Kenya asks for a valid yellow fever certificate - the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, often called the "yellow card" - from travellers arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, including those who have transited through one. If you fly straight in from a country without risk, such as most of Europe or North America, you are not normally asked for it at the airport.
Parts of Kenya are themselves classed as yellow fever risk areas, and health authorities generally recommend the vaccine for travellers heading to most safari regions. Your doctor or travel clinic will weigh your itinerary, age and health - so book an appointment at least four to six weeks before you travel.
This is where the certificate matters most. Because Kenya is considered a risk country, neighbouring countries may ask to see proof of vaccination when you arrive from Kenya - including at overland borders and when flying into Zanzibar. If your safari crosses borders, we strongly recommend getting vaccinated and keeping the yellow card with your passport.
A certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, so do not leave it until the last minute. Under international health regulations a single dose is now valid for life, and older certificates showing a ten-year expiry are still accepted as lifelong.
Some people should not receive the vaccine for medical reasons. In that case your doctor can issue a signed medical waiver letter to carry with your passport. Discuss it with them early and let us know, so we can plan an itinerary that minimises border complications.
Entry health rules can change at short notice. Confirm the current requirements with Kenya's Ministry of Health, your airline and your travel clinic before departure - we will remind you in your pre-travel information pack.
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