What the travel advisories say in October 2026
The UK, Germany and the United States use different categories and draw different areas. Do not merge them into one map. Read your own government's current advice before you book, because these notices change, and treat the summary below as dated.
UK, German and US advice compared
What each government says that touches the coast.
| Source | Date | Status | Coast-relevant areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK FCDO | Updated October 16, 2026 | Advises against all but essential travel to listed areas | Includes the 15 km coastal strip between the Tana and the Galana/Sabaki rivers, with more warning areas further north |
| German Foreign Office | Valid since October 19, 2026 | Partial travel warning | Named areas lie mainly in the north-east, including Lamu County, with listed exceptions |
| US State Department | October 19, 2026 | Level 3, reconsider travel, nationwide | Do Not Travel for Kilifi County north of Highway C103, coastal areas north of Malindi and Tana River County except Tsavo National Park |
None of these is a blanket warning for every town in this guide. The US notice names Kilifi County north of the C103 highway, not all of Kilifi. Compare the wording with your exact route and base. Lamu is treated separately by the authorities, and the sister guide on Lamu safety covers it.
Entry rules and health
- Health insurance: according to the UK government, most foreign short-term visitors have needed Kenyan state travel health insurance since October 5, 2026. Foreign policies do not replace it, and an existing eTA does not exempt you. Cover lasts 90 days and allows several entries. Exceptions include Kenyans, people with valid Kenyan residence, East African Community citizens and transit without entry control.
- eTA: standard processing is usually 3 working days or 72 hours and can take longer. The standard fee starts at $30, with an optional faster service for $100 more. Apply at least 2 weeks before you leave, and travel only after approval.
- Passport: the eTA portal asks for 6 months of validity and 1 free page. UK advice asks for 2 free pages. Plan for two.
- Yellow fever: the German Foreign Office says there is no requirement when you enter directly from Germany. Proof is needed from age 12 months if you arrive from a yellow fever area.
- Malaria: the German Foreign Office describes a high risk all year below 2,500 m. Use mosquito protection and ask a doctor about prophylaxis.
- Ebola checks: the UK government confirms cases in Kenya and stronger health checks, especially for arrivals from Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That does not mean the coast is closed.
Our pick: the Old Town with a guide
The German Foreign Office advises exploring the Old Town only with a knowledgeable local companion, and this walk comes with a licensed guide.
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.
Guided tours on the Kenya coast
Boat trips, city tours and safaris with local operators, with live prices and availability.
Practical safety on the coast
Specific habits instead of general worry.
Mombasa Old Town
The German Foreign Office advises exploring the Old Town only with a knowledgeable local companion, even by day. A guide also helps you understand what you see. See Mombasa and Fort Jesus.
Beaches at night
The same advisory points to a higher risk of robbery after dark on beaches and in city centers. Avoid night walks on the sand and empty beaches. Take a taxi arranged by your hotel for evening trips.
Beach vendors and tours
Beach vendors and informal guides, often called beach boys, offer souvenirs, boat rides and safaris on many beaches. A clear and friendly no is enough. The UK advice is to use reputable operators and not to buy safaris from touts on the street or beach.
Swimming and tides
A local kite school describes shifting water depth, surf at high tide, and corals, stones, shells and sea urchins at low tide. Reef shoes help. Do not assume lifeguards or marked swim zones, and ask your hotel about the beach in front of it.
Rivers, lakes and waterfalls
The UK government warns against swimming in rivers and lakes because of animals and infection, and says it is illegal in national parks. A waterfall in a tour description is not a swimming clearance.
Wildlife and boats
On safari, keep at least 20 m from animals and never feed them. On a dolphin trip, boats should not chase or crowd the animals, and sightings are never guaranteed. See Tsavo East and Wasini Island.
Protests, news and your plan
A United Nations review published on February 10, 2026 covers violence and human rights concerns at protests in June to August 2024 and June 2025. It is background, not a sign of a current road block in Mombasa. Avoid demonstrations, follow local news and ask your hotel before you travel on a day when protests are announced.
Take out travel insurance that covers your trip, keep digital copies of your passport and eTA, and book transfers and tours through your hotel or a reputable operator. For routes, see getting there, and for lodging by area, the where to stay guide.
Kenya coast safety: frequently asked questions
Is the Kenya coast safe for tourists?
Governments give different answers by area and date. On October 19, 2026 the US rated all of Kenya at Level 3 with Do Not Travel zones in the north. The UK and Germany name their own areas. Read your government's current advice and use the habits on this page.
Is Mombasa safe?
The German Foreign Office advises seeing the Old Town only with a knowledgeable local companion and warns of a higher risk of robbery at night on beaches and in city centers. Plan evenings around taxis arranged by your hotel.
Is Kilifi under a travel warning?
The US notice of October 19, 2026 says Do Not Travel for Kilifi County north of Highway C103. It does not describe all of the county that way. Check the exact wording against your base and route.
Do I need health insurance to enter Kenya?
According to the UK government, most foreign short-term visitors have needed Kenyan state travel health insurance since October 5, 2026. Foreign policies do not replace it, and an existing eTA does not exempt you.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
The German Foreign Office says no proof is needed when you come directly from Germany. Proof from age 12 months applies if you arrive from a yellow fever area. Ask a travel doctor, especially if you plan a safari.
Is it safe to swim at Diani Beach?
Conditions depend on the tide. Surf builds at high tide and corals and urchins appear at low tide. No lifeguard or marked zone should be assumed, so ask your hotel and wear reef shoes.