Last verified: 15 September 2026 · 🟢/🟡 volatility (the requirement to have an eTA/insurance is stable; the rules behind them are not — cross-check the entry & health files).
Core document checklist (everyone)
- Passport — valid 6+ months beyond arrival, ≥1 blank page
- eTA approval (printed + on your phone) — or confirmation you're exempt
- Return / onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (bookings or host details)
- Travel insurance policy (incl. medical evacuation for safaris/remote areas)
- Yellow fever certificate — if arriving from an at-risk country, or recommended for your itinerary
- Vaccination records & medication documentation (prescriptions / doctor's letter)
- Emergency contacts (family + your embassy in Kenya)
- Photocopies + cloud backups of passport, eTA, insurance, cards (store separately from originals)
- Payment: at least two cards (notify your bank of travel) + some USD cash to change/for visas-on-arrival scenarios and tips
- Phone unlocked for a local SIM/eSIM · chargers · power bank · Type G plug adapter
Money & tech add-ons
- Small amount of US dollars (recent, unmarked notes — older/worn USD notes are sometimes refused)
- Type G (British 3-pin) adapter — Kenya uses 230–240 V, 50 Hz
- Offline maps / key apps downloaded
- Copies of bookings and confirmation numbers offline
Specialized checklists
International visitor
Core list above + travel insurance with evacuation + USD cash + Type G adapter + malaria prophylaxis (from clinic).
Domestic traveler (within Kenya)
National ID / passport · M-Pesa-enabled phone · cash for matatus/markets · booking confirmations · weather-appropriate layers.
Family with children
Each child's passport + eTA (or exemption) · birth certificates · consent letter if one parent is absent · child medications · sun protection · any car seats (rentals rarely include them reliably) · snacks · entertainment for long drives.
Child traveling (with one parent / guardian / unaccompanied)
Birth certificate · notarized parental consent letter from the absent parent(s) · custody/guardianship documents · airline's unaccompanied-minor paperwork if applicable.
Road trip / self-drive
Valid driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) · rental agreement & insurance · offline maps · breakdown/emergency numbers · cash for tolls/fuel/checkpoints · spare tyre check.
Safari
Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors and, for tsetse areas, dark blue/black) · warm layer for cold early game drives · hat & high-SPF sunscreen · binoculars · camera + spare batteries/storage · malaria prophylaxis · insect repellent · refillable water · small bills in KES/USD for guide/staff tips.
Beach / coast
Modest cover-ups for towns (much of the coast is Muslim-majority — swimwear stays on the beach) · reef-safe sunscreen · sandals · snorkel gear (optional) · dry bag · malaria precautions (coast is a malaria area).
Hiking / mountains (e.g. Mt Kenya, Aberdares)
Layers for cold + altitude · rain shell · broken-in boots · headlamp · water treatment · permits (arranged via operator) · guide (required for major peaks) · altitude awareness.
Long stay / relocating temporarily
Extra medication supply · documentation for a local SIM + M-Pesa · proof of funds/accommodation · understanding of legal stay length and any permit needs (see roadmap → digital nomads/long stay) · copies of key personal documents.
Business traveler
Business attire · invitation/meeting letters · laptop + adapters · reliable connectivity plan (local SIM or good eSIM) · airport-hotel and transfer bookings · some cash for incidentals.
Tip: keep a single "day-one packet" — passport, eTA printout, cash, one card, phone, adapter, insurance card — so arrival is smooth even if your main bag is delayed.