Travelers should ensure that they have a passport valid for at least six months during the time of travel before going to Kenya. The passport should have at least two blank sheets of paper for the Kenyan government to be able to process a visa at the airport and for ample room for any immigration stamps. Also, some nationalities are required to apply for a visa prior to visiting Kenya. Check with your travel agent or the Kenyan consulate office in your country to make sure you have the legal requirements to visit the country.

Make copies of these legal documents when you travel. It’s a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport, visa and other valid identification. You may choose to carry these with you as you make your way around Kenya and leave the originals in the hotel safe or locked away in your luggage in your hotel room. This way, your originals won’t get lost or damaged as you are touring.

Foreigners who are traveling with their adopted children should have copies of the adoption paperwork, especially if the race of the adopted child is different from that of the parents. There has been a high incidence of child theft in Kenya, leaving many rural villagers deeply suspicious of some foreigners. Travelers should be able to provide proof of identity and adoption in some cases.

When traveling to Kenya, you need to ensure that you have adequate medical coverage. Check with your current medical insurance carrier. Most policies do not extend coverage outside of your home country, so you will probably need to purchase medical travel insurance for your trip. Your travel medical insurance should provide coverage from the day of your departure all throughout your stay in Kenya and other countries you may be going to on your trip, including coverage for emergency evacuation when necessary.

Pack along any prescription medication with you. Be sure to bring an ample supply of medication to last for the duration of your trip, as you may not be able to easily refill any prescription medication. Have the accompanying original prescription to prove the necessity of the medication as customs officials may question you about it. Over the counter medication is available at pharmacies, but it’s best to bring your own supply, especially if you plan to stay outside of the major cities. Do not place your prescription medicines and other essentials in your check-in luggage. These should be carried with you in your hand carry luggage so you don’t need to worry about lost or delayed luggage.

Travelers should also ensure that they are in the best of health before heading out to Kenya. Visit your doctor to get a checkup to ensure you have the stamina and the good health to travel to Africa. Also, you need to update your immunizations when going to Kenya, as there are some health concerns that you need to be aware of. Although up to date inoculations aren’t required, it is still a good idea to get it done to protect your health. The specific immunizations you should consider are inoculations to protect against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Yellow Fever and Malaria. Travelers headed for the coast or Western Kenya should consider taking anti-malaria pills. It’s best to discuss your options with your doctor before you leave.

There are many adequate medical facilities that are available at the country’s capital city. These health facilities are used to dealing with cholera and malaria, which are quite endemic to the country. However, outside of this, especially in the rural areas, adequate medical services may not be readily available, as well as English-speaking medical personnel. Travelers who experience high fever or flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled to malaria-prone areas should seek medical attention right away.

When traveling to Kenya, bring along an effective mosquito repellant, as the risk of malaria is a possibility given the high level of exposure. Wearing long sleeved clothing and pants in lightweight fabrics is a good idea, as well as liberally applying or spraying mosquito repellant on clothing and other exposed areas of the skin. The use of mosquito nets while sleeping is also highly recommended. Aside from this, using high SPF sunscreen is also highly advisable to protect against any skin damage caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

When eating and dining out in Kenya, drink only bottled water. The tap water is not potable. Eat only at reputable places and avoid purchasing street food.

A tip is customary when dining out, although it is often a set amount rather than a percentage of the total bill. The equivalent of about US$5 should be more than enough as a tip for a meal. At smaller restaurants, rounding up the bill is adequate, although larger establishments do charge a 10% gratuity, along with 16% VAT and 2% catering tax. For other services rendered, such as by a tour driver or tour guide, a tip is expected at the end of the tour.

One of the reasons travelers go to Kenya is to see the amazing wildlife found at the game and nature reserves. However, travelers should exercise precaution when dealing with the animals in the wild. Strictly obey the rules and regulations at these parks. Stay behind the fences at all times. Do not approach the animals. Be sure to go only with qualified tour guides. Check the qualifications and safety record of tour operators and safari lodges before signing up with them.

Also, some clothing may not be suitable for travel in Kenya. Avoid wearing camouflage prints since this is illegal. When going on safari, bright colors such as white and blue can attract the animals. They also attract mosquitoes, which you want to avoid.

Strictly follow travel advisories issued by local officials and by your embassy before going and when you are in Kenya. Carefully plan your daily itinerary and make sure that you check with hotel staff about the places and areas to avoid. It will be best to signed up for a group tour, which is a safer option while visiting some areas in Kenya.

Travelers do have the peace of mind knowing that many of the tourist attractions outside of the capital city of Nairobi are unaffected by civil unrest. Kenya is a developing country and there are many transitions happening in the country that can restrict your movement. There may be public street demonstrations that can erupt when you are in the country and it will be wise not to linger in the vicinity, even if you are just curious about what is happening. You can check that in the local news when you get back to your hotel.

