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COVID 19 INFORMATION (June 21, 2023)
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16 MINUTE READ
June 21, 2023

COVID-19 Information

Last updated:  [06/21/2023]  

The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.  For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.  

Entry and Exit Requirements  

  • Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? No
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
  • All travelers above the age of 12 years arriving into the country through any point of entry will be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure.  Vaccination means having received the prescribed doses of specific vaccine with the latest shot at least fourteen (14) days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).  Please visit the Kenyan Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 website   or call the COVID-19 hotline at 719 for updated information. Not applicable anymore.
  • Only travelers arriving at any point of entry with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form on the ‘jitenge’ platform: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/.They will also be required to take a Covid-19 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. Those who turn positive will also be required to take a further Covid-19 PCR test at their own cost. Those with severe symptoms will be allowed to isolate as per the prevailing isolation requirements for mild, moderate or severe disease.
  • Travelers below the age of twelve (12) years are exempted from the vaccination and testing requirement. Not applicable anymore.
  • All arriving passengers into the country above the age of 12 years are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate uploaded on the panabios  system. Not applicable anymore.
  • Passengers traveling out of the country, will be required to abide by the particular travel, health, and COVID-19 related requirements of the transit and destination country.
  • Pre-departure RDT or PCR testing may be considered at the discretion of any of the airlines departing from or terminating in Kenya.
  • Immigration Services has lifted an earlier amnesty on stays in Kenya over the six months stipulated visa period.  Visitors on overstayed visas from September 14, 2020, are required to arrange to depart within 14 days or apply for residency (permit or pass).
    • Be advised that effective January 1, 2021, all passengers are required to apply and obtain an e-visa before boarding an inbound aircraft to Kenya. The e-visa can be obtained through http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html  .
    • The Government of Kenya established an online portal to extend visitor and resident visas.  Please see: https://fns.immigration.go.ke .  Note that the Directorate of Immigration Services has lifted an earlier amnesty on stays in Kenya over the six months stipulated visa period.  Visitors on overstayed visas from September 14, 2020, are required to arrange to depart within 14 days or apply for residency (permit or pass).
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes 

Quarantine Information   

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine?  No

COVID-19 Testing  

  • PCR testing is widely available.
  • All travelers departing Kenya en route to countries requiring rapid antigen testing hours before travel will be required to undertake pre-travel rapid antigen test at the MOH Port Health facility at the airport and the results uploaded to the Trusted Traveler platform.  At JKIA, travelers do not need to make appointments, and payment is made via M-PESA.  The test itself takes 15 minutes, though travelers should budget ample time as there may be a long queue.
  • Testing is available at the country’s major hospitals (Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi West) and private laboratories (Lancet, International Organization for Migration).  The charge for the test is usually less than $100 (KES 10,000) at private health facilities and $50 (KES 5,000) at government hospitals.  Test results are typically available within 24 – 96 hours depending on laboratory and location.
  • Turnaround times vary outside of major metropolitan cities, and it will be important to confirm the turnaround time with each lab.
  • Results are usually obtained by physical copy or email.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:  

  • Are vaccines available in Kenya for U.S. citizens to receive?  Yes
    • COVID-19 vaccines are now being offered to those ages 15 and up in Kenya.  U.S. citizens who reside in Kenya can also access vaccines if they bring their passport.  The vaccines are being offered on a first come, first served basis, with no booking required.  Note that supplies are limited and vary based on location. COVID-19 vaccination centers (MoH) can be found here  .
  •  Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.  

Local Resources:  

  • Report any suspected cases to the Kenya Ministry of Health hotline numbers:  0800 721 316; 0732 353 535; or 0729 471 414.
  • Other links:   

Alerts, U.S. Citizen Services