Travel Report for Kenya

Country Profile for
Kenya

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 21, 2006 10:27 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:02 EST

Kenya

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

For information on the floods currently affecting some regions in Kenya, see our Current Issues page.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to the border areas with

Sudan

Somalia

Ethiopia

or to the Tana River region due to armed banditry and cross-border violence.
___________________________________________________________

You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country because of the current high threat of terrorist attacks against Western interests in Kenya.

In August 2006, reports indicate a significant increase in the incidence of carjacking and armed attacks against foreign nationals in Nairobi. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places, but particularly on the roads that link the city centre to residential areas. You should refrain from travelling at night and drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. If stopped at a roadblock, you should verify the identification of police officers. Victims of attacks are advised not to offer resistance. You should also remain cautious when visiting the tourist areas on the coast of

Kenya

, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise appropriate caution, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping malls. Canadians should monitor local developments as well as register and remain in regular contact with the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi (see section 7 below).

Northern Kenya, referring to the areas located north of the Kitale-Samburu-Garissa line, is considered unsafe due to the ongoing threat posed by terrorism and various regional conflicts. There are reports of landmines having been laid around the city of Moyale, close to the Ethiopian border. The possibility for terrorist attacks puts Canadians at greater risk in

Kenya

.

In many rural regions of

Kenya

, including the Maasai territory and the Eastern and Central Provinces, conflicts over ethnicity, land ownership, cattle rustling and access to water continue to cause confrontations, attacks and unrest. The situation can also be tense in Northern Kenya, where locals often experience severe drought.

Political demonstrations occur regularly throughout

Kenya

. Travellers should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid public gatherings and street demonstrations.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Violent crimes, muggings, carjackings, and house break-ins occur frequently in Nairobi. Travellers should be aware that the Nairobi City Hall have launched an awareness campaign against rape.

Travellers should avoid the Eastleigh neighbourhood and parks. Petty crimes and robberies also occur frequently in other major towns (Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru) and coastal beach resorts. Criminals and chisellers have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers, or government officials. Visitors should ask for identification. Doors should be locked and the "do not disturb" sign should be displayed when leaving a hotel room. Place personal belongings in safekeeping facilities. Checked luggage may be pilfered at the Nairobi airport. Travellers should store their valuables in hand luggage and securely lock their suitcases. Travellers and visitors should absolutely avoid walking or travelling after dark and exercise caution while walking during daylight hours. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money.

Banditry is common throughout the Northeastern province in the area bordering

Somalia

. Attacks directed primarily at foreign aid workers and refugee camps, as well as disputes between Somali clans, make the Northeastern province unstable and dangerous. Kenyan efforts to restrict Somali incursions and gun-running have curtailed travel to the northern areas near the Somali border.

The potential for carjackings and robberies of tourists travelling to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi, particularly at night, continues to be of concern. Travellers arriving at JKIA should only use transportation organized by reputable tour companies or well-marked taxis. Currency should not be exchanged in the public areas of the airport.

The mail system can be unreliable, and credit cards and cheques are often stolen. Use international couriers to ship envelopes or packages, and insure all objects of value.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits, and poorly maintained vehicles pose hazards. Road conditions are poor. Drive with doors locked and windows closed at all times. The road from Nairobi to Mombasa is congested and can be dangerous for tourists unfamiliar with local driving conditions. Visitors should consider air travel. Use only authorized border crossings when travelling by vehicle between

Kenya

and

Tanzania

. Public transportation is unsafe. Long-distance buses have been involved in a number of serious accidents. Minibuses (matutus) are generally poorly maintained and recklessly driven. Visitors should only use hotel taxis and confirm the fare in advance. Passenger trains are not safe and are routinely late.

Visitors travelling overland to certain game parks and reserves have been attacked by armed bandits. Travel by road north of Isiolo to Samburu and Shaba/Meru/Buffalo Springs National Parks should be undertaken in escorted convoys only. The route from Malindi to Lamu can also be dangerous. Visitors to Lamu should travel by air. If road travel is necessary, it should be done in convoy. Kenyan police organize daily convoys to and from these two points. There have been rare reports of attacks or robberies of travellers on the roads between Nairobi and the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nakuru, Tsavo Game Parks/Reserves and Mount Kenya/Aberdares area. However, there have been periodic hijackings, robberies and attempted robberies on the main road between Nairobi and the Tanzanian border, a road which also serves as the route to

Kenya

's Amboseli National Park.

