Entry rules in response to coronavirus
Entry to Kenya for the US Citizens
Travellers arriving from the United States are exempt from the Government of Kenya’s 14-day quarantine requirement, but must still have a negative COVID-19 test.
Arriving U.S. passengers are permitted to enter if the following conditions are met:
1) The passenger does not have a body temperature above 37.5°C (99.5°F); 2) The passenger does not have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms; 3) The passenger has a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours prior to travel.
The full list of quarantine exempt countries can be found on the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority website.
https://www.kcaa.or.ke/…/docs/covid_19/exempted_states.pdf
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for exit? Yes.
The Kenyan Ministry of Health is planning to implement policies whereby outgoing travelers must obtain a negative COVID-19 certificate in accordance with the trusted Traveler (TT) Initiative (https://africacdc.org/trusted-travel/) and the PanaBios system (www.panabios.org) if their transit or destination country requires it. Travelers who intend to depart Kenya must first visit an authorized laboratory (according to the government of Kenya, all PCR COVID-19 testing laboratories are now part of the TT system), obtain a negative PCR COVID-19 test, and be issued a TT code verified by airlines and immigration authorities. All COVID-19 testing laboratories, starting on January 9, 2021, must use the TT process when issuing COVID-19 testing certificates.
We are working on getting all tested as a group at some point just before we leave Kenya. This is a rule that might change during the course of the 7 months from now to our trip in Nov. I will keep you all updated.
VACCINE
Kenya has received the first batch of Astra Zeneca Vaccine, a milestone promise for a better tomorrow following an otherwise difficult year in dealing with the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 1.02 million doses of the Astra Zeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, on Wednesday March 3, 2021 as part of the COVAX facility. This global initiative is working with governments and manufacturers to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are available worldwide to both higher-income and lower-income countries. The vaccines arrived on Qatar Airways flight QR1341, which was met at the airport by Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon Mutahi Kagwe, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Kenya, Dr Rudi Eggers, and UNICEF Representative to Kenya, Maniza Zaman.
More doses are expected to be delivered in the coming days. As at now vaccination is not mandatory. Priority is being given to health workers and the vulnerable.
Data collection
All travellers arriving in Kenya must complete a COVID-19 Travellers Health Surveillance Form before their arrival, even if only transiting. After submitting the form, travellers will receive a QR code which must be presented to port health officials for them to be allowed to proceed to arrival immigration.
Visitors must scan the QR code from this application on entry. Travelers are encouraged to complete this in advance as Wi-Fi connections may be unreliable upon arrival.
Regular entry requirements
VISAS
You need a visa to enter Kenya. Kenyan entry visas are exclusively issued electronically, with passengers required to obtain their e-visas before departure. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visas website
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. Make sure you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival.
WHAT TO CARRY
Passport, itinerary, travel insurance docs and eTickets
It seems obvious, but we would be remiss if we didn’t put this at the top of the list of what you must pack for your safari.
Clothing
A safari can be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so you don’t want to have to buy a load of special clothing that you’ll never wear again. But it’s easy enough to use things you already own. You don’t even necessarily need to wear the traditional creams, browns and greens we all associate with safaris. If you’re driving around, then most animals see the jeep as one big creature rather than individual people, so it’s not so important what colours you’re wearing. There are a few things it’s best to avoid though. Whites and pale colours can get dirty very quickly in the dust, and blacks and dark blues can attract tsetse flies – evil little buggers that aren’t put off by insect repellent and can bite right through your clothes. Be sure you take clothes that you feel comfortable in – especially when it comes to your walking/hiking boots. The newer quick-drying fabrics, shirts with ventilation and trousers that convert into shorts are all worth considering.
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Trainers / Walking shoes / safari boots
Comfortable shoes: loafers / moccasins / deck shoes
Hat
Jacket / Windbreaker / Fleece for the very chilly early morning and evening game drives
Waterproof light rainjacket
Warm sweater / Fleece jacket
2 pairs safari trousers / chinos
2 pairs safari shorts
4 pairs sport socks
3 short sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
2 t-shirts
Nightwear
Swimwear
1 pair casual trousers (men) evening outfit (women) – for evening in the city
Toiletries & Medicine
Malaria prophylaxis
Prescription drugs (also bring the generic names for these drugs, good idea to pack 2 separate lots)
Motion sickness pills
Insect repellent (containing DEET for mosquitos)
Sun Screen (SPF 15 or higher)
Lip Balm
Shampoo / Conditioner (if you have a preferred brand otherwise shampoo provided by most hotels, camps)
Deodorant
Toothpaste / Toothbrush
Hair Brush / Comb
Electric / Hand Razor
Emery Boards / Tweezers
Hand Lotion
Feminine Hygiene Supplies
Wear sunscreens and cover up during the hottest time of day – between 11am and 3pm.
Electronics
You must pack for your safari are your phone, music, tablet or laptop – and their respective chargers. Pack an adaptor plug for your electricals – For Kenya we use the UK plugs. on’t forget your camera. If you have a DSLR it’s worth getting hold of a zoom lens if you can as it makes a real difference to your photos. You may also get a super zoom camera that comes with a non-detachable lens. This is quite affordable. For example, Panasonic Lumix Fz 80 with a 60x zoom lens that you can get at Amazon for less than $300, Canon PowerShot SX540, PowerShot SX60 HS, CoolPix P1000.
Binoculars are ESSENTIAL for optimum wildlife viewing on safari (and a GOOD pair of binoculars will make a BIG difference to your safari). We strongly recommend a pair of binoculars on safari.
Prescription Medicines & Glasses
Remember to put your prescription medications in your hand luggage (in case your check-in bag goes astray… it happens!)…and make sure you have enough of each type to last your entire safari. If you wear prescription glasses, be sure to pack more than one set (in case you lose one or they get broken). You will be outdoors for much of the time, so be prepared. Pack a hat, sunblock, long sleeves, and lip balm.
Extras
A good torch (flashlight) is encouraged. A rechargeable torch is ideal but a small battery-powered torch is sufficient. The new LED miner’s lights that fit on your head (and leave your hands free) are also a good option. A smaller (pencil) torch for emergencies or looking at star maps is also worth considering. Most hotels will provide a torch, or will walk you back to your room as required, but being self-sufficient is always a good idea.
A good book. It never hurts to have an interesting book when travelling. You never know when you are going to be delayed at the airport or fall victim to African time!
A travel diary or journal is something we recommend. You will see and experience so much in such a short period of time on safari, that the only way to maintain a good record of it will be to write it down. It does require discipline, but will serve as an invaluable record of your safari adventure.
While this information might change a bit over time be assured we are working round the clock to stay on top of everything to make your safari a unforgettable experience. Thank you and always feel free to call or text me on my direct cellphone +14435592474 or inbox me here.