Is Kenya safe to visit? Safety and travel advice 2026

Last checked September 2026. Always confirm with official sources before travelling. This article is general information, not legal advice. Travel requirements and security advice can change.

Is Kenya safe to visit?

Yes, many international travellers visit Kenya safely, but the country is not risk-free and official governments advise increased caution because of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, health risks and traffic safety. The United States rates Kenya Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, while also listing specific areas under stronger restrictions.

For a conventional safari route through established parks and conservancies, the practical answer is usually more favourable than the countrywide headline suggests. The route still matters. Do not assume that a warning for one county applies equally to every safari destination, and do not book an itinerary that enters an area your government advises you to avoid.

Quick answer: is Kenya safe for tourists now?

Kenya is considered visitable with increased caution, not a uniformly safe destination. The United States advises increased caution nationwide and says not to travel to particular Nairobi neighbourhoods, northeastern and coastal counties, parts of Turkana and West Pokot, and areas near the Ethiopian border.

• Countrywide position: The U.S. State Department says, "Exercise Increased Caution in Kenya" because of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health and traffic safety.
• Highest-risk locations named by the U.S.: Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River except Tsavo National Park, Kilifi north of highway C103, coastal areas north of Malindi, West Pokot and western Turkana.
• UK position: The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Kenya and against all but essential travel to other parts. It warns that insurance may be invalid if travellers go against its advice.
• Safari meaning: Ask your operator to confirm every county and transfer road on your itinerary. A safari that stays in established tourism areas may avoid the named warning zones, but the journey between destinations still needs checking.

What do the official travel advisories say?

The most useful way to read the advisories is by region, not by a single countrywide label. The U.S. advisory is Level 2 for Kenya overall, but its area-specific warnings are stronger. The U.S. Embassy says not to travel to Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi because of crime and kidnapping. It also says not to travel to Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River except Tsavo National Park, Kilifi north of highway C103 and coastal areas north of Malindi because of kidnapping and terrorism. It identifies West Pokot and western Turkana as areas with increased crime risk.

The U.S. security report also refers to terrorism and kidnapping near the Kenya-Somalia border, banditry in parts of Turkana and West Pokot, cross-border incursions near the Ethiopian border and crime in Eastleigh and Kibera. Those are not abstract concerns if your itinerary includes remote roads or border regions. Ask for a current route plan rather than relying on a park name alone.

The UK FCDO's Kenya advice says it advises against all travel to parts of the country because of terrorism risks from groups based in Somalia. It also warns that curfews, restrictions on movement and other local measures can change, and that travel against FCDO advice may affect insurance cover.

Australia advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya because of terrorism and violent crime. Canada lists areas where travellers should avoid all travel or non-essential travel and warns that demonstrations can bring enhanced security measures, curfews and movement restrictions. These systems use different wording and thresholds, so compare your own government's page with the route proposed by your operator.

Is Kenya safe to travel to right now?

Kenya is safe to travel to right now only with route-specific planning and increased caution. The current official advice does not treat every part of the country as equally dangerous, but it does identify places where travellers should not go or should reconsider travel.

Before departure, check the latest advisory from your government, confirm whether your insurance covers the itinerary, and ask the operator whether any part of the route has changed because of unrest, terrorism, flooding, road conditions or local security operations. Canada notes that demonstrations can affect movement and that curfews can be imposed without notice.

Safety in Kenya's parks and reserves

Safari parks are not automatically risk-free. The U.S. advisory warns that tourists have been seriously injured or killed in safari vehicle accidents and says road crashes are a major cause of injury and death for Americans in Kenya. Follow the guide's instructions, remain inside the vehicle unless the guide authorises you to leave, use the seatbelt and do not stand or lean out while the vehicle is moving.

Use an established safari company and ask who provides the vehicles, guides, accommodation and emergency support. The available country information says well-established operators and game parks have generally been reported as safe, while tourism regulation, equipment inspections and staff training can vary by region. That makes operator selection more than a comfort issue. Check the company's recent reviews, licensing information and emergency plan before paying.

