Updated 7 November 2026
Kenya travel health insurance is now a condition of entry for most foreign visitors. From 5 October 2026, non-Kenyan travellers who are not exempt must buy a government-mandated inbound travel health policy before they board a flight to Kenya. If you are hosting relatives, colleagues or clients from abroad, or travelling yourself on a foreign passport, this guide explains the cost, the cover, who is exempt and how to buy it.
Checked on 7 November 2026 against the eCitizen Inbound Travel Health Insurance portal, the Kenya eTA notice, a 4 November 2026 notice from the Embassy of Kenya in Berlin, and the US Embassy in Kenya message of 16 October 2026.
On this page
Kenya travel health insurance: key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 and Gazette Notice No. 11492 of 30 July 2026 |
| Start date | 5 October 2026 |
| Cost | Up to US$44 per person, including statutory insurance levies and stamp duty |
| Validity | 90 days, with multiple entries while it is valid |
| Total benefit limit | Up to US$50,000 per person |
| Family policies | Not available; each traveller, including children, needs their own policy |
| Where to buy | etakenya.go.ke (as part of the eTA) or insurance.ecitizen.go.ke |
Who must buy Kenya travel health insurance
The eCitizen portal says the cover is required for non-Kenyans visiting for less than three months, whether for tourism, business, a conference or a family visit. Families and groups need a separate policy for each person. Nationals of African countries outside the East African Community must buy it even if they enter Kenya without an eTA.
Official sources describe the length of stay differently. The eCitizen portal says less than three months, while the Kenyan Embassy in Berlin says stays of less than 12 months. Because the policy itself lasts 90 days, check with the eTA helpdesk or your nearest Kenyan mission if you plan a longer stay.
The embassy notice says the rule applies regardless of when your ticket was bought. The US Embassy says airlines have been asked to check passengers’ policies before boarding and that travellers without insurance may be refused entry. The Berlin embassy says cover is checked at check-in and again by immigration on arrival.
Who is exempt
- Kenyan citizens and holders of valid Kenyan residence status;
- citizens of East African Community partner states;
- people seeking asylum;
- holders of diplomatic, official and service passports;
- crew of a ship, aircraft, train or other carrier who either have employer health cover or stay within the port of entry;
- transit passengers who do not seek entry into Kenya.
A foreign travel insurance policy does not count. The eCitizen portal says this is a separate legal requirement, although you can keep your own policy as well.
What the cover pays for
The eCitizen portal lists these limits per person. They are not shared across a family or group.
| Benefit | Limit |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical transport and evacuation | US$25,000 |
| Medical expenses, including personal accident | US$20,000 |
| Repatriation of mortal remains | US$5,000 |
| Treatment for mental illness | US$1,000 |
| Prescribed medicines | US$300 |
Treatment is cashless at accredited providers across all 47 counties, subject to policy terms, limits and authorisation. You can find an accredited facility by dialling *202*15# from a local line and choosing Find Hospital. The benefits, limits and premium are the same whichever approved insurer you pick.
How to buy Kenya travel health insurance
- If you need an eTA, you will be prompted to buy the cover during the eTA application on etakenya.go.ke.
- If you already have an approved eTA, or you do not need one, buy it on insurance.ecitizen.go.ke before you fly.
- Choose your nationality and applicant type, scan your passport bio page and take a live selfie.
- Enter your arrival date, the counties you plan to visit and an emergency contact, then pay.
- Save the electronic policy and carry it with your passport.
Refunds, changes and claims
The eCitizen portal says you get a full refund if you cancel before your trip starts, but nothing once a claim has been made. If you postpone a trip within the three-month period, the cover dates can be changed. If you lose your policy, the claims administrator can verify it on +254 719 044 777.
The statutory policy is emergency cover for visitors and is not a substitute for long-term medical insurance. Residents should see our guide to medical cover for parents. Visitors heading north should also read our report on the UK’s Moyale travel advisory.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Kenya travel health insurance?
The eCitizen portal says up to US$44 per person, including levies and stamp duty, with no separate administration charge.
Do Kenyan citizens need Kenya travel health insurance?
No. Kenyan citizens, residents and EAC citizens are exempt.
Can I use my own travel insurance instead?
No. Foreign policies are not accepted for this requirement, though you may keep one in addition.
How long is the policy valid?
90 days, with multiple entries while it is valid.
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