Kenya has introduced mandatory inbound travel health insurance for all non-Kenyan nationals entering the country for stays of less than 12 months, with the requirement taking effect on October 5, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia announced the requirement in a public notice dated October 27, advising travellers to obtain valid insurance cover before departing for Kenya.
According to the notice, the mandatory insurance applies to all non-Kenyan travellers, including children above three years, who must each have an individual travel health insurance policy.
“Families and organised groups travelling to Kenya are reminded that each child above three (3) years of age must have their own individual travel health insurance policy,” the notice stated.
The insurance costs US$48 per traveller and can be purchased through the official eCitizen insurance portal at https://insurance.ecitizen.go.ke. Travellers may also access the option through https://www.etakenya.go.ke, where applicable.
The notice clarified that foreign travel health insurance policies will not be accepted, with visitors required to obtain the designated cover through the approved Kenyan platform.
An electronic insurance policy document will be issued once payment is confirmed through eCitizen. The policy remains valid for 90 days and may be used for multiple entries into Kenya, provided the cover is still valid at the time of each entry.
Travellers have been advised to retain proof of insurance and present it during airline check-in and upon arrival in Kenya.
However, the requirement exempts Kenyan citizens, holders of valid residence status, citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states, asylum seekers, and holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.
Crew members of ships, aircraft, trains, vehicles or carriers are also exempt, alongside transit passengers who do not seek entry into Kenya.
The notice further states that nationals of African countries outside the EAC who are exempt from Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement must still obtain the mandatory insurance unless they fall under one of the specified exemption categories.
Zambian citizens have been specifically advised that they no longer need to apply for an eTA but must obtain the mandatory travel health insurance before travelling to Kenya.
“Zambian citizens should use the insurance portal only and should not submit an eTA application,” the notice stated.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia urged all travellers intending to visit Kenya to comply with the new requirement before departure to avoid inconveniences during their journey.
