Visa
Most nationals, including British, Irish, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and EU passport-holders, need visas to visit Kenya.
Official visa website www.evisa.go.ke .
Insurance
You’d do well to take out a travel insurance policy prior to travelling to cover against theft, loss, illness and injury.
Currency
The official currency in Kenya is the Kenya Shilling. Cash dollars, together with British pounds and euros, are invariably acceptable, and often preferred, as payment. People often have calculators and know the latest exchange rates.
You can exchange hard currency in cash at banks and foreign exchange (“forex”) bureaus all over the country, and also at most large hotels, though for a substantially poorer rate. US dollars, British pounds and euros are always the most easily changed.
If you take US dollar bills to Kenya, be sure they are less than five years old as they won’t be exchangeable in many places otherwise.
Debit and Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted for tourist services such as upmarket hotels, curio shops and restaurants, flights, safaris and car rental.
Vaccination
COVID-19
Packing
Internet access
Wi-fi is widely available in urban areas, with free access in the airports at Nairobi and Mombasa. However, don’t expect it in rural areas, small, out-of-the-way towns and villages, or at remote tented camps.
Tipping
If you’re staying in tourist-class establishments, tipping is expected. In expensive hotels, Ksh100 wouldn’t be out of place for seeing you to your room with your bags (and £1, $1 or €1 would also be very acceptable, though the employee has to change the money, which can be difficult; shillings are always better)
Time
Kenya’s time zone is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3) all year round.
What sort of plugs do I need for Kenya and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 230 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the 3 square-pin variety, similar to the United Kingdom sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Be respectful of local communities
Never take photos of people without asking permission, particularly in rural areas.