MANDATORY INBOUND TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR TRAVELLERS TO KENYA

PUBLIC NOTICE

MANDATORY INBOUND TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR TRAVELLERS TO KENYA

The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Berlin wishes to inform the general public, airlines, travel agencies, tour operators and prospective travellers that, effective 5th October 2026, all non-Kenyan visitors entering Kenya for a stay of less than twelve (12) months MUST have valid mandatory travel health insurance, unless exempted.

This requirement applies regardless of when tickets were issued or travel arrangements made. Each traveller, including minors, must have individual insurance cover.

The following persons are exempt:

• Kenyan citizens;

• Holders of valid residence status in Kenya;

• Citizens of East African Community (EAC) Partner States;

• Persons seeking asylum;

• Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports;

• Crew members who meet the applicable exemption criteria; and

• Transit passengers who do not clear immigration or seek entry into Kenya.

Nationals of African countries outside the EAC who are exempt from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement must still obtain the insurance unless they fall within the list of exempted persons.

How to obtain the insurance

Travellers must obtain the mandatory cover through the official platforms:

www.etakenya.go.ke or www.insurance.ecitizen.go.ke

An electronic policy will be issued through eCitizen platform upon payment. Foreign travel health insurance policies will not be accepted for this requirement.

The policy is valid for ninety (90) days and may cover multiple entries, provided it remains valid on each date of entry.

Verification before travel and upon arrival

Travellers are advised to obtain the required cover before departure and keep their policy documentation readily available for inspection.

Proof of insurance will be verified at check-in before boarding. Immigration officers will also verify the cover upon arrival in Kenya.

For clarification, please contact the Embassy on +49 30 2592 6611 or email

berlin.consular@mfa.go.ke   

Embassy of the Republic of Kenya

BERLIN