Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:621 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!bzs From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Kenya Message-ID: <941028172644_76702.1202_CHN68-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 28 Oct 1994 17:26:44 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 123 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kenya ============================================================ Kenya - Consular Information Sheet October 28, 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 port of entry. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested. There is an airport departure tax of $20 (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, or Kenyan Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City. Areas of Instability: Kenya has recently entered a political transition period, from a single-party democracy to a multi-party democracy. From time to time, political or ethnic tensions, associated with this transition, increase--resulting in localized areas of instability, disruption of public services, and sporadic demonstrations. These ethnic and political clashes have had no affect on tourism and have little potential to do so in the future. 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: There is a high rate of street crime against tourists in downtown Nairobi, Mombasa and at coastal beach resorts. Reports of attacks against tourists by groups of two or more armed assailants have increased in recent months. Pickpockets and thieves also carry out "snatch and run" crimes near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables with them, but to store all valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. There have been reports of thieves snatching jewelry and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either stopped at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. Armed carjackings are increasingly common in Nairobi, with some ten vehicles stolen by armed robbers each day. There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins. Thieves and con men have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers or government officials. Tourists who accept candy, biscuits, or juice from new acquaintances on intercity buses have been robbed after being drugged by food laced with sedatives. Highway banditry is common on the roads leading to the Somali border. Air travel is the safest means of transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi. Walking alone or at night in public parks, along footpaths or beaches and in poorly lit areas can be dangerous. The Kenyan mail system can be unreliable, and monetary instruments (credit cards, checks, etc.) are frequently stolen. International couriers such as Federal Express or DHL 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: Up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings may be taken out of the country. Destruction of Kenyan currency, even in small amounts, is illegal, and almost always results in arrest and a fine. Game Park Security: Highway banditry is occasionally a problem in some game parks or reserves. 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 or other emergency. 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. Kenyan law mandates lengthy prison sentences for all persons found guilty of possessing or dealing in illegal drugs. The penalty for possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is 10 years imprisonment, with no option of fine. The penalty for purchasing or selling illegal drugs, including marijuana, is 20 years imprisonment, with no option of fine. Other Information: Water in Nairobi is potable. In other parts of the country, water must be boiled or bottled water used. Travel by passenger train 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. 94-253 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued May 24, 1994, to revise information concerning currency regulations, game park security and drug penalties. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories