U.S. State Department

Reconsider travel in Kenya due to risk of health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and traffic safety. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Health The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Please see our section on Travel from Ebola-Impacted or Elevated Risk Countries section. Medical services in Kenya are limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. Medical facilities in Kenya often lack sufficient medicine and equipment. Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your expense. Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront. Some schools, substance abuse centers, and other facilities claim to rehabilitate people, but operate with little or no government supervision. Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places. Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will. Americans or residents who lure individuals to Kenya under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such rehabilitation facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States. Crime Violent crime can occur at any time. Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping for ransom. Petty crime is common. Criminal fraud targeting Americans is a concern. - Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes. - Crimes like robbery are common. They are often committed by individuals riding motorcycles. - Solo travelers in particular should exercise caution. Some Americans have been victims of sexual assault in bars and resorts/hotels. - Petty crimes often occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. - Schemes to defraud investors are common. Americans often fall victim to schemes involving transactions in gold and other high-value commodities. Kenyan authorities are unlikely to assist Americans in recovering losses. - Property disputes are common in Kenya. Americans who have bought land, churches, and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business. Kidnapping Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults, suicide attacks, and other action in Kenya. Terrorists attack without warning. They have targeted: - Kenyan and foreign government buildings - tourist locations - transportation hubs - hotels and resorts - markets and shopping malls - places of worship Unrest Cross-border incursions occur along the border with Ethiopia. Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They can turn violent. Protests often block key intersections and highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Protestors have also attacked vehicles containing Americans, including motorcycle taxis and safari vehicles. Violence during protests has occurred across Kenya. This includes rock-throwing by protesters and use of deadly force by police. Violent protests are most common in Nairobi and in western Kenya. Other – Traffic safety Automobile accidents are one of the main causes of injury and death of Americans in Kenya. Major highways between Nairobi and Nakuru and Nairobi and Mombasa are only two lanes, and drivers frequently pass with little attention to oncoming traffic. Tourists, who may not always use seatbelts, have also been seriously injured or killed in safari vehicle accidents. Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping. Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism. Do Not Travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime. Do Not Travel to (Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles 50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest.

Exercise increased caution in Tanzania due to crime, terrorism, health, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and targeting gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime Violent crime happens in Tanzania. It includes assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and express kidnapping. Crime can happen at any time. It is more common in crowded urban areas and when people are not paying attention. Local law enforcement may be slow to help if a crime happens. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tanzania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest Demonstrations can take place in response to political or economic issues. The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This includes checkpoints and roadblocks. The Tanzanian government may limit or prohibit rallies or demonstrations. The government may shut down or limit internet, cell data, and phone service before, during, or after unrest. The Tanzanian government has used internet laws to punish people who share information perceived as criticizing the government. Health Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited, especially outside of the urban areas of Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. Arbitrary enforcement of local laws The Tanzanian government arbitrarily enforces its own laws and regulations. U.S. citizens have been detained or prevented from leaving the country for several weeks without criminal charges. The U.S. embassy cannot guarantee your release. Local authorities do not consistently report detentions of U.S. citizens to the U.S. embassy in a timely manner. Targeting of gay and lesbian individuals Same-sex relationships are illegal in Tanzania and carry severe penalties. Members of the gay and lesbian community have been arrested and harassed. Police may target people who identify as gay or lesbian. Reconsider travel to the border between Tanzania and Mozambique in the Mtwara Region due to terrorism.