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[INTERNATIONAL] · Kenya, United Arab Emirates · 3 sources

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Part of situation: Kenya and Tanzania mandatory travel insurance implementation (3 clusters)

Kenya mandates local health insurance for foreign travelers

Kenya travel requirements mandatory health insurance eTA portal eCitizen portal travel advisory

Kenya has implemented a mandatory health insurance requirement for all non-Kenyan visitors staying for less than 12 months. The policy, which took effect on October 5, 2026, requires travelers to purchase officially recognized local coverage through Kenya’s eTA or eCitizen portals.

Standard international travel insurance policies are no longer sufficient for entry. The mandate applies to every individual traveler, including children, who must hold an individual policy. To avoid travel disruptions, the Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has specifically advised travelers from the Middle East to secure this coverage before departure.

Enforcement measures include pre-boarding checks by airlines and verification by border officials upon arrival. Airlines have been instructed to verify insurance certificates, and passengers without proof of the mandated coverage may be refused boarding or denied entry.

Exemptions apply to Kenyan citizens, holders of valid Kenyan residence status, citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states, asylum seekers, and holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports. Additionally, airline crew members and transit passengers who do not officially enter the country are exempt.

Entities

East African Community · Kenya · Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

Kenya Requires Mandatory Health Insurance for All Foreign Travelers [world-today-journal.com]
Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi Issues Travel Advisory Requiring Health Insurance for Middle‑East Visitors [kenya-today.com]
Kenya Issues New Travel Advisory Targeting Middle East [www.kenyans.co.ke]