Kenya entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting Kenya: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- Yes - apply for an pre-travel authorisation before travel
- Passport
- valid 6+ months beyond arrival, 2 blank pages
- Vaccines
- 1 required, 3 recommended, 7 to consider
- Driving permit
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP if you plan to drive
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the Kenya embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for Kenya
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages.
Visas
British passport holders normally need a visa (Other) to enter.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - Kenya · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to Kenya
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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10 days before travelYellow Fever Required
Proof of vaccination required on entry under International Health Regulations.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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2 weeks before travelTyphoid Recommended
Particularly for those visiting friends/relatives, young children, and long-stay travellers.
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2 weeks before travelChikungunya Consider
For ages 12+. Consider for those in outbreak regions, long-term or frequent travellers.
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7 days before travelCholera Consider
For humanitarian workers and those visiting active outbreak areas with limited access to safe water.
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Dengue Consider
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3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
Recommended for those with potential for unprotected sex, healthcare workers, and long-stay travellers.
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10 days before travelMeningococcal ACWY Consider
For healthcare workers, backpackers, long-stay travellers, and those with immune disorders.
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Recommended for those with animal exposure risk, remote area travellers, and long stays of 1+ month.
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Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - Kenya · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in Kenya
To drive in Kenya with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
- An IDP is typically needed for stays longer than 90 days.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) - find an issuing store.
Kenya travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Kenya from the UK?
Yes - British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Kenya (specifically a Other). Apply before you travel and check the UK government's foreign travel advice for the latest requirements.
How long does my passport need to be valid for Kenya?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Kenya, and have at least 2 blank pages. Check your expiry date well in advance - renewing a UK passport currently takes around 3 weeks.
What vaccines do I need for Kenya?
Yellow Fever is listed as required for travel to Kenya on UK NaTHNaC guidance. Vaccines also recommended include Hepatitis A, Tetanus / Diphtheria, Typhoid. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Kenya?
If you plan to drive in Kenya on a UK licence, you may need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. UK IDPs are issued by PayPoint in person and cost £5.50.
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