All foreign visitors travelling to Kenya must now buy Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance as part of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) application. If you are planning Kenya safari travel, whether a game drive in the Maasai Mara, a beach stay on the coast or a business trip to Nairobi, this new rule is now part of your pre-departure checklist.
The requirement was introduced through Gazette Notice No. 11492 of 2026, issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Health. It sits alongside the eTA, which most visitors already complete before arrival. In practice, this means the travel insurance step is built directly into the entry process rather than left to the traveller’s discretion.
This guide explains who the rule applies to, what the policy covers, what it costs, and how it relates to the personal travel insurance you may already hold. It is written for both travellers and the travel partners who book on their behalf.
Who does the requirement affect?
The requirement applies to foreign visitors staying in Kenya for less than 12 months. It covers every entry route: international airports, seaports and land borders. So a traveller flying into Nairobi, arriving by cruise ship in Mombasa, or crossing overland from Tanzania on a combined East Africa safari is equally affected.
Three groups are exempt:
- Citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states
- Kenyan residents
- Children under the age of three
Travellers applying for a new eTA must currently buy the mandatory insurance within the eTA application itself. The application cannot be completed and submitted until the insurance has been paid for. For anyone planning Kenya safari travel, it is worth allowing extra time for this step, especially when applying for a family or group.
What does the insurance cover?
The policy provides benefits of up to USD 50,000 per person. It is designed to cover the core medical risks a visitor could face while in Kenya, from a sudden illness in Nairobi to an emergency evacuation from a remote safari camp.
| BENEFIT | LIMIT PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical transportation | Up to USD 25,000 |
| Medical expenses | Up to USD 20,000 |
| Repatriation of mortal remains | Up to USD 5,000 |
| Mental illness | Up to USD 1,000 |
| Prescribed medicines | Up to USD 300 |
The largest single benefit is emergency medical transportation. That matters for Kenya safari travel, where many lodges and camps sit hours from a major hospital and an evacuation may be needed. Note that the cover is focused on health. It does not mention trip cancellation, lost baggage, flight delays or personal liability, which is why it does not replace a full travel insurance policy (see below).
Where can it be purchased, and how much does it cost?
The mandatory insurance costs USD 44 per person, plus applicable system charges. It is bought through the official Kenya eTA portal, with payment made during the eTA application process.
The policy can also be purchased on arrival in Kenya by scanning the designated QR code at the point of entry. Once bought, the policy is valid for one year.
For most visitors, buying in advance is the simpler choice. It completes the eTA in one sitting and avoids an extra step at the airport or border after a long journey. Travellers should use only the official government portal and avoid third-party websites that offer to arrange the cover for an added fee.
What about travellers who already have an eTA?
Travellers who applied for their eTA before the rule took effect are not exempt. They must still obtain the Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance, which can be bought through the Kenya eCitizen portal.
This is the group most likely to be caught out. Many visitors secure their eTA weeks or months ahead of a Kenya safari, then assume their entry paperwork is finished. Anyone holding an existing eTA should check that the insurance has been added before departure, or be prepared to buy it on arrival using the QR code.
Does this replace personal travel insurance?
No. The mandatory policy applies separately from any personal travel insurance a visitor already holds. Travellers must buy it even if they have comprehensive travel insurance from their home country.
Visitors should also keep their own comprehensive travel insurance in place. The two serve different purposes. The mandatory cover is a fixed, health-focused policy set by the Kenyan government. A personal travel insurance policy can be chosen to match the trip, and commonly includes benefits such as:
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Lost, stolen or delayed baggage
- Flight delays and missed connections
- Higher medical and evacuation limits
- Personal liability
For Kenya safari travel, where itineraries often involve internal flights, prepaid lodge stays and expensive camera equipment, that wider protection remains valuable. Travellers should read their own policy wording to check limits, excesses and any exclusions for activities such as hot-air ballooning or walking safaris.
What information will travellers need to apply?
Travellers provide the same information already requested in the eTA application. This includes:
- Passport details
- Travel dates
- Purpose of travel
- Basic personal details
Having these ready before starting the application, along with a payment card, makes the process quicker. Because the insurance is purchased per person, a family or group will need to complete the details for each traveller who is not exempt.
What should travel partners do?
Travel agents, tour operators and other partners should inform all affected guests, including those already booked to travel to Kenya from October 2026 onwards. Practical steps include:
- Add the requirement and the USD 44 per-person cost to pre-departure information and booking confirmations.
- Contact guests with existing eTAs to remind them that the insurance is still required.
- Make clear that the mandatory cover does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
- Point guests to the official eTA and eCitizen portals only.
- Note the exemptions for EAC citizens, Kenyan residents and children under three when quoting group costs.
Clear, early communication helps guests arrive with their paperwork complete and keeps the start of their Kenya safari travel free of avoidable delays.
Where can I find more information?
The Kenya Tourism Board has published a comprehensive FAQ document on the requirement. It covers eligibility, exemptions, costs, coverage, claims procedures and guidance for industry partners. Travellers and partners should refer to it, and to the official Kenya eTA portal, for the latest details, since government requirements can change.
In summary
Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance is now a standard part of entering Kenya for most foreign visitors. It costs USD 44 per person, is bought with the eTA or on arrival, and provides up to USD 50,000 in health-related benefits. It sits alongside, not in place of, personal travel insurance. Building both into your planning early is the simplest way to keep Kenya safari travel straightforward from the moment you land.