Visitors contemplating adventure tours should contact the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) by telephone: 254-20-2713348, 254-20-2722401, or 254-20-2726517; by e-mail: info@katokenya.org; or visit their Web site: www.katokenya.org. Most reputable tour companies operating in Kenya are registered with KATO. Visitors may also contact the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association by telephone: 254-20-609355 or 254-20-577018; by fax: 254-20-609355 or 254-20-604730; by mobile telephone: 254-721-448428; by e-mail: info@safariguides.org; or check their Web site: www.safariguides.org. Travellers can also seek advice from the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi (see below). Avoid camping alone or without expert local assistance.

The Kenya Tourism Federation operates a Safety and Communication Centre, which provides the latest information on tourism, road conditions, and assistance in an emergency. Travellers can obtain information by calling Nairobi 254-20-604767 or 254-20-505614 (24 hours), or tel/fax 254-20-604730 (24 hours), or by e-mailing safetour@wananchi.com.

Mariners should be vigilant in view of attacks on ships in Somali waters north of the Kenyan coast. A Weekly Piracy Report may be found on the International Chamber of Commerce Web site.

The ferry service that connected Mombasa with Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam (

Tanzania

) is no longer running.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

There are normally two rainy seasons in

Kenya

: from October to November, and from late March to mid-June. Heavy rains can result in flash floods and mudslides. Roads may become impassable during these periods. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. When the rains fail, droughts can be severe, particularly in Northeastern Kenya.

Natural disasters are possible due to regional volcanic activity. The Mount Elgon volcano, located 350 miles from Nairobi, has shown increasing signs of volcano and seismic activity. Pay careful attention to all warnings issued and specifically for the Mount Elgon volcano area.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour, particularly in the coastal region where the majority of the population is Muslim. Visitors should dress conservatively. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency, even in small amounts. Violators may be arrested and fined.

Visitors are forbidden from working in Kenya, even in a volunteer capacity, without a valid work permit. Violators may be fined, jailed, and/or deported.

Permission to carry firearms must be obtained from local authorities prior to entry. Firearms are strictly forbidden in wildlife reserves and national parks.

Persons convicted of possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can expect prison terms and heavy fines. Persons convicted of possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, could receive a 10-year prison sentence.

Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.

Photography of official buildings or embassies may lead to detention.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.nairobi.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Kenya is 0-800-22-0114, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site (www.infocanadadirect.com).

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Kenyan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 8, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Republic of Kenya, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian Passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Kenya. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Visitors to Kenya require visas. It is recommended that visas be obtained prior to departure to avoid delays and difficulties on arrival. Visas are valid for up to three months but may be extended.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required
Employment/Volunteer Permit: Required

Canadians require a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from countries where this disease is endemic. Travellers arriving without proof of vaccination could be stopped at the airport and required to receive a vaccination, at a cost of US$50, or could be required to leave.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Many banks and hotels exchange foreign currency. Hotel bills are generally settled in U.S. dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted, and traveller's cheques, preferably in U.S. dollars, may be exchanged at banks, hotels, and foreign exchange offices. Travellers who import the equivalent of US$5,000 or more must provide documentation stating the source and purpose of the funds. It is possible to convert Kenyan shillings into foreign currency at the airport upon departure.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Kenya (capital: Nairobi) is located in eastern Africa, bordered by

. The official languages are English and Swahili. Tourist facilities are widely available in Nairobi, on the coast, in game parks, and in wildlife reserves, but are inexistent in the regions bordering

.

Power cuts occasionally occur. Telephone systems are generally unreliable. Kenya Telephone and Telegraph has discontinued its collect call facility. 1-800 numbers cannot be accessed from

Kenya

. When making a long-distance call within

Kenya

, the area code must be preceded by a zero. For example, to dial Nairobi from elsewhere in

Kenya

, you must dial 020 followed by the local number.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. Epidemics most often occur during the dry season (December to June) in this region. Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale and has spread beyond the usual boundaries. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Visitors should not drink local tap water, nor use it for brushing their teeth or for ice. Sealed bottled water is recommended and available at hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Kenya is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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