Foreign travel advice

Kenya

! Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Kenya.

Warnings and insurance

Still current at:
2618 AugustSeptember 2025
Updated:
2618 AugustSeptember 2025
Latest update:
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Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast

Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • withinMandera 60kmCounty
  • Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except for Wajir Town
  • areas of Wajir County within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia
  • EasternGarissa County - except for Garissa County,Town, upthe toconstituency 20kmof north-westLagdera and the areas of Balambala constituency which lie north and west of the A3main road,road includingwhich runs from Saka on the BoniTana NationalRiver Reserve
  • Manderaup County,to excludingthe Manderaintersection Westwith sub-countythe C81 Road
  • Lamu County, excludingexcept for Lamu Island and Manda Island

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • Garissa Town
  • Tana River County north of the Tana River,River upas tofar 20kmas north-west of the A3town roadof Saka
  • within 15km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Risk of Kidnap

There is a high risk of kidnapping across Kenya. British nationals are seen as legitimate targets. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps and further kidnaps are very likely.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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