Guide to Travelling to Kenya as an American Citizen

Guide to Travelling to Kenya as an American Citizen

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Good news if you’re thinking of traveling to Kenya. Starting October 28th 2018, Kenya Airways will begin direct flights From JFK in New York to Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa. Hence, I thought you would appreciate a complete guide that answers 21 commonly asked questions when travelling to Kenya as an American citizen.

Whether you choose to fly direct to Kenya from New York or have a layover in Dubai or Amsterdam, your flight will touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport located in Nairobi, Kenya. As an American citizen travelling to Kenya, the first question I often get is, “How do I go about getting a visa and any other requirements needed?”

After doing a survey and intervening Americans here in Seattle, Washington on questions about travelling to Kenya as an American citizen, I have compiled this travel guide to make your planning a little easier. I hope you find this information helpful as you adventure to the amazing country of Kenya. #travelwithirine

Ultimate Guide to Travelling to Kenya as an American Citizen

1. Kenya Visa Entry Requirements

Single-entry visa: $50
Multi-entry visa: $100

You can apply for a Visa online ahead of time, but I recommend you wait and acquire a Kenyan visa upon arrival. The fee for a visa is payable in US dollars, cash only. To avoid delays, I suggest you have exactly $50.
It’s important to make sure your passport is valid for six months after the date of your extended length of stay and has enough blank pages for stamping.

If you plan on travelling to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, ask for a multi-entry East African visa. This visa is valid for 90 days and is issued only within these three countries and the issuing country must be the point of entry. If you leave these three countries to visit let’s say Tanzania or Ethiopia, the visa would not be valid for re-entry and you would need to get another visa.

2. Languages Spoken
Kenya is a multilingual country with some 68 languages spoken. And yes, people speak English in Kenya. In fact, English is the language of choice in business and academic settings and is the official language in Kenya.
Swahili is the national language of Kenya and widely spoken by many.

3. How long should you plan to travel to Kenya, East Africa?
A frequent question I get is how long people should plan to visit Kenya. To get the most out of your travel, plan on staying in Kenya for at least 2 weeks. Three weeks would be even better, but I know with work and family, three weeks’ might be too long even though this would be ideal.

4. Are vaccination or certification needed when travelling to Kenya as an American citizen?
Check with your physician before you travel, but often most people need Malaria pills. If you are coming directly from New York to Kenya or via Dubai or Amsterdam, you will not need the yellow fever certificate. The certificate is required only when you have travelled through countries where yellow fever is endemic. Travelers entering Kenya directly from non-endemic countries do not need a yellow fever certificate or to present the certificate.

5. The People of Kenya
The People of Kenya, East Africa are very friendly and tend to trust people easily. So don’t be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a stranger and five minutes later they invite you to go out for a beer or have drinks together. Most Kenyans are extremely polite and kind and will often go out of their way to assist you.

6. Payment methods when travelling to Kenya, East Africa
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted by most hotels. I suggest that whenever possible, pay for many things with your credit card instead of cash.

7. Money/Currency
The officially currency in Kenya is the Shilling (Ksh)
One US dollar (1$) is usually worth around Ksh 96 to Ksh 100.
Besides bringing your MasterCard or Visa, cash is still valuable and I suggest you bring cash with you. The dollar bills need to be recent issues, dated since 2008. Otherwise, older bills will not accepted. For a better exchange rate, I highly suggest you transact at a bank, not a hotel, and bring $100 bills.

8. Transportation
Taxi cabs and Uber are readily available in Kenya.
Public transportation for most Kenyans is via “Matatus” minibuses.

9. Safety
Like anywhere in the world, don’t carry large sums of money or valuables with you. You should probably secure your valuables at your hotel in the room safe. And, don’t leave your items or valuables unattended.

10. Religion
Most Kenyans are Christian, but other religions are also practiced, such as Muslim, Hindu, or Indians. You’re not likely to have a conversation with Kenyans without someone mentioning “God” or “Jesus.”

11. Dietary
If you have special dietary needs, they can usually be accommodated by consulting with the hotel where you have reservations. They enjoy catering to guests.

12. Electricity
Standard voltage in Kenya is 240 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz. Be sure to bring a voltage convertor device with you. Buy an adapter plug and convertors for all your electricals at Amazon, REI or Fred Meyer. In Kenya, plug type G is used. In USA it’s A & B.

13. Grocery Store
Grocery stores in Kenya are typically referred to as “supermarkets.”

14. ATMs and Banks
Banks and ATM machines are readily available to you in all main towns.

15. The best time to travel to Kenya as an American citizen
Due to the pleasant and warm climate in Kenya, one can travel to Kenya, as an American citizen, virtually all year around. However, to avoid crowds and take advantage of off-season rates for accommodations, I suggest arriving in March and April. Note however, this is also the beginning on the rainy season.
Some might suggest the dry season, which is in September or October, as it coincides with the great migration of two million wildebeests and zebras from Tanzania to Kenya.

16. How far in advance should you book your accommodation or safari?
Ideally, book a hotel or safari at least one year in advance.

17. Weather
Depending on the month you travel, most often the weather in Kenya is usually sunny, averaging highs of 70s to 80s.

18. What is M-Pesa?
Often referred to as mobile banking, MPesa (M for mobile, pesa is Swahili for money) is a mobile money service widely used in Kenya that allows users to store, transfer money, and make payments with their mobile phones. This is similar to PayPal, Venmo, or Apple Pay.

19. Photography
Don’t assume that people are OK with having their pictures taken. Just as you would when in the US, kindly ask people for permission before you take pictures of local residents or art.

20. Luggage Restrictions when travelling within Kenya via air
If you’ll be travelling by air to a wild safari in Kenya, learn the luggage policies and restrictions. Charter airlines often fly smaller planes with luggage compartments that have limited volume or irregular sizes. You are smart to carry a soft bag instead of rigid suitcases.
Total baggage allowance is 33 pounds, inclusive of hand luggage or any other accessories.

21. What not to carry when travelling to Kenya as an American citizen
Plastic bags are illegal in Kenya, in an effort to protect the environment.

Full disclosure: This post was NOT sponsored neither have I received any financial compensation in any way.

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