US raises Kenya travel advisory to Level 3 over Ebola, crime and terror risks
The US State Department has raised Kenya to Level 3 'reconsider travel' from Level 2, citing Ebola health risks, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest and road safety; several regions including Eastleigh and Kibera are now Level 4 'do not travel'.
The United States has raised its travel advisory for Kenya to Level 3 (“reconsider travel”), up from Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”), citing Ebola-related health concerns, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest and road safety. The advisory, dated 19 October 2026, was issued by the State Department on Monday. 1
“Reconsider travel to Kenya due to risk of health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and traffic safety. Some areas have increased risk,” the State Department said, with Reuters reporting the advisory’s issue on 19 October. 2
The health component follows a CDC Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease for Kenya, alongside one for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026. 2
Several areas are now at Level 4 (“do not travel”): the Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, over crime and kidnapping; the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi north of highway C103, and coastal areas north of Malindi, over kidnapping and terrorism; West Pokot and western Turkana counties, over crime; and areas of Marsabit and Turkana counties within 50 kilometres of the Ethiopian border, over unrest. 2
People Daily confirmed the same Level 4 designations on Tuesday, also reporting road-safety warnings for the Nairobi-Nakuru and Nairobi-Mombasa routes. 3
Americans in Kenya are urged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and ensure travel insurance covers medical evacuation. 2
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