Kenya Entry Rules for UK Travellers: ETA and New Health Insurance
Flying to Kenya from the UK? The entry rules have changed. As well as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), most visitors arriving from 5 October 2026 must now buy Kenyan travel health insurance before they fly, and your normal UK travel insurance does not count instead. Airlines check this at check-in, so missing it could mean you can't board. This guide explains exactly what you need, what it costs and how to apply, step by step.
Quick answer: What do UK citizens need to enter Kenya?
You need three things: (1) a passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with 2 blank pages; (2) an approved ETA from etakenya.go.ke, applied for at least 2 weeks before you travel; and (3) Kenyan Government travel health insurance, about US$44 per adult, valid for 90 days, bought during your ETA application. Your own UK travel insurance is not accepted instead.
Planning a trip to Kenya?
We'll find you the best flight to Nairobi or Mombasa and remind you what you need before you fly.
Dream Fare compares every airline to find your best fare. IATA Affiliated, Trusted Agency protected, best price guaranteed.
Get a Free QuoteWhatsApp UsWhat Changed on 5 October 2026?
From 5 October 2026, most visitors to Kenya staying less than 12 months must hold travel health insurance provided through the Kenyan Government scheme. It applies to travellers arriving from that date, even if you booked your flight earlier.
- Who needs it: most foreign visitors, including UK citizens.
- Who doesn't: Kenyan citizens, holders of Kenyan residence status, citizens of East African Community countries, diplomatic passport holders and transit passengers who don't enter Kenya.
- Your own insurance: UK travel insurance is not accepted as a replacement. You can, and should, still keep your own policy for wider cover such as cancellations and baggage.
How Much Does Kenya's Travel Health Insurance Cost?
Based on current reports, the price is about US$44 per adult (around US$48 including fees) and about US$22 for a child who needs it. Prices can change, so check the amount when you apply.
| What's covered | Up to |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | US$20,000 |
| Emergency medical evacuation | US$25,000 |
| Repatriation of remains | US$5,000 |
| Mental health treatment | US$1,000 |
| Prescribed medicines | US$300 |
The policy lasts 90 days and covers multiple entries in that time. If your trip is longer, you'll need a new policy when it runs out.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Check your passport: it must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Apply for your ETA: on the official website, etakenya.go.ke, at least 2 weeks before you travel. The ETA fee is currently about US$30.
- Buy the health insurance in the same application: you'll be asked to buy it as part of the ETA form.
- Already have an ETA? Buy the insurance separately through the "Inbound Travel Health Insurance" service on Kenya's eCitizen portal.
- Keep both documents with you: save your ETA approval and insurance policy on your phone and print a copy. The airline may ask for them at check-in, and immigration may check them on arrival.
Avoid copycat websites: only apply on the official sites, etakenya.go.ke and Kenya's eCitizen portal. Unofficial sites often charge much more for the same ETA.
Other Things to Check Before You Fly
- Yellow fever: you don't need a certificate if you fly from the UK, but you may need one if you arrive from, or spend time in, a country with a yellow fever risk. Check TravelHealthPro for your route.
- Health advice: malaria tablets are often recommended for parts of Kenya. See your GP or a travel clinic a few weeks before you go.
- Travel advice: check the latest UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advice for Kenya before you travel.
Flights from the UK to Kenya
Kenya Airways and British Airways both fly direct and daily from London Heathrow to Nairobi, taking about 8 hours 30 minutes. One-stop flights via Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Doha, Dubai or Amsterdam take around 12 to 16 hours and can be cheaper, especially from Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports.
There are no direct flights from the UK to Mombasa. Most travellers connect in Nairobi, or fly via Istanbul, Doha or Addis Ababa. Compare your options on our flights to Nairobi, flights to Mombasa and flights to Kenya pages, or read our Kenya Airways guide.
Travelling around East Africa? See our flights to Zanzibar, Entebbe and Kigali, and our guide to the best time to book flights to Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Kenya?
No visa, but you need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 2 weeks before you go. The fee is currently about US$30.
Is travel health insurance mandatory for Kenya?
Yes. From 5 October 2026, most visitors staying less than 12 months must buy Kenyan Government travel health insurance before they travel. It costs about US$44 per adult and lasts 90 days.
Can I use my own UK travel insurance for Kenya?
No. Kenya only accepts its own government scheme for this requirement. Keep your UK travel insurance as well, because it covers things the Kenyan policy doesn't, such as cancellations and lost baggage.
Where do I buy Kenya's travel health insurance?
You buy it during your ETA application on etakenya.go.ke. If you already have an ETA, buy it through the Inbound Travel Health Insurance service on Kenya's eCitizen portal.
Do children need Kenyan travel health insurance?
Children who need it pay a lower price, currently about US$22. Check the requirement for each child when you complete their ETA.
Which airlines fly direct from the UK to Kenya?
Kenya Airways and British Airways both fly direct daily from London Heathrow to Nairobi. There are no direct flights to Mombasa, so most travellers connect in Nairobi.
Is Dream Fare ATOL protected?
Dream Fare is IATA Affiliated. Flight tickets are issued through our IATA-accredited, ATOL-licensed partner, with ATOL protection provided where applicable to the booking.
Book your flight to Kenya with confidence
Free, no-obligation quote. We compare every airline to Nairobi and Mombasa for you.
Entry rules and prices can change. Always check the official Kenyan portals and the UK Foreign Office advice before you travel. Information correct at the time of writing.