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Visas
All visitors to Kenya are required to have valid passports. Visas
are also required for visitors who are not citizens of the
commonwealth countries in order to enter Kenya. At present visitors
from Germany, Denmark, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Ethiopia,
Eritrea, Finland, Spain, Turkey and Uruguay do not require visas.
However, since visa requirements may change, it is advisable for the
visitors to check the current visa requirements through airlines,
tour operators or Kenya Tourist Offices, Kenya Embassies or High
Commissions in their countries before coming, to avoid
embarrassment. Visas normally take up to six weeks to process and
are valid for up to a three month period. Those visitors with proper
documents and who also possess onward or return tickets may be given
visitor's passes free of charge on arrival at any Kenyan point of
entry.
Useful Tips Baggage
Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or hold
all per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are
less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this
restriction). Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take
overnight bags only; suitcases can be left at the base hotel. Hotels
will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be
stored at Joto Tours and Travel offices. A baggage weight
restriction of 15 kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very
small aircraft are used this maybe reduced to 10kg.
Currency
Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travelers cheques at
banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and at most
large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and
will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask what commission
and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Banks
are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays through Fridays
and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays.
Credit Cards
VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS
are widely accepted for
tourist services. There's usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price
as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their
transactions.
Health
Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time,
a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission,
Kenya Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into
Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending
visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure
and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return.
Insect repellents should be made use of after dusk and suitable
cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings.
Flying Doctors Society
Membership of the Flying Doctors Society is strongly recommended. In
event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly
patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to hospital. The
current cost for 1-month membership is US$ 25 per person.
Drinking Water
Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and
lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms.
Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.
Tipping and Pooterage
Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary
to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.
Language
Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official
language. In addition, most tribes have their own language.
Arrivals and Departures
Kenya has two main ports of entry by air: Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport, Nairobi. Located 16 km from the city center.
Moi International Airport, Mombasa. Located 12 km from the town
center. Mombasa is the main port of entry by sea. |
