Before you fly
1. Save your eTA & documents
Check whether you need an eTA at etakenya.go.ke. If required, get approval and save it before you board; also check the separate inbound insurance requirement.
- Apply only at etakenya.go.ke at least 2 weeks ahead (processing is usually 3 working days). Avoid look-alike agent sites.
- Each non-exempt traveler, including children, needs their own eTA. Check current nationality and document exemptions at etakenya.go.ke.
- From 5 Oct 2026, non-exempt visitors need inbound travel health insurance from an approved Kenyan insurer. eCitizen lists a premium of up to USD 44 per person; the KCAA circular specifies 90-day validity. A foreign policy does not replace this requirement.
- Official sources differ on stays of 3–12 months and wording about young children. Do not assume a child is exempt; confirm your case with Immigration and eCitizen before paying or flying.
- Buy required cover through the official eTA application or insurance.ecitizen.go.ke. Save the policy certificate for airline check-in and immigration; a paper backup is useful.
- Screenshot the eTA approval and keep a printed copy. Don't rely on airport Wi-Fi.
- Passport valid 6+ months after arrival with at least one blank visa page. Check other destinations separately if traveling onward.
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from or via a risk country.
- Return/onward ticket and accommodation booking saved offline.
- Move duty-free items out of plastic carrier bags before landing.
On landing
2. Pass immigration
Have your passport, eTA if required, and insurance certificate if required ready before you reach the desk.
- Show your passport and eTA approval if required. Keep proof of required insurance ready too.
- Follow Port Health instructions on arrival. Temperature checks or a health declaration may be requested; do not assume every traveler must complete the same screening.
- Keep your return or onward ticket and accommodation address handy.
- Fingerprints and a photo are taken at the desk.
On landing
3. Collect bags & clear customs
Collect bags, then use the green lane only if you have nothing to declare.
- Plastic carrier bags are banned — bin them before customs.
- Declare cash over USD 10,000 (or equivalent).
- Drones need a KCAA permit; undeclared drones may be held.
Right after landing
4. Buy an official SIM
Buy a SIM only at a branded Safaricom or Airtel shop in the arrivals hall (Terminal 1A / 1E exits).
- Your passport is required to register the SIM.
- Ignore people offering SIMs outside — unregistered SIMs get blocked.
- Ask the staff to activate M-PESA at the same time.
Right after landing
5. Try M-PESA once
Try a pretend payment once so the real one feels familiar.
- Buy Goods uses a Till number. Paybill uses a business number + account.
Getting moving
6. Know your fare
Know the fare to your area before anyone approaches you.
- Check your in-app estimate first. Treat the KES ranges as indicative, not fixed quotes. Question a quote significantly higher than the app estimate and agree the full taxi fare before getting in.
Getting moving
7. Find your pickup spot
Request your ride in the app and follow the pickup pin and directions shown for your arrival terminal. Pickup arrangements can change; confirm with your driver and uniformed airport staff if the directions differ.
- Say “Hapana, asante” (No, thank you) and keep walking if pressed.
- Check the car plate and driver name match the app before getting in.
- Send your pickup message to someone you trust.
Settling in
8. Reach your stay
Show your saved address to the driver, then tell someone you've arrived.
- Say “Nimeshafika” — I have arrived.