Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: ALL:  NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Kenya
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 1994 21:40:25 GMT

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kenya
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Kenya - Consular Information Sheet

 March 25, 1994

Country Description:  Kenya is a developing East African country 
known for the wildlife in its national park system.  Tourist 
facilities are widely available in Nairobi, on the coast, and in the 
game parks and reserves.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Visas may 
be obtained in advance at any Kenyan embassy or consulate, or upon 
arrival at a Kenyan port of entry.  A yellow fever vaccination is 
recommended, and evidence of immunization may be requested.  There 
is an airport departure tax of $20.00 (U.S.) which must be paid in 
hard currency cash.  Further information may be obtained from the 
Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; 
telephone (202) 387-6101.  There are also Kenyan Consulates General 
in Los Angeles and New York.

Areas of Instability:  Kenya has recently entered a political 
transition period, from a system of single-party democracy to a 
system of multi-party democracy.  From time to time, political or 
ethnic tensions, associated with this transition, increase -- 
resulting in localized areas of instability, displacement of 
persons, disruption of public services, and sporadic demonstrations. 
 These ethnic and political clashes have had no affect on tourism in 
Kenya and have little potential to do so in the future.  Visitors to 
Kenya should, nevertheless, be aware of these local developments.

Medical Facilities:  Adequate medical services are available in 
Nairobi.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment 
for health care services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Supplemental insurance with 
specific overseas coverage, including air evacuations, has proved 
useful.  Information on other health matters, including the 
incidence of malaria in the country, can be obtained from the 
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, 
telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime, mostly of the "grab and run" 
variety, has become widespread in Nairobi, Mombasa and at the 
coastal beach resorts.  Travelers are wise to closely guard money, 
valuables and personal belongings.  Highway banditry is common on 
the roads leading to the Somali border, and tourists are advised to 
use air transport when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of 
Malindi.  Individuals pretending to be police or other government 
officials sometimes attempt confidence scams.  Walking alone or at 
night in public parks, along footpaths or beaches and in poorly-lit 
areas, can be dangerous.  There is also a high incidence of 
residential break-ins.  The Kenyan mail system can be unreliable, 
and monetary instruments (credit cards, checks, etc.) are frequently 
stolen.  International couriers have proven to be the safest means 
of shipping envelopes and packages.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported 
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or 
consulate.  The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in 
the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402.

Currency Regulations:  Kenyan currency may not be taken out of the 
country and is sometimes difficult to exchange for dollars upon 
departure.  Destruction of Kenyan currency is strictly against the 
law.

Game Park Security:  Security in the Masai Mara game reserve has 
recently deteriorated, with attacks by armed bandits on several camp 
sites.  To date, lodges have not been affected.  Travelers who do 
not use the services of reputable travel firms or knowledgeable 
guides or drivers are especially at risk.  Safaris are best 
undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup 
in case of mechanical failure.  Solo camping is always risky.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use 
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted 
offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Other Information:  Water in Nairobi is potable.  In other parts of 
the country, water must be boiled or bottled water must be used.  
Travel by passenger train in Kenya may be unsafe, particularly 
during the rainy season, because of the lack of routine maintenance 
and safety checks.

Registration:  U.S. citizens may register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Nairobi and obtain updated information on travel and security in 
Kenya.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection 
of Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues in Nairobi.  The telephone number 
is (254-2) 334141.  The mailing address is P.O. Box 30137, or Unit 
64100, APO AE 09831.

 No. 94-039

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued October 18, 
1993, to revise information on game park security.