Kenya
East Africa · Updated April 2026
Planning a trip to Kenya? CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever vaccines for most travellers — food and water hygiene is the main concern, and yellow fever is advised across most of the country. Your doctor may also discuss rabies, cholera, meningococcal disease, and mpox depending on your itinerary and activities. Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before you go so they can tailor the plan.
Malaria is a risk across Kenya below 2,500 m, including every safari park. Most travellers — including everyone doing a safari — should take malaria pills, and any fever during or within a year of travel needs medical attention.
Required for entry
No vaccines are currently required for entry to Kenya from most countries.
Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — If arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof required for travellers aged 1 year and older.
Recommended for most travellers
CDC advises these for all visitors to Kenya.
Hepatitis A
A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.
Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.
Hepatitis B
A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.
The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.
Typhoid
A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.
The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.
Yellow Fever
A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.
One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.
Recommended for some travellers
Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.
Rabies
A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.
Cholera
A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water, causing severe diarrhoea. Rare in travellers but worth considering for aid workers or travel to areas with active outbreaks.
Meningococcal
A bacterial infection spread through close contact that can cause meningitis. Required for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, and advised for parts of the African meningitis belt during the dry season.
Mpox
A viral illness spread through close skin-to-skin contact, often during sex. CDC advises vaccination for travellers anticipating new sexual partners or exposure at large public events in at-risk regions.
Malaria
Not a vaccineRisk across the country below 2,500 m, including all safari parks. Rare cases in central urban Nairobi. Most travellers — including everyone on a safari itinerary — should take malaria pills. Seek medical attention for any fever during or within a year of travel.
Routine vaccines to be up to date on
CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Polio
Flu (Influenza)
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Shingles
COVID-19
Entry requirements
For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.
CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine for most of Kenya. It is not advised if your travel is limited to Nairobi, the former North Eastern Province (Mandera, Wajir, Garissa), or most of the former Coast Province (except Taita-Taveta).
Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Kenya.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.