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Information about Kenya

On this site you will be able to find practical travel information about Kenya.

Kenya is a well known tourist destination with friendly people. It is one of the favourite and all year round destination for travellers all over the world.
 

When travelling, it is advisable to follow the Travel Advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark (only available in Danish).

Visa to Kenya for Danes

Holders of Danish passports must apply for an e-visa in advance. 

It is advised to apply for visa in good time before departure for Kenya.

Passport must be valid 6 months after the arrival in Kenya. Children must have their own passport.

Danish emergency passports and EU-Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) are not accepted for entry into Kenya.

Holders of Danish Alien passports must apply for visa in advance through the Kenyan Embassy in Stockholm.

Nairobi Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Nairobi is only 18 kilometres from the city. Transport to and from the airport is available using the government owned Kenatco Taxi Service, the Voda taxis and those locally driven. Kenatco and Voda are safer and more reliable. Kenatco state fixed rates while Voda charge per kilometer. Most hotels and touring companies provide transport inclusive of the holiday package. Airport Tax: International flights - the charge is $20. Internal flights - the charge is KShs. 100.
 
Mombasa Airport
Moi International Airport - Mombasa is in the Kenya coast and near to the city. Transport to and from the airport is available using the government owned Kenatco Taxi Service, the Voda taxis and those locally driven. Kenatco and Voda are safer and more reliable. Kenatco state fixed rates while Voda charge per kilometer. Most hotels and touring companies provide transport inclusive of the holiday package. Airport Tax: International flights - the charge is $20. Internal flights - the charge is KShs. 100.
 
Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport in Nairobi, one of the busiest airport in Africa, is a popular base for many small aircraft in Kenya. From this airport local charter companies operate scheduled flights to different destinations like Masai Mara, Amboseli, coral coast etc. For those wishing to fly anywhere in the republic or to the neighbouring countries, there are private charter companies which offer such services from this airport.
 
Trains
Rail services are available from Mombasa to Kisumu via Nairobi and to other major towns. Services are efficient, meals and bedding are provided. Coaches are divided into first and second class.
 
Security
Like travelling anywhere in the world, one must ensure personal safety. Excess money, travel documents and other valuables can be deposited at the hotel reception security box. It is always safe to remain in groups and never walk alone in isolated areas or on beaches.
 
Post & Telecommunications
Post Offices and the red-colored mailboxes are identified as KP&TC. Stamps can be bought from the hotel, bookshops and souvenir shops, or the Post Office. Post Offices operate from 8a.m. to 1p.m. and 2p.m. to 5p.m. during the week and 8a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. Hotel services provide telephone, fax and telex facilities at an extra cost. It is cheaper to use public telephone booths but safety precautions must be taken.
 
Currency
Kenya's local currency is the Shilling and is made up of coins for smaller units and notes for larger denominations.
 
Currency Restrictions
Currency movement into or out Kenya for currency transactions is not restricted. Currency notes of up to the equivalent of US $5,000 and Kshs. 100,000 can be brought into or out of Kenya without making customs declaration. For any currency notes excess of this amount a custom declaration is necessary.
 
Public Holidays
 
Fixed dates
January 1st - New Year's Day
May 1st - Labour Day
June 1st - Madaraka Day
October 20th - Kenyatta Day
October 10th - Moi Day
December 12th - Jamhuri Day
December 25th - Christmas Day
December 26th - Boxing Day
Varying dates
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Idd-ul Fitr
Public holidays falling on Sunday are observed on the following Monday.
 
Credit Cards
Most international credit cards and travellers cheques are recognized and accepted in most places in Kenya.
 
Tipping
Tipping is not a must but it is not forbidden in Kenya. It is totally at your discretion although some hotels include service charge to the bill.
 
Banks, Banking & Banking Hours
Most hotels and airports have a Bureau de Change for converting international currencies and travellers cheques to local and liquid cash. Banks in Nairobi operate from 9a.m. to 3p.m. while in Mombasa open and close half an hour earlier. Payments using credit cards is accepted in Kenya and valid cards are indicated by most organization.
 
Public Transport
Bus services are available within towns and their services are supplemented by the privately owned and run mini buses. There are country bus services between Nairobi and all other towns. It is advisable to organize for private transport through hotel reception services. Fares are made to the conductor or at the booking office for most of the country buses.
 
Car Rental
Both International and local car hire companies rent out vehicles on daily or weekly basis at varying rates. Most vehicles are right-hand drive and move along the left lane of the road. A valid driving licence with an attached photograph is necessary.
 
Hotel bill payment
In most hotels visitors to Kenya are expected to pay in convertible currency, although in some places payment in Kenyan Shillings is also accepted.

Health & Precautions against Malaria
Malaria is a common illness in Kenya and as a precaution anti-malarial medication should be taken. Mosquito nets are provided in almost all hotel rooms. For headaches, colds and similar body ailments medication can be bought from anywhere within the country. When travelling to remote areas medication must be carried. To prevent a sunstroke spoiling a trekking expedition or beach fun have a sunscreen lotion and protective headgear handy. Protective clothing and footwear is also important.All hotels provide safe drinking water but bottled water must be carried especially for drinking during safari.

For further information on health please go to www.ssi.dk.

For more information about Kenya

http://www.tourism.go.ke http://visitkenya.com

Contacts

Consul
Anja Sloth Olsen

[email protected]

 

Senior Consular Officer

Marianne K. Nørrelykke Kihara

[email protected]