Getting to the Kenya coast at a glance
The main gateway is Moi International Airport, which lies west of the city of Mombasa on the mainland. From there you continue by road to Mombasa, to the south coast around Diani, or north toward Watamu and Malindi. Diani Ukunda is its own airport destination, and Malindi has an airport too. The Madaraka Express train from Nairobi ends at Mombasa Terminus in Miritini, and you still need a road transfer from there.
This is an independent guide. It is not run by an airline, the railway, the ferry operator or the government. Fares are listed for 2026 and can change, so confirm them before you travel.
Entry rules and travel advice, October 2026
Several rules changed this month. Check your own government's page before you book.
Health insurance, from 5 October 2026
According to the UK government (FCDO), most foreign short-stay visitors now need Kenyan state travel health insurance. Foreign policies do not replace it, and an existing eTA does not exempt you. It applies to stays under 12 months and gives 90 days of cover with multiple entries. Kenyans, holders of valid Kenyan residence status, East African Community citizens and transit passengers without immigration control are listed as exceptions.
eTA
The Kenyan portal lists standard processing of about 3 working days (72 hours), from USD 30, and USD 100 more for faster processing. Travel only after approval. The UK government says Kenyan authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before departure. Passport rules differ: the portal asks for 6 months of validity and one blank page, the FCDO for two blank pages, so plan for two.
United States, 19 October 2026
The US raised Kenya to Level 3, Reconsider travel, because of added health risks. Do Not Travel applies to Kilifi County north of highway C103, coastal areas north of Malindi and Tana River County except Tsavo National Park. The advisory does not close all of Kilifi.
UK and Germany
The FCDO (16 October 2026) advises against non-essential travel in a 15 km coastal strip between the Tana and the Galana/Sabaki rivers and further north. The German Federal Foreign Office (21 October 2026) has a partial travel warning, mainly for the northeast. Read both pages for the exact areas.
Health
The German Federal Foreign Office says yellow fever vaccination is not required on direct entry from Germany, but proof is needed from travelers aged 12 months and over who arrive from a yellow fever area. It reports a high malaria risk all year below 2,500 m and recommends mosquito protection and a talk with a doctor. The FCDO reports Ebola cases in Kenya and stronger health checks at entry, especially for arrivals from Uganda, Ethiopia and DR Congo.
Our pick: a city tour with hotel pickup
A Mombasa city tour that collects you at your accommodation, a simple way to start the trip without arranging your own transport.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Transfers and tours on the Kenya coast
Airport transfers, city tours and day trips from Mombasa and the coast, with live prices and availability.
Airports and the train compared
What each way in is good for.
| Gateway | What it is | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Moi International Airport, Mombasa | Main airport, on the mainland west of the city | Arrange a road transfer; do not confuse it with Ukunda |
| Diani Ukunda | Airport destination for Diani | A specific flight needs a dated timetable |
| Malindi Airport | Air access for Malindi, with the marine park reached by road | Check current flights |
| Madaraka Express | Train from Nairobi to Mombasa Terminus in Miritini | Plan a transfer; see the train page |
Ask your hotel for a transfer, agree the fare before you get in, and allow extra time for traffic and the ferry.
Book a private transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Diani Beach at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Mombasa to Diani: Likoni ferry or Dongo Kundu
You no longer have to take the Likoni ferry to reach the south coast. The Dongo Kundu bypass is a ferry-free route toward Kwale and the south coast, and the ferry still runs and connects the island with the mainland to the south. Press reports in May 2026 said pedestrians still ride for free, small cars pay KES 180 instead of KES 120, and tuk-tuks pay KES 100.
The vehicle class and the final price should be confirmed before you cross. Waiting times at the ferry vary, so do not plan a tight connection. For a car, compare the two routes on the day, and for a transfer, ask your driver which one they use.
By rail and onward to safari
The Madaraka Express runs between Nairobi and Mombasa, and the 2026 timetable lists a stop at Voi. Voi gives you a road connection toward safari lodges in the Tsavo region, but the train does not go to the lodge. Read the Madaraka Express page for fares and times, and the Tsavo East page for the park.
To combine a safari and a beach stay, see Safari and beach. If your trip goes on to the islands in the north, getting to Lamu has its own page.
Plan your arrival
More pages for the first days on the coast.
Getting to the Kenya coast: frequently asked questions
Which airport should I fly into for Diani?
Diani Ukunda is its own destination, separate from Moi International Airport in Mombasa. A flight to Ukunda needs a dated timetable, which you can check with the airline. Otherwise fly to Mombasa and continue by road via the Dongo Kundu bypass or the Likoni ferry.
Is the Likoni ferry still running?
Yes. The ferry still exists, and the Dongo Kundu bypass is an alternative route. Pedestrians ride free of charge according to the press, and a small car costs KES 180 according to a May 2026 report. Check the price for your vehicle before you cross.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Kenya?
Since 5 October 2026, the UK government says most foreign short-stay visitors need Kenyan state travel health insurance. Foreign policies do not replace it, and an existing eTA does not exempt you. Check the exceptions and your own government's advice.
How long does an eTA take?
The Kenyan portal lists about 3 working days (72 hours) as standard, from USD 30. Faster processing costs USD 100 more. Apply at least 2 weeks before you travel and do not fly before approval.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
For direct entry from Germany, the German Federal Foreign Office says no. If you arrive from a yellow fever area, proof is needed from the age of 12 months. Ask a travel doctor, who can also advise on malaria.
Is it safe to travel to the coast right now?
Governments give different advice by area. The US raised Kenya to Level 3 on 19 October 2026 for health reasons and lists Do Not Travel areas in the north. Read your own country's current advice and see our safety page.