Information, Applications and Procedures for:
Kenya Business & Tourist Visas

On February 6, 2007, The United States Department of State issued a Travel Warning for persons considering travel to Kenya. There is no posted expiration date for this Travel Warning. To read the Travel Warning in entirety, please go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_923.html.

Effective: Until Further Notice

A Briggs specializes in securing Kenyan visas. We are 10 blocks from the Kenyan Embassy and process visas every day for residents of all 50 states.

Please select the appropriate Kenyan visa type and receive step-by-step instructions and applications.

A Briggs works directly with the Embassy of Kenya daily to assist you in securing a Kenya visa. If you are in a hurry, we can secure your visa quickly. Normal processing requires five business days. Our Kenyan specialists have many years of experience and can help you quickly. If you have questions call a Kenyan Visa Specialist toll free at 1-800-417-4023.

Kenya Facts
Conventional long form: Republic of Kenya
Conventional short form: Kenya
Former: British East Africa

U.S. Embassy In Kenya
Chief of mission: Ambassador Johnnie CARSON
Embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Ave., Gigiti; P. O. Box 606 Village Market Nairobi
Mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831
Telephone: [254] (2) 537-800
Fax: [254] (2) 537-810

Note: Americans living in or visiting Kenya are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and obtain updated information on travel and security within Kenya.

TRAVEL WARNING
May 21, 2004
This Travel Warning is being issued to alert American citizens to ongoing safety and security concerns in Kenya. This supersedes the Travel Warning of September 25, 2003.

Due to ongoing security concerns, the Department urges Americans to consider carefully the risks of travel to Kenya at this time. The Department recommends that private American citizens in Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of the current terrorist threat.

The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats in the region aimed at American and Western interests. Terrorism poses a continuing threat in Kenya and throughout East Africa. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, or attacks on civil aviation. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places including tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, as well as commercial operations associated with U.S. or other Western interests.

American citizens resident in or traveling to Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and places of worship, and should also avoid demonstrations and large crowds. In particular, there is a continuing threat against westerners in the capital, Nairobi, and the coastal region.

U.S. citizens in or traveling to Kenya should consult the Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet for Kenya, the East Africa Public Announcement, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or 317-472-2328 from overseas.

U.S. citizens visiting or resident in Kenya are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans monthly. American citizens may complete a registration form on-line at http://usembassy.state.gov/nairobi/wwwhcon3.html or may request one by email at: kenya_acs@state.gov.

American citizens living or traveling in Kenya may contact the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi at 363-6000 during normal business hours; after-hours phone numbers are 363-6170 and 0722-514-246.

Kenyan Medical Facilities
Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi.

Crime
There is a high rate of crime in all cities, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. Reports of attacks against tourists by groups of two or more armed assailants are not uncommon. Pickpockets and thieves carry out "snatch and run" crimes on city streets and near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables, but rather to store them in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. However, there have been reports of safes being stolen from hotel rooms and hotel desk staff being forced to open safes. The best advice is not to travel with any valuables. Walking alone or at night, especially in downtown areas, public parks, along footpaths, on beaches, and in poorly lit areas, is dangerous.

Thieves routinely snatch jewelry and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. Armed vehicle hijackings are common in Nairobi but can occur anywhere in the country. Armed robbers in Nairobi steal approximately ten vehicles every day. Although these attacks are often violent, victims are generally injured only if they resist. There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins. Thieves and con artists have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers, or government officials. American visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to ask for identification. Thieves on buses and trains may steal valuables from inattentive passengers. Americans should guard their backpacks or hand luggage and ensure these items are not left unattended. Passengers on inter-city buses should not accept food or drink from a new acquaintance, even a child, as such food or drink may contain narcotics used to incapacitate a victim and facilitate a robbery.

Many scams, perpetrated against unsuspecting tourists and foreign-looking residents on foot, are prevalent in and around the city of Nairobi. Many of these involve persons impersonating police officers and using fake police ID badges and other credentials. In one of the latest scams, a tourist was stopped by someone who appeared to be a beggar telling a "sob story." The tourist agreed to purchase a cup of coffee for the beggar. The tourist was then approached by "police officers" who told him that he was seen talking with a drug dealer/counterfeit suspect. The "police" demanded money from him. American visitors and residents should be alert to these kinds of scams and immediately contact the U.S. Embassy if they think they are being or have been victimized. Con artists may park their cars on the side of a road, pretending that they broke down, and rob persons who stop to offer assistance.

Highway banditry is common in much of North-Eastern Province, Eastern Province, the northern part of Coast Province, and the northern part of the Rift Valley Province. These areas are remote and sparsely populated. Incidents also occur occasionally on Kenya's main highways, particularly after dark. Due to increased bandit activity, air travel is the recommended means of transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi. Travelers to North Eastern Kenya and the North Rift Valley Region should travel with the police escorts or convoys organized by the Government of Kenya.

There have been recent attacks on ships in the vicinity of Kenyan waters, in particular near the Kenya-Somalia border. Mariners should be vigilant.

The Kenyan mail system can be unreliable and monetary instruments (credit cards, checks, etc.) are frequently stolen. International couriers provide the safest means of shipping envelopes and packages, although anything of value should be insured.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. Passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.