Kenya Introduces Mandatory Travel Health Insurance for Most Foreign Visitors

Kenya implemented a mandatory travel health insurance requirement for many foreign visitors arriving from October 5, 2026. This new policy is integrated into the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) process. Travellers needing an ETA will be prompted to purchase the insurance during their application. The government's eCitizen portal also offers a dedicated service, "Inbound Travel Health Insurance," which links directly to the ETA system. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) issued a circular on October 9, 2026, detailing the new requirement, exemptions, benefits, and airline verification procedures.

This insurance generally applies to non-Kenyan nationals entering the country for stays under 12 months. All non-exempt individuals, including minors, must obtain individual coverage. Importantly, an exemption from the ETA requirement does not automatically exempt a traveller from this insurance. For example, nationals of African countries outside the East African Community may be ETA-exempt but still need the insurance unless another specific exemption applies. The legal foundation for this mandate is Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and Regulation 70 of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.

Several categories of travellers are exempt from the mandatory insurance. These include Kenyan citizens, valid Kenyan residence permit holders, and citizens of East African Community Partner States. Other exemptions cover asylum seekers, holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports, certain airline crew members, and transit passengers who do not intend to enter Kenya. The KCAA clarified that simply having refugee status or being stateless does not grant an automatic exemption, meaning such individuals must obtain coverage unless they fall under another exempt category.

The cost for the mandatory insurance varies by age. An adult traveller currently pays a total of US$48, which includes a US$44 insurance premium, a US$1 access fee, and additional service and gateway fees. For minors, the total cost is US$25, comprising a US$22 premium, a US$1 access fee, and similar processing charges. These amounts were observed on official platforms and are subject to change by Kenyan authorities. It is crucial to note that foreign travel health insurance policies are explicitly not accepted to fulfil this requirement. The coverage must be sourced from local insurers approved and licensed in Kenya, with no procedure available for verifying external policies.