What the official advice says
Checked on 2 October 2026:
- United States: Level 2, "Exercise increased caution", issued 28 July 2026. That is the same level the US gives France and the United Kingdom. Read the US advisory.
- United Kingdom: advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to areas along the Somali border, most of Lamu County and parts of Tana River County. Read the UK advice.
- Canada: "Exercise a high degree of caution", because of the threat of terrorism and a high crime rate. Read Canada's advice.
Advisories are written for every kind of traveller and change often, so read your own government's page before you fly, and sign up for its alerts.
| Where visitors go | What the US and UK advice says |
|---|---|
| Nairobi | The US says do not travel to Eastleigh and Kibera; the UK lists higher crime in those areas, Mathare, the Central Business District and informal settlements. None is where we suggest staying. |
| Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Diani Beach | Not named in either country's area warnings. |
| Nanyuki and Laikipia | No travel warning. The UK lists Laikipia among counties with security operations against banditry in remote areas. |
| Mombasa | The UK notes higher crime in the Old Town and around the Likoni Ferry. |
| Lamu, Kilifi north of the C103 road, the coast north of Malindi | US: do not travel. UK: against all travel to Lamu County except Lamu and Manda islands. |
| Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), West Pokot, western Turkana, near the Ethiopian border | US: do not travel. Far from the usual visitor routes. |
Nairobi: everyday habits
The US and UK both warn of violent crime in Nairobi, such as mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, including in areas that seem safe and in daylight. These habits lower the risk:
- Keep your phone out of sight in traffic, with the windows up and the doors locked.
- Don't walk after dark: the US advises avoiding travel after dark anywhere in Kenya. If you do go out, use a driver you know or a ride-hailing app, and check the number plate matches the app.
- Leave passports, spare cash and jewellery in the safe, carry a copy of your passport, and don't show off valuables.
- Stay away from demonstrations: they are common in Nairobi and can turn violent.
- Be wary of anyone claiming to be police or hotel staff who asks for money or your documents.
Our Nairobi guide covers which areas visitors stay in.
On safari
Your guide's instructions are the rules: stay in the vehicle on game drives, keep to the paths after dark and let staff walk you to your room at night. Book with someone you trust, never with touts, and plan to arrive in daylight.
The coast
Diani is relaxed. Don't walk empty stretches of beach after dark, and use arranged transport at night. Friendly sellers on the sand will offer trips and crafts: a polite, firm "no thank you" is enough. In Mombasa, see the Old Town by day with a registered guide. If Lamu is on your list, read both advisories first and talk to us.
Scams to know about
- Copycat eTA websites that charge extra. Apply only on the official site: see our eTA checklist.
- Fake drivers at arrivals. Know your driver's name and number before you land, and go only with that person.
- Strangers with a sad story, a sudden "fee" or a deal that must be paid today.
- "I sent you money by mistake" texts. Check your real M-Pesa balance first; our money guide explains.
- Card skimming at cash machines, and cheap safari offers from touts or unknown websites.
- Romance and money scams that start on dating apps.
Our founder, Anthony L. Hammock, who moved here with his family in 2024, has heard these stories often: "During my travels throughout the continent, I commonly hear tourists share stories about being scammed or taken advantage of, which is both frustrating and disheartening."
Roads and driving
The US calls road accidents one of the main causes of injury and death for Americans in Kenya. Many highways have two lanes, with risky overtaking. Avoid driving between towns at night. If you want to drive, read the sister site's guides to driving in Nairobi and self-drive or chauffeur.
Health and medical care
The US State Department says medical care in Nairobi is adequate for most conditions and emergencies; away from Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, it is limited. Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Malaria risk is high in most of the country, including the coast, Lake Naivasha and Nanyuki. It is low only in Nairobi and the highlands above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you fly.
Women, solo and LGBTQ+ travellers
- Women: the US and Canada report harassment and sexual assault, including at lodges, on beaches and around nightlife. Use arranged transport at night, keep your drink with you and share your plans.
- Solo travellers: the same habits apply. Tell someone you trust your plans each day.
- LGBTQ+ travellers: same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Kenya, and the UK warns that showing affection in public could lead to arrest. The US reports assaults on gay travellers after meeting people on dating apps. Read your government's advice before you go.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 999, 112 or 911.
- Ambulance and fire: 999.
In an emergency, call these numbers first, before you message anyone, us included. For anything else on your trip, send us a message through our contact page or book a call with our team.
What we do
- A driver from our sister company tracks your flight and waits in arrivals with your name. The JKIA arrival guide shows every step.
- We only recommend places we or a trusted team member have been.
- A real person answers your messages while you are here.
Read more in our first-timer's guide, read our guide to getting around Kenya, or plan your trip with us.
Questions
Is Nairobi safe at night?
Take care after dark. The US advises avoiding travel after dark anywhere in Kenya, because of crime and poor road safety. If you do go out, don't walk: go door to door with a driver you know or a ride-hailing app, keep your phone out of sight in the car, and keep to busy, well-known places.
Is Kenya safe for Americans?
The US rates Kenya Level 2, "Exercise increased caution", the same level as France and the UK (October 2026). It names specific areas not to visit, which are not where most visitors go. Enrol in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you fly.
Is the Maasai Mara safe?
The Mara is not named in the US or UK area warnings. The rules that matter are your guide's: stay in the vehicle, keep to the paths after dark, and travel in daylight. See our Maasai Mara guide.
Is Mombasa safe for tourists?
Mombasa is not on the US "do not travel" list. The UK notes higher crime in the Old Town and around the Likoni Ferry, so visit the Old Town by day with a registered guide, and use arranged transport at night.
Is it safe to use ATMs in Kenya?
Yes, with care. Use machines inside banks, malls or hotels, in daylight, and cover the keypad. People have been followed after taking out cash, so don't withdraw large sums at once.
Sources we checked
- US State Department: Kenya travel advisory
- US State Department: Kenya country information
- UK government: Kenya travel advice
- UK government: safety and security in Kenya
- UK government: regional risks in Kenya
- Government of Canada: Kenya travel advice
- National Police Service: emergency hotlines
- NHS (fitfortravel): Kenya
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.