a test if you have not been vaccinated. Vaccinated travellers, on the other hand, no longer have to take a test before leaving their home country. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check the current regulations. As the pandemic situation changes regularly, there may also be changes to entry requirements.

The embassy is open every day during the week. Only at the weekends is the consulate only available to provide advice and assistance in the event of an emergency. In urgent cases outside of normal opening hours, you can contact the ambassador via the emergency number.

Since travelling always involves certain risks, the German government launched the ELEFAND crisis prevention list a few years ago. You can register here before travelling abroad. This means that the German government always knows which of its citizens are in Kenya and can provide assistance in an emergency. The ELEFAND service also includes the option to inform your specified contacts in case of an emergency.

Thanks to its diverse and multi-faceted flora and fauna and its exceptionally varied landscapes, Kenya is particularly popular with independent travellers. This way, you can plan your own itinerary and get to know the most beautiful sides of Kenya.

The city of Mombasa, with over a million inhabitants, lies directly on the sea in the southeast of the country. If you are longing for sun and beach, then Mombasa is the perfect destination for your Kenya trip.

Hardly any other country is better suited for a safari. The colourful wildlife, including the Big Five, is the highlight of most Kenya trips. In just a few days, you will get to know Kenya's popular animals and discover the breathtaking landscapes of the country.