Flying to Kenya for a safari: the eTA now comes with compulsory Kenyan travel health insurance

Travellers flying to Kenya now face an extra step before departure. Since 5 October 2026, most visitors staying less than 12 months must hold travel health insurance provided by the Kenyan Government, according to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Foreign travel insurance policies are not accepted in place of this requirement.

The insurance is bought during the online application for Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Travellers who already hold a valid eTA obtain it through the eCitizen insurance portal. The FCDO says the cover is valid for 90 days and can be used for multiple entries into Kenya during that period. Kenya Airways has published the same requirement in its travel alerts, saying the insurance must be purchased through the official eTA portal.

For UK safari travellers the practical checklist is short but strict: apply for the eTA online in advance (the local authorities recommend at least two weeks before departure), make sure the passport is valid for at least six months after arrival with at least two blank pages, and complete the insurance step as part of the application. The requirement does not apply to Kenyan citizens, holders of valid Kenyan residence status, East African Community citizens and certain transit passengers.

The FCDO also notes that Kenya has confirmed Ebola cases and that travellers, particularly those coming from Uganda, Ethiopia and the DRC, may face enhanced health screening on arrival.

Rules can change at short notice. Before travelling, check the FCDO Kenya entry requirements page and the official eTA portal, and keep your own travel insurance for everything the Kenyan policy does not cover, such as cancellations or missed connections.