Kenya's New Mandatory Travel Insurance 2026: What Visitors Need to Know

Published: 15 October 2026 | Kenya Travel Updates

Planning a trip to Kenya? There's an important new entry requirement you need to know about before you travel.

Effective 5 October 2026, most international visitors staying in Kenya for less than 12 months must obtain government-issued travel health insurance. The requirement applies to eligible tourists arriving for safaris, beach holidays, business trips and other short stays.

Here's everything you need to know.

Kenya Travel Insurance 2026: The Essentials

Effective date: 5 October 2026.

Cost: Approximately USD 44 per person, plus applicable processing fees.

Who needs it? Most foreign visitors staying in Kenya for less than 12 months.

Who is exempt? Exemptions include Kenyan citizens, qualifying Kenyan residents, East African Community citizens and passengers remaining in international transit.

Already have travel insurance? Your existing international insurance does not replace the mandatory Kenyan policy.

Validity: Current government travel guidance indicates 90 days, with multiple entries permitted during that period.

Where and How to Apply

Applying for a Kenya eTA?

Complete your application and purchase the required insurance through the official Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation portal.

Already have an approved eTA?

You can obtain the required cover separately through the Kenya eCitizen Insurance Portal.

We recommend completing the process before departure and keeping your insurance confirmation accessible, as airlines may request proof before boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1. Can I use insurance purchased in my home country?

No. The mandatory Kenyan policy is required even if you already have international travel insurance. You may keep your existing policy for additional protection.

2. 2. Does this apply if I'm visiting Diani Beach, Mombasa or the Maasai Mara?

Yes. The requirement applies to eligible visitors entering Kenya, regardless of which destination they plan to explore.

3. 3. What does the insurance cover?

The policy provides specified travel health benefits, subject to its terms, exclusions and coverage limits. Check your policy documents for the precise benefits and validity dates.

Before You Travel

Make sure your eTA, where required, and insurance details are in order before departure. For further clarification, consult the latest Kenya entry requirements.

Discover Kenya with Putu Travels

Once your travel documents are sorted, leave the experiences to us.

Based in Diani Beach, Putu Travels specialises in personalised travel experiences along Kenya's coast. From private airport transfers and carefully selected stays to snorkelling, jet skiing, sunset canoe rides and unforgettable wildlife safaris, we curate every experience around you.

Your journey, personally curated.

Explore Putu Travels and plan your journey.

Travel advisory: Information reviewed on 15 October 2026. Entry requirements, fees and insurance terms may change. Always confirm the latest details through official government platforms before travelling.