Nairobi First Visit Checklist

The eTA replaced traditional visas in January 2024. It is valid for 90 days from issue and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Non-refundable and non-transferable.

Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from or transiting 12+ hours through endemic countries. Not required if flying direct from the US, UK, Canada, or EU. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival.

Nairobi itself is low-risk due to altitude, but the coast, lake regions, and safari parks are high-risk. Start pills before departure per your doctor's instructions.

You will need ride-hailing from your first moment outside JKIA. Having the apps pre-installed with a payment method saves time on arrival.

Useful while you are waiting for your local SIM card to activate, and in areas with patchy coverage.

Immigration officers may ask for proof of accommodation. Phone batteries die; paper does not.

Officially required under Kenya's Traffic Act. English-language licenses are often accepted in practice, but an IDP eliminates problems at police roadblocks and rental desks.

Exchange a small amount at the JKIA forex bureau on arrival (rates are 3-5% worse than city). For larger amounts, visit forex bureaus on Biashara Street in the CBD.

Credit cards work in tourist-facing businesses but are useless for street food, markets, matatus, and small shops.

Registration is free and takes about 15 minutes. You must visit an official Safaricom shop — not an agent — because foreign passports require KYC processing. The JKIA arrival hall has a Safaricom stand that operates even on late-night arrivals. M-Pesa transaction limit is KES 250,000 per transaction, KES 500,000 daily.

Lipa Na M-Pesa is what you will use most — paying to a shop or restaurant's till number displayed at the counter.

Safaricom has the best coverage nationwide and is required for M-Pesa. The airport stand operates even on late-night arrivals. A tourist SIM bundle with 7 GB data costs KES 1,000 (~USD 8) for 30 days. Larger bundle: 20 GB for KES 2,000.

Once registered at the Safaricom shop, you will receive a PIN by SMS. Load credit via the agent at the shop — ask them to help with your first top-up.

Nairobi has reliable electricity but you will drain your phone using maps, M-Pesa, and ride-hailing all day.

More expensive per GB than a local Safaricom SIM and does not provide M-Pesa access. Useful as a connectivity backup or if your phone supports dual SIM.

94% of Kenyan ride-hailing users consider it safer than other transport. Also available in Mombasa. Always verify driver name and plate number. Use the share-your-trip feature.

Fixed rates: KES 2,500-3,500 to CBD, KES 2,500-3,500 to Westlands, KES 3,000-5,000 to Karen. Avoid taxi touts outside the arrivals hall — they overcharge.

A 10 km journey in Nairobi can take over an hour in traffic. Plan airport transfers and SGR departures with large time margins.

Book at metickets.krc.co.ke up to 60 days in advance. Requires a Kenyan phone number and M-Pesa for payment. The Nairobi terminus is at Syokimau near JKIA, not in the CBD. Express train departs 3 PM, arrives Mombasa ~8 PM.

Fares are KES 30-100 for most city routes. Pay in cash or M-Pesa. They can be crowded and routes are not signposted — ask locals or your hotel for guidance. Not recommended for first-day navigation.

Uber drivers may ask if you want to use the expressway. Say yes if you are in a hurry — the toll is worth it during rush hour.

Nairobi's altitude (1,600m) means low mosquito risk in the city, but you will need protection at the coast, lake regions, and on safari.

Do not use your phone while standing by the roadside. Thieves on motorbikes grab phones from pedestrians. Use your phone inside shops, restaurants, and vehicles.

Avoid River Road, Eastleigh, and CBD backstreets (Ronald Ngala Street, Kirinyaga Road) — these areas have high phone-snatching and pickpocketing risk.

Hand over what is demanded. Phones and wallets are replaceable. Report incidents to police (999 or 112) and your embassy.

At 1,600m altitude, Nairobi is cooler than most people expect for an equatorial city. A light jacket or hoodie is needed for mornings and evenings.

Small aircraft to safari destinations have strict 15 kg luggage limits and require soft bags only. Leave excess luggage at your Nairobi hotel.

Bright colors can startle wildlife and attract tsetse flies. Dark blue is particularly attractive to tsetse flies.

This single step unlocks Uber, Bolt, M-Pesa payments, local calls, and data. Everything else in Nairobi becomes easier once your phone works locally.

This covers a few Uber rides, meals, and incidentals for your first day. You can top up at any M-Pesa agent (green kiosks are everywhere).

Airport rates are 3-5% worse. Exchange just enough for a meal and tips on your first day.

Open 6 AM - 6 PM. Non-resident adult entry USD 60 via the KWS online portal. Pay in advance with M-Pesa or Visa. Lions, rhinos, and giraffes with the Nairobi skyline behind them.

Sarit Centre and The Hub Karen are good starting points with restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and shops all in one place.

Try artisan roasters like Dormans, Artcaffe, or Nairobi Coffee Exchange for single-origin Kenyan AA.