Foreign travellers planning to visit Kenya from the Middle East have been urged to obtain mandatory health insurance before departure, following an advisory issued by the Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The notice, released on Thursday, October 22, reminds prospective visitors of the requirement introduced by the Kenyan government earlier this month. The policy took effect on October 5, 2026, and applies to non-Kenyan travellers entering the country for short-term stays.
Under the rules, all foreign visitors entering and staying in Kenya for less than 12 months must have valid health insurance. The requirement covers every traveller, including children, meaning families must ensure each member has individual insurance cover.
The embassy warned that visitors who fail to secure the required insurance before travelling could face disruptions during their journey.
“All prospective travellers are advised to obtain the required insurance before departure to avoid travel disruptions,” the embassy stated in its public notice.
The advisory is particularly relevant to travellers from the Middle East who are preparing to visit Kenya for tourism, business, family visits or other short-term engagements.
The requirement forms part of Kenya’s inbound travel health insurance framework, which seeks to ensure foreign visitors have medical coverage during their stay in the country.
Travellers are therefore expected to make the necessary arrangements before boarding their flights rather than waiting until they arrive in Kenya. Those travelling with children have also been reminded that the requirement applies to minors.
The October 22 notice comes just over two weeks after the policy took effect, as Kenyan diplomatic missions continue to inform prospective visitors about the new rules.
The advisory also highlights the importance of checking travel requirements before departure, particularly for passengers who may be unfamiliar with Kenya’s updated entry procedures.
Visitors planning trips to Kenya are encouraged to confirm that their insurance meets the applicable requirements, and that their cover remains valid for the intended period of stay.
The embassy did not provide further details in the notice on the consequences for travellers, who arrive without the required insurance or whether exemptions apply to particular categories of visitors.