Indian nationals planning to travel to Kenya have been advised to obtain mandatory travel health insurance before departure following the introduction of a new requirement for foreign visitors entering the country.
The High Commission of India in Nairobi issued the advisory on Wednesday, October 14, informing Indian citizens that the requirement took effect on October 5, 2026, and applies to foreign nationals entering Kenya for stays of less than 12 months, subject to applicable exemptions.
The advisory urges travellers to comply with the requirement regardless of when their Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) was issued or when their travel arrangements were made.
“All Indian nationals intending to enter Kenya on or after 05 October 2026 are advised to obtain the prescribed travel health insurance prior to their arrival, irrespective of when their Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) was issued, or their travel arrangements were made, in accordance with the requirements notified by the Government of Kenya,” the High Commission said.
The requirement means visitors are expected to secure the prescribed insurance before travelling, with the High Commission warning that failure to comply could cause difficulties during boarding and immigration clearance.
Travellers applying for a new eTA can obtain the insurance through the official eTA portal, etakenya.go.ke, while those who already hold a valid eTA have been directed to use the insurance portal at insurance.ecitizen.go.ke.
The High Commission also cautioned that existing international travel or medical insurance policies do not replace the prescribed mandatory cover.
“Indian nationals travelling to Kenya are advised to comply with the above requirement and carry proof of valid insurance to avoid inconvenience during boarding and immigration clearance,” the advisory stated.
The notice directs travellers to official Kenyan government portals for additional information, including details of exemptions applicable to certain categories of visitors.
The requirement applies to arrivals from October 5, meaning travellers who secured their eTA before the effective date are also advised to obtain the prescribed insurance if they enter Kenya on or after that date.
Travellers have been encouraged to confirm the applicable requirements before departure and ensure they have the prescribed cover and proof of insurance available when checking in and arriving at Kenyan entry points.
