COVID-19 LATEST UPDATE:
On 11 March 2022 the Cabinet Secretary of Health here in Kenya made very positive announcements in terms of changes to Covid protocols and entry requirements, opening up tourism to unvaccinated visitors, removing the Covid-19 Test requirements for those who are vaccinated and easing some general restrictions. In summary:
- International travelers who are fully vaccinated can now enter Kenya without taking a Covid-19 PCR test
- Those that are not vaccinated can now also enter Kenya with a negative PCR certificate and by taking a rapid test on arrival – see full details below
- Mandatory wearing of face masks in public places is no longer required
- Indoor in-person meetings can operate at normal full capacity of the venue
- Temperature checks for public places is no longer needed
Kenya is Open & Safe!
International flights resumed to Nairobi in August 2020 and since then we have welcomed hundreds of guests from the United States, Canada, Latin America, the UK, Europe, UAE, India and many other locations on safaris to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Victoria Falls and Namibia (recent guest comments can be seen here on TripAdvisor).
Due to effective containment of the virus, Kenya has been fortunate to have experienced a relatively low level of fatalities as compared to most other countries in the world. With a Covid-19 fatalities rate of less than 95 deaths per one million people, Kenya is ranked below 158 other countries globally that have rates that are much higher (typically, it is 20 times higher than Kenya in most countries of America and Europe). Kenya’s successful vaccination programme prioritised the hospitality sector and front line workers and all those above 58 years of age or with any underlying conditions. At Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps our drivers and representatives have been fully vaccinated as have 95% of the staff in our Porini camps with the last few camp staff due to be vaccinated in the near future.
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The re-opening of tourism into Kenya follows the development of very elaborate Protocols to govern all business operations including tourism. The Protocols developed specifically for tourism were endorsed by WHO and have led to Kenya being awarded the “SafeTravel” stamp by WTTC. |
Our Porini Safari Camps were among the first in Kenya to be checked and certified to re-open with new Covid-19 safety standards in line with the World Health Organization and Kenya Ministry of Health requirements. Various measures are in place based on their recommended protocols, including temperature screening of guests on arrival, regular health checks of staff, social distancing, deep cleaning of camp / vehicles and more. To view full details please click here: Porini Camps Covid Protocols
Arrival procedures for our customers flying into Kenya:
1. Proof of Vaccination OR Covid-19 PCR Test Certificate
All travelers above the age of 12 years arriving into the country through any point of entry will be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure.
NB: Vaccination means having received the prescribed doses of specific vaccine latest shot at least fourteen (14) days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).
Any traveler above the age of twelve (12) arriving at any point of entry with no proof of vaccination or a PCR test or those with flu-like symptoms shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to entry PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate as per the Ministry of Health ( MOH ) guidance on isolation.
2. Any traveler arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/ and to undergo rapid antigen test at own cost regardless of age or vaccination status. If positive on antigen test they will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test own cost.
The Kenya Airports Authority has advised that 72 hours before TRAVEL means before the time of departure on a flight to Kenya. However it appears that some airlines are insisting that it means 72 hours before ARRIVAL in Kenya, so we recommend that you check with your airline in advance of having the test, to clarify exactly what their boarding requirements are so that you can ensure that you comply.
We can arrange for Covid-19 tests to be carried out whilst in Kenya before travelling back home should your airline / destination require this.
