Kenya Travel Advisory 2026

Current U.S. State Department advisory

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level. Advisory as of March 16, 2025.

Official source: travel.state.gov

US vs UK: how the advice compares

🇺🇸 United States — travel.state.gov

Level 2· Exercise Increased Caution

Level 2 of 4 · as of March 16, 2025

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — FCDO (GOV.UK)

Advises against all travel to parts of the country

Last updated June 24, 2026 · gov.uk advice

Latest UK update note: “Updated information about key dates for potential protests in June and July (see 'Political situation' on ‘Safety and security page’).”

See all countries where the two governments disagree on the US vs UK comparison page.

Advisory level timeline

March 16, 2025 — current
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Latest official advisory as captured in our snapshot.
No advisory level changes recorded for Kenya since we began tracking in July 2026. We log every future change here, with dates and official change notes.

Is Kenya safe? What the official advisory says

Updated to include a risk indicator for health and to reflect additional safety and security information.

Do Not Travel to:

Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi due to terrorism and kidnapping;
West Pokot and western Turkana County due to banditry;
Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions.

Reconsider Travel to:

The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping .

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious crimes and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid traveling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety.

Crime Motorycle crimes are common, where thieves grab items from victims and are able to quickly flee the scene. Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond to these crimes. Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items.

Terrorism Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning. They have targeted:

Kenyan and foreign government buildings,
Tourist locations,
Transportation hubs,
Hotels and resorts,

Condensed from the official State Department advisory of March 16, 2025 — read the full advisory before you travel.

Kenya travel advisory FAQ

What is the current travel advisory level for Kenya?

As of March 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department rates Kenya at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level.

What does Level 2 mean?

Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) — Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Most popular travel destinations worldwide sit at this level.

When did the Kenya travel advisory last change?

The current advisory was published on March 16, 2025. No level changes have been recorded since we began tracking in July 2026 — this page will log every future change.

Does the UK government agree with the US advisory for Kenya?

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) position: Advises against all travel to parts of the country (last updated June 24, 2026). The US and UK use different systems — the US assigns a 1–4 level, while the UK either advises against travel (entirely or in part) or issues no overall warning.