When going around the cities of Kenya, travelers should exercise common sense and take precautionary measures. Crimes against tourists are quite common, including pick pocketing, thievery and purse snatching. Be mindful of your belongings when going around crowded places such as the beach resorts or walking on the city streets. Keep an eye on your luggage and belongings at all times and avoid walking alone, especially at night. Leave your flashy jewelry, watches, fancy electronic gadgets and other valuables at home. Don’t carry all your cash with you when going out. Stay in reputable hotels that practice good security measures, as there have been reports that even hotel room safes have been stolen right out of the rooms.

Carjacking is quite common in the capital city of Nairobi, with as much as 10 carjacking incidents a day. Valuables are also stolen right out of a vehicle during stoplights and while in traffic. Keep the windows rolled up and the doors locked at all times. Increased police presence has been a government response, although the crime situation continues to be a problem.

Also, driving can be quite difficult since road safety standards are not at par with other countries. Drivers take the left side of the road, which can prove challenging for foreign drivers. The quality of the roads, as well as the poor driving habits, such as driving against counter flow traffic, and outright traffic violations increase the risk while driving. During the rainy season, flooding can also cause some roads to become impassable. It’s best to hire a driver or use a taxi cab to get around the city. Pedestrians should also be careful before crossing the road.

Public transportation vehicles such as the matatus are also targeted. If you are targeted in a crime, do not resist so that the incident doesn’t escalate to violence. Also, report the criminal activity to the local authorities right away. If someone approaches to assist you, ask to see some official identification first, as con artists have been known to pretend to be police personnel.

Travelers who wish to explore Kenya are strongly advised to do so by air instead of going by land. Highway banditry is a concern, especially in the North Eastern province, the eastern province, and the northern section of the Rift Valley Province as well as the northern portion of the Coast Province. Bandits often attack at night and do so when the highways are sparsely populated. In some instances, police escorts or traveling as a group convoy may be necessary.

Travelers who wish to tour the beautiful national parks and game reserves of Kenya should deal only with licensed and accredited tour operators who are knowledgeable and well experienced in the area. There have been reports that armed thefts targeting tourists happened around these areas, especially the parks and reserves in Leshaba, Masai Mara, and Samburu.

When going around the city of Nairobi and other major cities, avoid buying goods from street vendors. Some of these operators may be scam artists. Do not purchase counterfeit or pirated goods as this is illegal in the country, and may subject you to fines when returning to your home country.

Using, carrying and transporting illegal drugs is a crime in Kenya and travelers caught violating this may face severe penalties. The importation and use of contraband goods is also illegal. These include religious materials, ivory, large amounts of currency, antiques, firearms, some business equipment and medication.

Also, the sale and consumption of cigarettes and alcohol is strongly regulated with the passage of Kenya’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010. Specific restaurants are only allowed to sell alcohol to patrons during specific times of the day and days of the week. Driving under the influence is illegal and may subject a traveler to heavy penalties, including jail time. At the same time, smoking in public places is against the law, unless done in designated areas.

The people of Kenya may be friendly, but public displays of affection are frowned upon. At the same time, public displays of affection as well as sexual activity between the same sex faces high disapproval. Sex between the same gender is against the law and is considered a criminal act.

While touring, travelers may find the sights to be quite fascinating. However, ask permission before taking pictures of the locals, their homes and other scenery. In many cases, the Kenyans may react angrily to having their picture taken by a stranger. If you do take someone’s picture, a small tip is a good gesture. Taking pictures of government and military facilities is not allowed.

There are ATMs and banks in the country where travelers can get cash. The local currency used is the Kenyan shilling (KSh) although locals widely accept US dollars. However, most banks only accept newly-printed US currency. Travelers who need to exchange their money into the local currency are advised to do so at the banks. Forex bureaus are also a good place to get money changed, although the exchange rates may differ slightly, especially for larger denominations. Do not exchange your money at the black market, since these can be potential scams. Also, be aware of your surroundings before using the public ATMs. Keep your PIN number secure at all times.

Travelers’ checks are not widely accepted in Kenya although there are American Express (AMEX) offices in Nairobi and Mombasa. Also, these are subject to high commission fees and the exchange rate given isn’t as competitive as it is for cash.

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are becoming more widely accepted. It’s best to use these when paying for hotel rooms, restaurants and when shopping at malls to minimize cash transactions.

These are just some practical Kenya travel safety tips to keep in mind. Whether you’re out shopping or enjoying authentic Kenyan cuisine, or taking pictures of the different majestic animals out on safari, it’s best to exercise precaution at all times. This way, travelers can expect to enjoy a vacation in Kenya without any untoward incident. Use our Travel Guide Kenya to learn more about one of the most fascinating places in the world.