LANGUAGE
The two official languages in Kenya are English and Swahili. There are, however, around 60 languages spoken in different parts of the country. Almost everyone in Kenya speaks more than one African language.
RELIGION
Approximately 70% of Kenyans are Christians (38% Protestant, 28% Catholic) about 25% are adherents of indigenous religions and 6% are Muslim. Among the Kenyan Asian community there are Hindus, Sikhs, Parsees, and Bahais.
THE PEOPLE OF KENYA
In Kenya, mobile banking is the norm. People use their mobile phones to send money to one another, pay bills such as rent, water, and electricity, as well as borrow money from banks. You simply need a sim card, register with your preferred telecommunications company, and you’re done!
When to Visit Kenya
Anytime!
Kenya’s favorable equatorial climate allows you to visit the country all year round. The winter months are in June and July. August present dry, cooler weather with temperatures averaging around 75 F in winter, rising to around 80 F in Kenya’s summer. The reserve sees sunshine year round and has two distinct rainy seasons. The short rains fall in November and December, while the long rains fall in March into
early May.
However, for those looking for an opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration at the Masai Mara, the best time to visit the Mara is from July to October as these are the driest months. Varying rainfall patterns mean the exact timing of the migration varies year to year. In Some years the rains might be early, and the herds will arrive and depart sooner, while other times the late rains mean the wildebeest arrive later and you’ll still find a group of them who becomes separated from the others, typically because of moving more slowly.
Bird Watchers will want to visit Kenya in January and February, just after the short rains and just before the long rains start towards the beginning of March.
Visa to Kenya
All foreign visitors except citizens of EAC member States planning to travel to the Republic of Kenya are required to submit Immigration forms in compliance with Section 48 of the Kenya Citizenship & Immigration Act (No. 12 of 2011). Failure to comply may lead to denied boarding and/or deportation upon arrival.
Travel in Kenya by Train
Did you know you can have a bush and beach experience in Kenya by use of the Madaraka Express highway ? Experience Kenya’s landscapes and Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking views as you travel through the Tsavo National Park from a unique vantage point on a train journey! Limited routes, but scenic journeys. Train travel in Kenya is currently focused on the Nairobi-Mombasa line. While not the fastest option, it offers beautiful views and a comfortable way to travel between these two major cities. It is a more affordable option with several departures daily between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Traveling by Train enables you to easily access Tsavo, Voi , Amboseli and Mombasa costal beaches all in one line.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the station. The train offers Economy, First class and Premium class ranging from $15 to $120 per adult. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can be purchased at https://metickets.krc.co.ke/ Allowance varies depending on the train class, but generally one checked bag and a carry-on are permitted.
How to Apply
All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before the start of their journey.
Apply for your eTA online, fast and safely-anywhere and anytime on below link
Application Timeline: You can apply for your ETA up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.
What Happens After You Apply? Once you’ve submitted your application, look out for an email notification. Upon approval, you’ll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number, which you can use to check your application status on the ETA website.
Processing Time: It typically takes 3 working days to process your ETA. If the approval delays for more than 14 days, contact us for follow up.
Benefits of Kenya’s eTA system:
Kenya eTA enables travelers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their home locations before starting their trip. Travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.
Travelers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore. Kenya’s eTA also benefits airlines by simplifying the check-in process. Transport carriers can easily verify that travelers have been authorized to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of an approved eTA. Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitize its government processes.
What do I do if my eTA is denied: If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details
Do Children or Infants also require the Kenya eTA? Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.
Does an eTA Guarantee Permission to Travel? No. An eTA is permission from the Kenyan Government to travel to the Republic of Kenya and it is mandatory to present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process. However, travelers may still be denied boarding by the carrier if other required documents such as passports and/or boarding passes are not presented. In addition, travelers may be subjected to questioning at the point of departure or arrival. This might result in you being denied access to the means of transport.
What to do if my Means of Payment has been declined/refused For all visitors, the system will require a valid Credit or Debit card to make payment and complete the transaction. Cheques and cash are not accepted by the system. If the payment does not work, please wait a few minutes and try again, or check to make sure you have sufficient funds on your means of payment.
Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
- Holders of valid Kenya eVISAs
- Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations Accredited toKenya.
- Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
- All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
- All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
- Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
Please have the following documents ready before starting your application
For all travellers
- Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
- Selfie or passport-type photo
- Contact information, email address and phone number
- Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
- Credit card, debit card or other means of payment
Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:
Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:
- Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital
- Conference invitation/participation letter
- Employment contract
- Supporting documents for resettlement
- Vaccination(s) or test results certificates
Additional Requirements for Certain Travelers:
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Necessary if you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever-endemic country.
- Additional Vaccinations: Based on your travel history or country of residence.