General information about the Republic of Kenya
Area: 582,646 sq. km
Time zone: UTC +3
Population: 46,445,079
State system: republic
Capital: Nairobi
Official language: Swahili, English
Main religion: Christianity (Catholics, Protestants),
Currency: Kenyan Shilling / 1 EUR = 110.7819 KES/
Currency exchange should only take place at strictly designated locations. It is recommended that you carry dollars or checkbooks and credit cards.
Useful information:
Crime and security
On 16.10.2011 the Kenyan army crossed the border with Somalia, pursuing units of the southern Somali militias “Al-Shaab”.
From time to time, the fighting is renewed. In this regard, it is recommended not to travel to the areas located along the Kenya-Somalia border: Mandera, El-Wak, Wajir, Liboi and Dadaab.
Coastal areas are particularly dangerous to visit, especially near the Somali border. There have been cases of Western tourists being kidnapped.
The risk of terrorist attacks is high, especially in the Mombasa area.
Overall, security risks are high for all parts of Kenya. In the big cities there is a high level of criminal crime.
Peculiarities of the legislation
In Kenya, homosexuality is prohibited. Violations in this regard are punishable by long years in prison according to local law.
Customs requirements
There are no restrictions on importing foreign or local currency. Amounts over USD 5,000 must be declared upon entry.
Export of local or foreign currency is permitted.
It is forbidden to export diamonds and gold from Kenya.
It is forbidden to import weapons, fresh meat and plants.
The valuables you bring with you are declared.
Road traffic
In Kenya, traffic is on left-hand side.
The state of public transport is unsatisfactory. Foreigners are not recommended to travel on city buses. The trains are poorly maintained. It is recommended to use licensed taxis to hotels and airports. The poor condition of the roads does not allow high speeds.
An international driver’s license is required.
Alcohol consumption is not allowed during or before driving.
Healthcare
The level of medical care in Kenya does not meet European standards. The number of HIV-positive people is very high.
Travelers are advised to be immunized against malaria.
Detailed up-to-date information on the need for immunizations, the types of vaccines and the issuance of immunization certificates to Bulgarian citizens when traveling to Kenya can be obtained in advance from the National Immunization and Advisory Center for Parasitic and Infectious Diseases, at the address: Sofia, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd. tel. 02/944-69-99, ext. 221, as well as on the website www.ncipd.org.
Travel documents and visa regime
As of January 1, 2014, an East African tourist visa comes into effect. Tourists visiting one of the countries Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda with a valid visa can visit the other two without applying for additional visas or paying additional visa fees.
Kenya is entered with an ordinary international passport valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into the country.
No mandatory vaccination document is required for entry into Kenya from European countries. However, the typical vaccines for East African countries are recommended.
Up-to-date information on vaccines required for Kenya can be obtained from the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases at + 359 2 9446999/221.
Bulgarian citizens traveling to Kenya (bearers of ordinary, service and diplomatic passports) need a visa, which can be obtained at the Kenyan embassy in Berlin or upon arrival at the country’s airport.
Attention!
Your passport must have at least one full blank page for the Kenya entry visa to be placed on it. There should be no other previously applied visa on the back of this page, except for border control stamps.
Practical advice
Special attention to the security of foreigners visiting the country is recommended in large gatherings of people, large shopping centers, restaurants and bars.
In the event of an attack, it is recommended not to resist.
Special caution is required when exchanging currency or using credit cards.
Avoid going out after dark.
The doors and windows of parked cars should be properly closed.
SOURCE: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria!