Nairobi Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Nairobi

• Apply eTA at etakenya.go.ke 3+ days before arrival — US$32.50; old visa system discontinued Jan 2024.

• Traffic murderous 7–9am + 5–8pm — allow 2× time or plan flights around it.

• Yellow-fever certificate mandatory if arriving from endemic country; malaria prophylaxis for Mara + coast add-ons.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 999.

• Karen, Gigiri, Runda, Westlands (day + main areas), Kilimani, Upper Hill safe.

• Avoid Downtown CBD after dark, avoid walking anywhere at night — Uber everywhere.

• Do not display phone/jewellery in traffic; keep windows up in stop-and-go.

• Emergency 999 or 112.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: e visa, typically up to 90 days. All visitors require the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at etakenya.go.ke — US$32.50, applied 3+ days ahead. Replaced old eVisa system in January 2024. Valid 90 days single-entry. East African Community citizens exempt. Yellow-fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Nairobi. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.