FAQ – Practical Guide for  Travelers in Kenya

We’ve compiled this guide to help you prepare for your trip to Kenya. Please note: all information is for general guidance only and may change. Always verify with official sources before your trip.

🛂 VISAS
Do Israeli and USA citizens need a visa to enter Kenya?
Yes. Travelers must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering Kenya.
Apply here: https://etakenya.go.ke
Apply at least 7 days before travel.

💉 VACCINATIONS & HEALTH
Is the Yellow Fever vaccine mandatory?
Only if arriving from or having visited a high-risk country.
If you're arriving directly from Israel or the USA (and haven’t been in a yellow fever country recently), the vaccine is recommended but not required.

What other vaccines are recommended?
Recommendations vary by age, travel plan, and health history. Check with an authorized travel clinic.

🦟 Malaria – Must Know

Before arriving in Kenya, consult a travel doctor about preventive anti-malaria pills and updated health advice.

Important tip:
If you experience high fever, chills, fatigue, or body aches during your stay – get tested for malaria immediately.

Testing is quick, inexpensive, and available in most clinics. Choose a reputable provider.

The earlier malaria is diagnosed – the easier and faster the recovery. Do not ignore symptoms.

Bonus tip (not medical advice):
Before flying home, consider purchasing basic malaria medication in case symptoms appear after your return. Not all countries offer quick access to such treatment. It’s inexpensive and can save lives.

⚠️ Emergency Contacts in Kenya

In an emergency, Chabad of Kenya is here for you!📞
Emergency Phone: +254-799-770-770

🇮🇱 Israeli Embassy in Kenya (Nairobi)Address:
209/420 Lenana Road, NairobiMain line: +254-20-4927500
After-hours emergency: +254-733-524-816
Email: [email protected]
Official site: https://embassies.gov.il/nairobi

General Emergency Numbers in Kenya(We recommend saving these in your contacts before traveling.)

Service

Phone Number

Police (National Police)

999 or 112

Fire Brigade

999 or 112

Ambulance (Red Cross)

1199

Tourist Helpline

+254-20-600-800

☝️ Note: Public emergency services may be slow. For medical or security concerns, also contact the Israeli Embassy or Chabad Kenya.
 

🛡️ Travel Insurance

You must have valid travel medical insurance, including air evacuation coverage. Private hospitals in Kenya offer good care but usually require upfront payment.
 

🚖 TRANSPORTATION
Is Uber or Bolt available?
Yes – both operate in Nairobi and major cities. They’re safe and convenient.

What is a Matatu?
Matatus are public minibuses – cheap but often overcrowded and not always safe.

Should I use motorcycle taxis (boda-boda)?
Not recommended due to high accident risk.

📱 MOBILE & COMMUNICATION
How can I get a SIM card?
Buy a Safaricom SIM at official stores (including the airport). Bring your passport.
Safaricom offers the best coverage – even inside safari parks.

What is M-PESA?
A mobile money service used across Kenya. Ask to activate it when buying your SIM. Very useful for payments to drivers, shops, and locals.

💳 M-PESA – The Smart Way to Pay in Kenya

What is M-PESA? M-PESA is Kenya’s most popular mobile payment service, letting you send and receive money, pay shops, and transfer funds without a bank account.

How does it work?Run by Safaricom. You load your wallet via M-PESA agents (found on most streets and in supermarkets). You then pay or send money via app or USSD menu.

How to register?🪪 Safaricom SIM + Passport📍 Sign up at any authorized Safaricom agent.

Why use it?
✅ Widely accepted – taxis, stores, hotels
✅ Safer than cash
✅ Fast and easy – no change or coins
 

💰 MONEY & EXCHANGE
What’s the local currency?
Kenyan Shilling (KES).

Can I use US Dollars?
Yes, but only new $50 or $100 bills (issued 2009 or later).

Where can I exchange money?
Authorized forex bureaus, banks, and airports.

🛍️ SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT
Best malls in Nairobi:

Two Rivers Mall

Westgate Mall

Sarit Centre

Yaya Centre

🔐 SAFETY & SECURITY
Is Kenya safe for tourists?
In tourist areas – generally yes. Follow basic precautions:

Avoid walking at night

Keep valuables hidden

Lock car doors, especially in traffic

Stay alert in unfamiliar areas

Is it safe to wear Jewish symbols?
Yes. Locals generally admire Israel and are respectful to Jewish visitors.

🏥 MEDICAL CARE
Recommended hospitals:

Nairobi: Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, MP Shah

Mombasa: Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa

Emergency contacts:

Israel Embassy Nairobi: +254-20-4927500

Chabad Kenya: +254-799770770

Is Kenya safe? Yes – especially in tourist areas.

Follow these rules:

Avoid walking alone at night

Keep car windows closed when using your phone or in traffic

Do not carry valuables

Is it safe to wear Jewish symbols? Yes. Kenya is very friendly toward Israelis and Jews.

🧼 HYGIENE & FOOD SAFETY
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water only.

Wash fruits & vegetables before eating.

Buy produce from modern supermarkets, not street vendors.

Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers – risk of bilharzia.

Use hand sanitizer when outside and wash hands upon returning.

Health Tips:

Wash hands frequently

Use hand sanitizer

Avoid swimming in fresh water (bilharzia risk)

Use sunscreen – the sun is strong even when it’s cool
 

🔌 ELECTRICITY
Plug type: Type G (UK-style)

Voltage: 240V – bring a universal adapter

👕 WHAT TO WEAR
Lightweight clothes for the day

Warm layers for evenings

Neutral colors for safari

Comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

☀️ WEATHER & SEASONS
Dry seasons:

December–March

June–October

Rainy seasons:

April–May (heavy rain)

November (short rains)

Best time to visit Masai Mara:

July–October – peak wildlife & great migration

Avoid April–May due to heavy rains

🏞️ National Parks – Key Info

Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance fees vary by nationality and age. Tourists pay more. Check Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) site.

Tickets: Purchase online via eCitizen platform. No cash at gates.

Conduct: Stay on marked roads. Don’t exit vehicles in open reserves.

🏧 ATMs & Banks

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

ATMs widely available in major cities

Recommended banks: Equity Bank, KCB, ABSA, NCBA

International card withdrawals may incur fees – check with your bank

Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants & big stores. Carry cash just in case.

🌍 Border Crossings & Airports

Main international airports:

Nairobi (NBO)

Mombasa (MBA)

Land borders:

Uganda: Busia, Malaba

Tanzania: Namanga, Taveta

Documents required:

Passport valid for at least 6 months

Visa (via eTA)

Yellow Fever certificate (if arriving from endemic areas)

🗺️ Must-See Places in Nairobi

Giraffe Centre – Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes. Great for kids.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – Open 11:00–12:00. Book in advance.

Nairobi National Park – Safari inside the city!

Kazuri Beads Women’s Factory – Handmade crafts, social impact gifts.

Karen Blixen Museum – Former home of “Out of Africa” author.

Village Market / Two Rivers Mall – Shopping & attractions.

Maasai Market – Open-air artisan market (location varies by day).

Nairobi Railway Museum – History buffs will love it.

Karura Forest – Nature trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots.

Bomas of Kenya – Tribal culture, dance, and heritage center.
 

🔥 COOKING GAS & SUPPLIES
Where to buy portable gas canisters or camping stoves?

Decathlon stores in Nairobi malls

Anko Retail shops

🛒 GROCERY SHOPPING
For kosher or clean products:

Carrefour

Naivas

FoodPlus

For kosher food product listings, check our separate Kosher Food Guide.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip!
We look forward to welcoming you at your home in Kenya – Chabad Kenya!