BORDER POSTS
The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting.The border was closed for a while but has now reopened. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you'll have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi. Malaba and Busimia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy.
RAIL AND BUS
Rail is a safe, reliable form of public transport. Passenger services run from Mombasa to Malaba via Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret. It is essential to book tickets two to three days in advance. Kenya has a good network of buses, as well as matatus (minibuses) and share-taxis, but none are very safe as drivers tend to overload and speed, and horrific accidents are reported regularly. Where possible, rail travel should be the chosen means of transport. Private 18-seater buses offer shuttle services connecting Nairobi and Mombasa with Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania, which are more expensive, but more comfortable and safer.
AIRPORTS Kenya has two main points of entry by air, Jomo Kenyatta Airport, in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
Domestic and international air services operate between these major airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi (NBO) and Moi International, Mombasa (MBA)
Note that departure tax (US$ 20) is paid when you leave. For local flights this is KSh100 and US$20 for international flights (not payable in KSHS).
A number of airlines operate between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu.
ROADS
There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863 km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition, but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe. The A104 running from Mombasa to Malaba via Nairobi is a heavy truck route. High speed and unpredictable local driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in the north and north-east are predominantly dirt roads and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles. Your national driving license is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town.
CUSTOMS.
Any reasonable volume of personal belongings can be imported together with cameras and any amount of film. Visitors are restricted to duty free items of 200 cigarettes and one litter bottle of spirit.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (As at January 2006)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Kenyan Consulate for up to date information. Visa's can be bought upon arrival in any point of entry designated by the Kenya government Immigrations section
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. It is the responsibility of the traveller to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. We will not be held responsible for loss, delay or any inconvenience that may occur as a result of the passport or visa not being produced for any travel
REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS ARE
-
Visa application form,
-
Business letter (for business visa),
-
One passport photograph,
-
Proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket.
-
Proof of ability to return to country of residence.
