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East Africa

🇰🇪 Vaccines for Kenya

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Kenya

Kenya requires a Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country, and recommends it for travel to western Kenya. Malaria risk exists in most areas below 2500m — including coastal areas (Mombasa, Diani) and most safari destinations — while Nairobi and the highlands carry lower risk, though prophylaxis is still generally recommended given how most itineraries combine Nairobi with lower-altitude safari and coastal areas. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended, with Rabies particularly relevant for safari trips given wildlife and rural dog exposure. Healthcare in Nairobi is good, including private hospitals used to international travellers; safari lodges typically have arrangements for medical evacuation if needed.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country. Recommended if visiting game parks in western Kenya.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal exposure risk particularly on safari or in rural areas.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (most areas below 2500m — Nairobi and highlands lower risk)
  • ⚠Yellow Fever
  • ⚠Rift Valley Fever (outbreaks)
  • ⚠Dengue
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries; recommended for western Kenya. Malaria prophylaxis for all areas outside Nairobi/highlands. Nairobi city itself: lower malaria risk but prophylaxis recommended.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
TanzaniaUgandaRwandaEthiopia
Common questions
Do I need malaria tablets for Kenya?
Generally yes, for most safari and coastal itineraries. Malaria risk exists in most areas below 2500m, including Mombasa, Diani, and the majority of safari destinations like the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. Nairobi and the highlands carry lower risk, but since most trips combine Nairobi with these other areas, antimalarial medication is typically recommended for the whole trip.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Kenya?
Required if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country, and recommended for travel to western Kenya specifically. For typical Nairobi-Maasai Mara-coast itineraries arriving directly from non-endemic countries, it's often not a strict requirement, but check based on your specific routing and any countries you've recently visited.
What vaccines are required for Kenya?
Yellow Fever as discussed above depending on routing. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended — Rabies particularly given wildlife exposure on safari and rural dog populations. Routine vaccinations should be current. Discuss your full itinerary, including any coastal extensions, with a travel clinic.
Is it safe to eat street food in Kenya?
Use reasonable caution as anywhere — busy stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked food are generally lower risk. Nairobi has a wide range of dining options with good standards at established restaurants. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination provides a safety margin for broader food exposure during your trip, including at safari lodges and coastal areas.