Kenya entry rules: who must buy the US$48 travel health insurance policy

Foreign visitors arriving in Kenya from 5 October 2026 must hold a specific travel health insurance policy to enter the country, unless they fall into an exempt category. The requirement sits alongside the country's electronic travel authorisation (ETA) but is not limited to travellers who need one.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) set out the affected travellers, exemptions, policy benefits and airline checks in a circular published on 9 October 2026. The final cost observed on the official platforms is currently US$48 for an adult.

Key facts

• Applies to arrivals from: 5 October 2026, regardless of when tickets or travel arrangements were booked
• Who: non-Kenyan nationals entering for a stay of less than 12 months, including minors, unless exempt
• Cost: US$48 total for an adult, US$25 for a minor subject to the requirement
• Validity: 90 days (three months), usable for multiple entries while it remains valid
• Foreign policies: not accepted in place of the Kenyan policy

When did the requirement start?

The insurance requirement applies to travellers arriving in Kenya from 5 October 2026. The KCAA states that this date applies regardless of when the airline ticket was purchased or the travel arrangements were made. The insurance is offered through the government's eCitizen portal as a service called "Inbound Travel Health Insurance", linked to the ETA process.

The KCAA cites Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 and Regulation 70 of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024 as the legal basis.

Who must be covered?

As a general rule, the requirement covers non-Kenyan nationals entering Kenya for less than 12 months, with each non-exempt traveller, including minors, requiring individual coverage. Being exempt from the ETA does not automatically mean being exempt from the insurance: the KCAA specifically refers to nationals of African countries outside the East African Community who may not need an ETA but must still obtain the policy unless they qualify for a separate exemption.

Exempt travellers include Kenyan citizens, holders of valid Kenyan residence status, citizens of East African Community Partner States, asylum seekers, holders of diplomatic, official or service passports, certain crew members, and transit passengers who do not seek entry into Kenya. Refugee status or statelessness alone does not qualify for an exemption.

How much does it cost?

The insurance premium shown for an adult is US$44, plus a US$1 access fee. At the payment step, a service amount of US$45.75 and a gateway fee of US$2.25 bring the final amount payable to US$48.

For a minor subject to the requirement, the premium is half the adult rate at US$22. With the US$1 access fee, the quote totals US$23, then rises to a service amount of US$23.85 plus a US$1.15 gateway fee, for a final total of US$25. These amounts are those currently displayed on the official application and payment platforms and could change.

How do I buy it and how long does it last?

Travellers who need an ETA are prompted to buy the policy during the application on the official etakenya.go.ke portal if no valid coverage is linked to them; an electronic policy document is issued once payment is confirmed on eCitizen. The policy can also be bought separately through the Inbound Travel Health Insurance service on eCitizen, at the same prices.

Coverage is valid for 90 days, and one policy can be used for multiple entries into Kenya during that period provided it is still valid at each entry. A new policy is needed once the 90 days have expired. Kenyan regulations do provide for coverage to be obtained at the point of entry, but travellers are strongly advised to hold the policy before departure because airlines are instructed to check compliance before boarding.

Will my existing travel insurance count?

No. The KCAA states that the mandatory coverage must come from local insurers approved and licensed in Kenya and that foreign travel health insurance is not accepted, with no procedure for verifying or accepting foreign certificates. Travellers from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia or elsewhere who already hold travel medical insurance, credit card coverage or a private policy must still buy the Kenyan policy if subject to the requirement.

What does the policy cover?

Total cumulative benefits reach up to US$50,000 per insured traveller: medical expenses up to US$20,000, emergency medical transportation up to US$25,000, prescribed medicines up to US$300, mental health treatment up to US$1,000 and repatriation of mortal remains up to US$5,000. These are coverage limits, not amounts automatically paid out. Standard travel insurance may still add benefits such as trip cancellation, baggage or higher medical limits.

Minet Kenya acts as program administrator, coordinating assistance, pre-authorization and evacuations without underwriting the risk. Insured travellers needing care can call +254 719 044 777 (24/7) or email [email protected].

What this means for travellers

Anyone subject to the requirement should plan to buy the Kenyan policy before travelling, keep the electronic policy document or reference accessible offline, and expect proof of coverage to be requested at check-in as well as on arrival. Airlines are instructed to send uninsured passengers to purchase the policy online before departure.

How is it checked?

Kenyan immigration officers use a dedicated "Validator App" to confirm a policy's existence, validity and coverage type. An airline's check does not replace verification on arrival, and the final decision on admission remains with immigration officials at the port of entry.

The prices shown on the official platforms may change if the Kenyan authorities adjust premiums or related fees. Travellers should check the cost and their own exemption status before booking.