Kenya Eases Covid-19 Travel Restrictions, Removing Vaccination and Testing Requirements for International Travelers

Kenya has recently revised its Covid-19 travel restrictions, bringing some much-needed relief for travelers. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has received new guidelines from the Ministry of Health, which have lifted the requirement for proof of Covid-19 vaccination or PCR tests for international travel. This is a significant change that will make traveling to and from Kenya easier and more convenient for travelers.

Like most countries, Kenya has seen a decrease in Covid-19 infections over the past few months. From a weekly average of 2.5% in mid-January 2023, the infection rate has dropped to 0.5% by the end of April. In light of this positive trend, the Ministry of Health recommended several changes to the Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Effective from May 3rd, 2023, travelers arriving in Kenya through any point of entry will no longer be required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a pre-departure Covid-19 test. The only exception to this will be for those arriving with flu-like symptoms, who will be expected to fill out the passenger locator form on the ‘Jitenge’ platform and take a Covid-19 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. Those who test positive for antigen will be required to take a further Covid-19 PCR test at their own cost.

Truck drivers entering the country will no longer be required to have proof of Covid-19 PCR tests or Covid-19 vaccinations at the points of entry. However, persons traveling out of the country will be required to follow the travel, health, and Covid-19-related requirements of their destination country.

Under the new regulations, pre-departure PCR testing may be considered at the discretion of any airline departing from or terminating in Kenya. This change is a positive development that will support aviation growth locally, regionally, and internationally.

The aviation industry has been one of the hardest-hit sectors by the pandemic, with airlines grounded and many airports closed. The industry has, however, survived this crisis and is now bouncing back, with airlines resuming full operations. The KCAA sees these new regulations as a positive development that will further support the recovery of the aviation industry in Kenya.

In conclusion, the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions by Kenya is a positive development for travelers and the aviation industry. These changes will make traveling to and from Kenya easier and more convenient, while also supporting the recovery of the aviation industry from the devastating effects of the pandemic. It is important to note that travelers must still follow the health and safety protocols put in place by their destination country to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.