Premier Airlines wishes to inform all travel partners and passengers of Kenya’s mandatory inbound travel health insurance requirement, effective 6 October 2026.
According to a directive issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on 5 October 2026, airlines and aviation authorities are required to verify that international passengers travelling to Kenya comply with the inbound travel health insurance requirement. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) subsequently issued a circular on 10 October 2026 outlining the requirement and the verification measures applicable to operators conducting scheduled and non-scheduled international passenger flights into Kenya.
Key Information for Travelers
1. Insurance Requirement
Inbound travel health insurance has been incorporated into Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) application process and is a mandatory requirement for applicable travellers entering Kenya.
2. Cost and Validity
Cost: US$44 per traveller, with the total estimated at approximately US$52, inclusive of applicable fees.
Validity: Up to 90 days of stay in Kenya.
Multiple entries: Permitted within the insurance validity period, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
3. Exemptions
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are exempt from this travel insurance requirement.
4. How to Apply
Travelers can obtain the insurance through the eTA application process or apply separately via the official portal:
eTA application: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation
Separate insurance application: insurance.ecitizen.go.ke
5. Regulatory Framework
The requirement is stated to be based on Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, under Gazette Notice No. 11492, published on 30 July 2026.
Travel partners can consult the relevant Kenya Gazette and the Kenya Tourism Board’s Frequently Asked Questions for further information.
Important Notice to Our Travel Partners
Premier Airlines encourages all travel agents, tour operators and other travel partners to inform passengers travelling to Kenya of this requirement well in advance of departure and advise them to confirm their compliance before travelling.
We will continue to monitor official communications and share relevant updates as further guidance becomes available.
Thank you for your continued partnership and cooperation.
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