Yes, with care, for most of Kenya, but not near the Somalia border. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to parts of the Somalia border area and the Lamu County mainland. The US State Department asks for increased caution across the country.
At Safe to Go, we track daily travel advisories from three governments to separate regional alerts from national baselines. What we see travelers misread most often is the national level, when the strictest warnings cover specific counties.
Kenya’s No-Go Areas along the Somalia Border and Coast
The UK FCDO strictest warnings for Kenya cover the Somalia border area and the northern part of the east coast, because of the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia. The UK FCDO travel advice for Kenya advises against all travel to Mandera County and to Lamu County, except Lamu Island and Manda Island. In Wajir County, the all-travel warning covers the Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies (except Wajir Town) and areas within 60km of the Somalia border. In Garissa County, the warning covers everything except Garissa Town, the Lagdera constituency and the part of Balambala north and west of the main road from Saka to the C81 Road.
The UK FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to Garissa Town and to Tana River County north of the Tana River as far as Saka. The same warning covers land within 15km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana River. Armed militia groups operate in the Boni National Reserve and along the Somalia frontier, where extremist attacks frequently target security forces and civilians.
For coastal travelers visiting Lamu Island and Manda Island, British authorities state you should only arrive by air at Lamu Airport on Manda Island and never travel there by road. Security operations against banditry, cattle rustling and intercommunal violence continue in parts of Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo counties. Movement restrictions may still be introduced during security operations, particularly around the border between Turkana and West Pokot and the Kerio Valley, so follow local security measures.
Violent Crime and Scams Visitors Face in Kenya
The UK FCDO reports frequent violent crime in Kenya, including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, particularly in large cities and on major highways. The US State Department travel advisory for Kenya adds home invasion, sexual assault and kidnapping for ransom, and notes that robberies are often committed by people riding motorcycles.
In Nairobi, UK authorities highlight higher risks in Eastleigh, the Central Business District, Mathare, Kibera, and slum areas. In Mombasa, the higher-risk areas are the Old Town and on and around the Likoni Ferry. Crime rates across Kenya are often higher over Christmas and New Year. Bag-snatching is common in bus stations, railway stations and airports, and if you are attacked, do not resist.
Drive with the windows closed and doors locked, and avoid driving at night if possible. Between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Nairobi, the UK FCDO says to use the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway. Carjackers may set up bogus checkpoints, so consider driving in convoy outside cities and in remote areas.
- Drink and food spiking: Never accept food or drinks from strangers in bars or clubs, as criminals spike drinks to weaken and confuse victims to commit theft or sexual assault.
- Methanol poisoning: The UK FCDO reports more cases of serious illness from alcoholic drinks containing methanol in travel destinations worldwide. You cannot detect methanol by taste or smell, so seek urgent medical attention if anyone shows signs after drinking.
- Dating app scams: Criminals use dating apps to find people to rob or sexually assault, and attacks on LGBT+ travellers have increased. If you meet someone, meet in a well-lit public place and make sure someone knows where you are.
- Investment fraud: The US State Department says schemes involving gold and other high-value commodities are common, and Kenyan authorities are unlikely to help Americans recover losses.
- Imposter scams: Criminals pose as police officers or private security guards to take valuables, passports and vehicles, so always ask for identification.
How the US, UK, and Canadian Travel Advisories Compare
The US and Canada both ask for more than normal caution across Kenya. The US asks for increased caution and Canada for a high degree of caution with regional advisories, and the UK FCDO names the specific counties to avoid. The live panel above shows today’s level from each government.
The US State Department advises increased caution across Kenya due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, and traffic safety, and some areas have increased risk. American guidance highlights that local police forces are often unable to respond effectively to violent crimes or kidnapping events.
The Government of Canada travel advice for Kenya urges a high degree of caution alongside regional advisories, recently updating health notices through the Public Health Agency of Canada. The UK FCDO names Al Shabaab, the Al Qaida-affiliated group in Somalia, as the main terrorist threat, and warns that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against its advice.
Terrorism and Protest Risks across Kenya
The UK FCDO says terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya, and the US State Department says they attack without warning. The US says terrorists have targeted tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels and resorts, markets and shopping malls, and places of worship. The UK FCDO adds that attacks could happen at beaches, safari parks, sporting events, bars and nightclubs, so be particularly alert in those places.
Historical incidents documented by the UK FCDO include the 2019 attack on the 14 Riverside hotel and commercial complex in Nairobi and the 2020 attack on a military airstrip in Lamu County. UK authorities also see some evidence of growing support for Daesh in Kenya. Daesh called in January 2024 for a new global campaign of terrorism focused on western and Jewish targets.
Protests, demonstrations and strikes are common in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, and the US says violent protests are most common in Nairobi and western Kenya. Protests often block key intersections and highways, and protesters have attacked vehicles carrying Americans, including motorcycle taxis and safari vehicles. Violence has included rock-throwing by protesters and deadly force by police, so stay away from political gatherings and large crowds. Along the border with Ethiopia, cross-border incursions occur, and there have been landmine attacks around Moyale near the A2 road.
Entry Insurance and Local Laws for Visitors to Kenya
Foreign visitors staying in Kenya must have travel health insurance, and the UK FCDO latest update added this requirement to the entry requirements on its Kenya page. Your travel insurance could also be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO.
Medical services in Kenya are limited and often unavailable in rural areas. US citizens can enroll in STEP, and travel insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
You must always carry ID in Kenya. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but police may insist on seeing the original, so keep it within a reasonable distance. In predominantly Muslim coastal regions such as Mombasa, dress conservatively away from tourist resorts and hotels to avoid negative attention at religious sites or buildings.
- Smoking regulations: Public smoking is prohibited outside designated smoking zones, carrying fines up to 50,000 Kenyan shillings or prison terms up to 6 months.
- Drug laws: Drug possession carries prison sentences up to 10 years, while drug trafficking convictions can result in life imprisonment.
- Overland transit near Ethiopia: Vehicles crossing the Moyale border should remain on the A2, skip the rest house at Sololo, and travel directly to Marsabit.
- Mount Elgon security: Significant security deployments operate around Mount Elgon due to armed clashes, requiring local guidance before setting off.
How to Check Kenya Safety Conditions Right Now
Start with the live panel above, which shows today’s level from each government. We re-check the US State Department, UK FCDO and Government of Canada advisories every day.
Before departing on day trips or intercity transfers, check local media broadcasts to confirm that protest marches or highway blockades are not planned for your transit corridors. The UK FCDO says the situation can change quickly, especially on key dates such as anniversaries of previous protests.
Follow local news and the instructions of local authorities, including any movement restrictions during security operations. To weigh Kenya against other trips, see the safest countries in Africa and the latest advisory changes.
Self-Drive Trips near Kenya’s Somalia Border Are a Poor Fit
If you plan to drive yourself through the counties the UK FCDO warns about, or to reach Lamu by road, Kenya as planned is a poor fit. Fly to Lamu Airport instead, and in the northern counties follow local security measures or change the route. If you are still choosing a destination, see is Morocco safe? and is Egypt safe?.
Our verdict would change if any of the three governments extended its warnings to Nairobi, the airport road or the coast south of the Tana River. Our verdict would also ease if the UK FCDO lifted its warnings for the Lamu County mainland or the Somalia border counties.
For other countries on your route, see every country we cover or is South Africa safe?. Download the free travel safety checklist, and check your route against the UK FCDO list of areas to avoid before you book.