Travel safety

Is Kenya safe to visit?

Kenya travel photo — Kenya · photo from the Waymark library

Nairobi, Maasai Mara, DianiSafeChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 16 October 2026

The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Nairobi, Mombasa and the south coast, including Diani, have no FCDO warnings. The no-travel zones are in the north-east near Somalia, with Lamu and Manda islands excluded.

Safe
Avoid
Essential only
Never travel

RatingSafe

Emergency number999

Official advice updated16 October 2026

Areas covered7 on this page

Kenya's warnings are driven by the threat from Somalia-based armed groups, so they follow the north-eastern border and the northern coast. The safari circuit and the beach resorts south of Malindi are well outside those zones.

Kenya region by region

Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, LaikipiaSafe
No warning.
NairobiSafe
No warning, but street crime and phone snatching are common. Use app taxis.
Diani, Mombasa, Watamu & MalindiSafe
No warning.
Lamu & Manda islandsSafe
Exempt from the Lamu County warning. Fly in rather than driving.
Coast between the Tana and Galana riversEssential only
Within 15km of the coast, essential travel only.
Garissa Town & northern Tana River CountyEssential only
Essential travel only.
Mandera, Wajir border areas, most of Garissa & mainland LamuNever travel
Advise against all travel.

Before you go

Fly to Lamu rather than taking the road.
Check the latest Ebola screening rules on the FCDO entry page.
Emergency: 999 or 112.

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Kenya

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Questions people ask

Is a safari in Kenya safe?

Yes. The main parks are outside every warning zone, and safari operators are experienced with international visitors.

Can I visit Lamu?

Lamu Island and Manda Island are exempt from the county-wide warning. Fly into Manda airport rather than driving.

Is Diani Beach safe?

Diani and the south coast have no FCDO warnings. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel only to parts of the coast north of Malindi, between the Tana and Galana rivers.

← All travel safety guides

Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.