COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Kenya (30 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents can enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreign nationals can enter Kenya. They must have a valid passport and a visa.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates from other countries are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 certificate that was performed within 96 hours before flying.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Some passengers with a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate arriving from certain exempted countries will not be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. The list of exempt countries can be found at https://www.kcaa.or.ke/quarantine-exempted-states.

• The negative COVID-19 test must be a negative PCR test result. Passengers with a negative result from a rapid antigen test must observe a 14-day quarantine.

Entry form required? (health or other)

• Yes

• All travellers arriving in Kenya must complete a COVID-19 Travellers Health Surveillance Form before their arrival, even if only transiting. After submitting the form, travellers will receive a QR code which must be presented to port health officials for them to be allowed to proceed to arrival immigration

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Airports are open. International and domestic air travel has resumed.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Passengers entering the country will have a health screening to ensure the travellers do not have body temperatures above 37.5°C (99.5°F), a cough, breathing problems, or other flu-like symptoms.

• Borders with Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania have reopened. The present status of Kenya’s seaports and borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia is still not clear.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• The nationwide night curfew from 22:00 to 04:00 has been extended until 3 January 2021.

• Localised lockdowns can be enforced in counties with higher infection rates.

• Detention and forced quarantine of 14 days will be imposed on anyone violating the curfew.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• All persons should maintain a 1.5-meter physical distance from others.

• Masks must be worn in public places, except when dining, or when adhering to social distancing in hotels, gardens, or on beaches.

• Large gatherings, meetings, conferences, and political events over 15 people remain suspended.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks must be worn.

• There are restrictions on interstate and intercity travel. Any movement by public transport vehicles into and out of these areas requires transport providers to first acquire mandatory certification from the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport.

• Public transportation, as well as private vehicles, are allowed to operate at reduced capacity adhering to social distancing norms.

• Five-seater vehicles will only be allowed to carry two passengers in addition to the driver, while seven-seater vehicles will only be allowed four passengers in addition to the driver.

• Passengers departing the airport during curfew must keep their boarding pass as proof of their arrival time, which will allow for movement to their accommodation. Similarly, evidence of air passengers arriving during curfew will enable access for drivers coming to collect passengers during curfew hours.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential shops are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and other accommodations are allowed to operate provided they follow health protocols and curfew.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants, food outlets, and eateries are operating but must close by 21:00 (local time).

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are operating but must close by 21:00 (local time).

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Entry fees for all Kenya Wildlife Service game parks have been reduced by half.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Public places, tourism and hospitality establishments, travel and tour companies, hotels and other accommodations, restaurants, eateries, food and beverage outlets and entertainment and recreation facilities are allowed to operate,

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious gatherings in mosques and churches and other religious services have resumed with restricted attendance.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• Large gatherings, meetings, conferences, and political events remain suspended. However, the maximum number of persons permitted to attend funerals and weddings shall have no more than one-third of its normal seating capacity occupied at a given sitting, with all in attendance expected to abide by the Ministry of Health protocols.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory for all people while in public places and on public transportation.

Other

• The authorities in Kenya have decided to reopen all schools on 4 January 2020.

• Universities resumed classes in September 2020.

• Sporting events in Kenya will be allowed to resume gradually.

Neuvo

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.