Travellers to Kenya face new Level 3 caution as US cites health risks

The U.S. Department of State has raised its travel advisory for Kenya to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel, advising travellers to weigh up health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest and traffic safety risks before visiting. The advisory was renewed on 19 October 2026, and the level was changed from Level 2 to Level 3 because of health risks.

Key facts

• Current level: Level 3 – Reconsider Travel for Kenya as a whole
• Reason for the change: health risks, which moved the advisory up from Level 2
• Renewed: 19 October 2026
• Level 4 – Do Not Travel areas: parts of Nairobi, several coastal and north-eastern counties, West Pokot County, western Turkana County and border areas of Marsabit and Turkana
• Health notice: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease for Kenya

Why was the advisory raised?

The advisory summary was updated and the level increased because of health risks. The CDC has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease for Kenya, and a separate Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Department of State notes that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026. The advisory also points travellers to its section on travel from Ebola-impacted or elevated risk countries.

Which areas should travellers avoid?

The advisory carries Level 4 – Do Not Travel warnings for several specific places. These are the Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, because of crime and kidnapping; the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103) and coastal areas north of Malindi, because of kidnapping and terrorism; West Pokot County and western Turkana County, because of crime; and Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometres) of the border with Ethiopia, because of unrest. The advisory states that Al-Shabaab is active in the north-eastern and coastal areas listed.

What are the main risks elsewhere in Kenya?

Violent crime can occur at any time and includes armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault and kidnapping for ransom, with petty crime common in crowded areas. The advisory says local police are often unable to respond effectively, and warns of fraud schemes targeting Americans, particularly involving gold and other high-value commodities.

Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults and suicide attacks without warning, targeting government buildings, tourist locations, transport hubs, hotels, markets and places of worship. Demonstrations and strikes are common and can turn violent, blocking key intersections and highways; violent protests are most common in Nairobi and western Kenya.

Medical services in Kenya are limited and often unavailable in rural areas, and facilities frequently lack medicine and equipment. Except for a few private facilities in large urban centres, many health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveller's own expense, and facilities usually require payment upfront. Road crashes are one of the main causes of injury and death for Americans in Kenya, with the Nairobi–Nakuru and Nairobi–Mombasa highways only two lanes.

What this means for travellers

Travellers planning a trip should check the full advisory before booking, particularly whether their itinerary includes any of the Level 4 areas listed above. The advisory also refers to a section on travel from Ebola-impacted or elevated risk countries, which is relevant to anyone arriving from those places.

The Department of State says the advisory summary was updated on 19 October 2026; no further review date is given in the notice.