Kenya requires health insurance proof before eTA approval

International visitors to Kenya with existing compliant travel health insurance will not need to buy a new policy, but they must upload proof of cover through the country’s electronic travel authorisation (eTA) system before travelling.

The Ministry of Health issued the clarification following the publication of Gazette Notice No. 11492, which sets minimum benefits and coverage limits for mandatory travel health insurance for non-Kenyan visitors staying in the country for less than 12 months.

“Any traveller who possesses travel health insurance from their country of origin, provided it meets the insurable value as per Gazette Notice No. 11492 dated 30 July 2026, should upload it in the Kenya eTA system,” the Ministry stated.

The Department for Immigration Services will verify insurance documentation through the eTA platform and, where necessary, at ports of entry.

Policies must provide a total benefit of at least US$50,000, including medical cover of up to $20,000, emergency medical transportation of $25,000, prescribed medicines of $300, mental health treatment of $1,000, and repatriation of mortal remains of $5,000.

Travellers without qualifying cover before departure can still purchase a compliant policy on arrival at designated entry points from insurers licensed under Kenya’s Insurance Act.

The rules have prompted legal and industry concerns. Consumer lobby COFEK has challenged the rollout in court, while tourism stakeholders have raised questions about its implementation and potential impact on international visitors.