Foreign travel advice

Kenya

Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Kenya.
Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Kenya.

Warnings and insurance

Still current at:
30 September 2025
Updated:
18 September 2025
Latest update:
FCDO now advises against all travel to areas in the east of Kenya, including the border with Somalia, and now advises against all but essential travel to some neighbouring areas. See ‘Warnings and insurance’ page for details areas. Updated information on risks from terrorism('Warnings and insurance', 'Safety and security' and 'Regional risks' pages).
Download a more detailed map (PDF)

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast

Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO advises against all travel to:

  • Mandera County
  • Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except for Wajir Town
  • areas of Wajir County within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia
  • Garissa County - except for Garissa Town, the constituency of Lagdera and the areas of Balambala constituency which lie north and west of the main road which runs from Saka on the Tana River up to the intersection with the C81 Road
  • Lamu County, except for Lamu Island and Manda Island

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • Garissa Town
  • Tana River County north of the Tana River as far as the town of Saka
  • within 15km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Risk of Kidnap

There is a high risk of kidnapping across Kenya. British nationals are seen as legitimate targets. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps and further kidnaps are very likely.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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View a printable version of the whole guide

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