Safari destinations such as Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Maasai Mara region and other established tourism areas may be far from the locations named in the strongest warnings, but distance does not remove the need to check transfers. You can compare safari packages on SafariFind, then ask each operator for its exact route and current security arrangements.

Remote camps may be far from advanced medical care. The security report says medical care is limited outside major cities, hospitals usually require payment before treatment and medical evacuation insurance valid for Kenya is strongly recommended. Carry your insurer's emergency number and ask whether the policy covers evacuation from a remote reserve.

Is Nairobi Kenya safe for tourists?

Nairobi is visitable for tourists with careful planning, but some neighbourhoods have significantly higher risks and night travel needs extra caution. The United States says not to travel to Eastleigh and Kibera because of crime and kidnapping, while the UK identifies higher crime risks in Eastleigh, the Central Business District, Mathare, Kibera and slum areas.

Do not walk alone in isolated areas, including during daylight, and avoid walking after dark. The UK advises keeping vehicle windows closed and doors locked, avoiding large amounts of cash and not resisting if attacked. Arrange airport transfers through your hotel, safari company or a reputable provider rather than accepting unsolicited help or transport.

Bag-snatching is reported at bus stations, railway stations and airports. Criminals may also pose as police officers or private security guards and demand valuables, passports or vehicles. Ask for identification and contact your hotel or the police if something feels wrong.

If your itinerary includes a flight from Wilson Airport, confirm the transfer time and terminal details with the airline or operator. Keep your passport and travel documents accessible but do not display them unnecessarily. The U.S. advisory recommends keeping documents up to date and easily accessible, monitoring local media and avoiding demonstrations and crowds.

Is Mombasa Kenya safe for tourists?

Mombasa is a common tourist base, but it is not uniformly safe and some locations require extra care. The UK identifies Mombasa's Old Town and the area around the Likoni Ferry as places where crime risk is higher, and advises avoiding isolated areas and walking alone.

Use arranged transport, especially after dark, keep vehicle doors locked and avoid displaying phones, cameras, jewellery or large amounts of cash. Check whether your beach or coastal itinerary enters an area north of Malindi or another location included in your government's warning. The U.S. advisory specifically names coastal areas north of Malindi and parts of Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River.

Travellers comparing coastal stays can review the route and transfer arrangements alongside accommodation. A resort's reputation does not answer whether the road, ferry or neighbourhood outside the property is suitable for your plans.

Crime, scams and night travel in Kenya

Crime is one of the main reasons official governments advise caution. Risks include bag-snatching, robbery, vehicle crime and scams, with higher concern in some urban areas and around transport hubs.

• Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Avoid driving at night where possible.
• Do not resist an armed robbery. Personal safety matters more than a phone or bag.
• Use marked, reputable taxis or transport arranged by a hotel or safari operator. Do not accept a ride from an unsolicited driver.
• Be cautious if someone claiming to be a police officer or security guard asks for your passport or valuables. Ask for identification.
• Avoid demonstrations, political gatherings and large crowds. Authorities may impose curfews or movement restrictions without notice.
• Do not photograph airports, embassies or other official buildings. The UK says this is illegal and may lead to arrest.

Health and road safety in Kenya

Health preparation should cover more than vaccinations. The WHO says travellers should seek advice before departure about infectious disease risks, vaccination requirements and other health risks. Its travel advice links to country information on vaccination requirements, yellow fever and malaria, so check the current WHO material and speak with a travel-health professional before travelling.

The research supplied here does not establish a current Kenya-specific Ebola status. For the answer to "is Kenya safe from ebola", check the latest WHO travel-health information and your national health authority rather than relying on an old blog post.

Medical care is more limited outside major cities, and hospitals may require payment before treatment. The U.S. security report strongly recommends medical evacuation insurance that is valid for travel to Kenya. Bring enough prescription medicine for the trip, keep it in original packaging and ask your insurer what to do if you need treatment.

