US Raises Kenya Travel Advisory to Level 3, Lists Areas Americans Should Avoid

The US State Department has advised American citizens to reconsider travel to Kenya, citing health and security concerns, while placing several Nairobi neighbourhoods and parts of multiple counties under a stricter travel warning.

The United States has raised its travel advisory for Kenya to Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to the country amid concerns over health risks, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road safety.

According to the US State Department’s advisory issued on October 19, 2026, the countrywide designation includes stricter warnings for specific locations considered to face elevated security risks.

The advisory identifies Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi among the areas Americans have been told not to visit. Several counties in northern and coastal Kenya have also been placed under the same warning because of kidnapping and terrorism concerns.

The announcement comes as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues a separate health notice concerning Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Kenya.

Nairobi neighbourhoods and counties listed under travel warning

The US State Department has designated Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi as areas Americans should avoid travelling to, citing crime and kidnapping risks.

The advisory also lists Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Lamu counties, alongside Tana River County, except Tsavo National Park.

In Kilifi County, the warning applies to areas north of Highway C103. Coastal areas north of Malindi are also included because of the stated risks of kidnapping and terrorism.

West Pokot and western Turkana counties have been identified over crime concerns, according to the supplied advisory details. Sections of Marsabit and Turkana within 50 kilometres of the Ethiopian border were also reported to face additional warnings linked to cross-border incursions and unrest.

The restrictions are part of the US government’s travel guidance for its citizens and should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on travel imposed by the Kenyan government.

Ebola health notice adds to travel concerns

Health concerns are another factor cited in the updated US travel advisory.

The CDC issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Kenya on October 19, 2026. The agency’s notice states that Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed an imported case and other linked cases in Nairobi, with local health authorities investigating contacts and assessing the risk of further transmission.

The CDC’s notice for Kenya is classified at Level 1, meaning travellers should practise usual precautions. This is a separate assessment from the State Department’s overall Level 3 travel advisory.

The US State Department has also highlighted limitations in access to medical care, particularly in rural areas where healthcare facilities may lack sufficient medicines and equipment.

Its guidance warns that travellers who require specialised treatment may need medical evacuation and that medical expenses can be substantial. Travellers are therefore advised to consider insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation.

Crime, terrorism and civil unrest highlighted

The State Department’s advisory identifies several security concerns affecting visitors to Kenya.

These include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasions, sexual assault and kidnapping for ransom. Petty theft is also cited as a concern in crowded places, including incidents involving motorcycle-borne criminals.

The advisory warns that terrorist groups may target government buildings, hotels, shopping centres, transport hubs, places of worship and tourist attractions. It notes that attacks can occur without warning.

Other concerns include investment fraud involving gold and other high-value commodities, as well as property disputes in which competing claims can affect land, businesses and other investments.

The US government has also raised concerns about demonstrations and strikes, warning that some protests can turn violent. Its guidance refers to clashes involving protesters and police, including incidents in Nairobi and western Kenya.

What the advisory means for American travellers

The Level 3 designation means the US government is advising its citizens to reconsider travel to Kenya. It does not amount to a general travel ban covering the entire country.

The separate Level 4 warnings identify specific locations where the State Department advises Americans not to travel because of the stated security risks.

American citizens planning trips to Kenya are advised to review the full official travel guidance, assess the risks associated with their intended destinations and make appropriate emergency arrangements.

The State Department also recommends enrolling in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), preparing an emergency evacuation plan and obtaining travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.

The advisory is directed at US citizens and reflects the American government’s assessment of travel risks. It does not, by itself, establish that every part of Kenya faces the same level of danger.

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