Road travel deserves serious attention. The U.S. Embassy says major highways between Nairobi and Nakuru and between Nairobi and Mombasa are only two lanes, and that drivers frequently pass while paying little attention to oncoming traffic. It also reports serious injuries and deaths involving safari vehicles. Use seatbelts, avoid unnecessary night journeys and choose an operator that can explain its vehicle and driver standards.

Is Kenya safe for white tourists?

Official advisories do not provide a separate safety rating for white tourists. The main risks identified by governments apply to visitors generally, including crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health and traffic safety.

Race does not remove the need to follow local security advice. Avoid displaying expensive equipment, keep a low profile, respect local rules and use trusted transport. If you are travelling as a visible minority or have concerns about discrimination, ask your accommodation and operator for current, location-specific advice rather than assuming that a countrywide answer fits every town.

Women and solo travellers

Solo travellers should use the same increased-caution approach, with extra planning for transport, accommodation and night movements. The UK advises against walking alone in isolated areas and says violent crimes have affected British nationals, including during daylight.

Choose accommodation with controlled access, share your itinerary with someone at home and arrange transfers before arrival. Avoid accepting drinks or transport from strangers, and do not let a planned activity move to a different location without telling someone you trust. For current advice aimed at women travellers, use your government's women-travel guidance linked from its Kenya advisory.

Emergency numbers and practical precautions in Kenya

Save your country's embassy or consulate contact details before departure. U.S. travellers can also enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which the U.S. Embassy says helps the government send updates and contact travellers or emergency contacts during an emergency. British travellers can review the UK Embassy in Kenya guidance for British travellers, while Americans can use this U.S. Embassy traveller-help guide alongside the official advisory.

• Save your insurer's emergency assistance number and confirm that safari activities and medical evacuation are covered.
• Keep copies of your passport, insurance policy and itinerary in secure digital storage.
• Tell someone where you are staying and when you expect to arrive at the next stop.
• Monitor official travel advice and local media during the trip. Be ready to change plans if authorities issue new instructions.
• Ask your operator how it handles a road accident, medical evacuation, unrest or a sudden route closure.
• Keep some payment options available. Canada says cards are widely accepted in major cities and popular tourist destinations, but remote locations may have fewer options. It also notes that M-PESA is accepted across Kenya, including at national parks, although payment methods can vary with technical problems.

Is Kenya safe for tourists from the UK?

Kenya is visitable for tourists from the UK only if they follow current FCDO advice and avoid areas where it advises against travel. The FCDO says travel against its advice could invalidate travel insurance, so British travellers should check the Kenya page immediately before departure and confirm that the policy covers the full itinerary.

Is Kenya safe for Americans?

Kenya is visitable for Americans with increased caution, but the U.S. State Department lists specific areas where Americans should not travel. Those areas include Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi, several northeastern and coastal counties, parts of Turkana and West Pokot, and other higher-risk locations identified in the advisory.

Is Kenya safe for American tourists?

American tourists face the same principal risks identified for other visitors, including crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health risks and traffic accidents. Americans should read the full U.S. advisory, consider enrolling in STEP and make an emergency plan that does not depend on U.S. government evacuation assistance.

Is Kenya safe for tourists in 2025?

Advice from 2025 should not be used to plan a 2026 trip. Check the current advisory instead, because the official pages supplied for this article carry 2026 updates and identify location-specific risks that can change.

Is Kenya safe for tourism?

Kenya is open to tourism, but tourism does not make every area safe or every route suitable. Use an established operator, check the exact itinerary against current official warnings and insure the trip for medical treatment and evacuation.

Is Kenya a safe country?

Kenya is not assessed as uniformly safe or uniformly unsafe. Official governments describe a country where many journeys are possible with caution, while particular areas carry stronger warnings because of terrorism, kidnapping, crime, banditry or cross-border insecurity.