The United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens residing in or planning to visit Kenya to avoid certain regions due to security concerns. In a travel advisory released on December 2, 2025, the UK government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), outlined several areas where it advises against all travel or only essential travel, citing risks such as terrorism and kidnapping.
The office advises against all travel to regions along the Kenya–Somalia border and the northern parts of the east coast, where it said terrorist threats remain high due to the presence of groups based in Somalia.
“There have been frequent attacks in the north-eastern border regions, most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab. Attacks have killed members of the Kenyan security forces as well as civilians. The Kenyan security forces have increased their presence in the affected areas. Armed militia groups operate within the Boni National Reserve and along the border with Somalia,” part of the advisory reads.
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FCDO issues December travel advisory for UK Citizens in Kenya
Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO advises against all travel to:
- Mandera County
- Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except for Wajir Town
- areas of Wajir County within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia
- Garissa County – except for Garissa Town, the constituency of Lagdera and the areas of Balambala constituency which lie north and west of the main road which runs from Saka on the Tana River up to the intersection with the C81 Road
- Lamu County, except for Lamu Island and Manda Island
In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- Garissa Town
- Tana River County, north of the Tana River, as far as the town of Saka
- within 15km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River
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Travelers to Lamu Island and Manda Island are advised to fly to Lamu Airport, located on Manda Island, as road travel to these areas is discouraged due to security concerns.
JKIA to Nairobi CBD
For movement between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and central Nairobi, travelers are advised to use the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway. FCDO said that there is a higher risk of carjacking on the old airport road (Airport South Road) and Jogoo Road.
“The Mombasa Road can get very busy during rush hour, and check-in can take several hours. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. A vehicle security check outside the airport may add to your journey time.”
In the rural areas of north and north-east Kenya, incidents of cattle rustling, banditry, and ethnic clashes occur occasionally. While foreign nationals are not usually targeted, travelers are urged to exercise great caution.
Security operations are ongoing in parts of Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu counties due to banditry and intercommunal violence.
Although many dusk-to-dawn curfews have been lifted, movement restrictions may still be imposed during security operations, especially in hotspot areas such as the Turkana–West Pokot border, Kerio Valley (Elgeyo-Marakwet), and remote regions of Laikipia, Samburu, and Baringo. Visitors are advised to follow local security guidelines and remain vigilant.
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Near the Kenya-Ethiopia border, particularly around Moyale on the main A2 road south, there have been landmine attacks.
Vehicles crossing the border at this point should remain on the A2 road. Travelers are advised to avoid staying at the rest house in Sololo and instead proceed directly to Marsabit before making any further stops.
In the Mount Elgon area, there is a strong security presence due to armed clashes, with the possibility of further incidents. Visitors should seek local advice before traveling to this region.
Travel insurance
FCDO reminds UK citizens that if they travel internationally, they should buy appropriate travel insurance before they go, covering them for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation), expenses in an emergency and any activities they will be doing whilst they are away.
“If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds,” the office warns.
Further details can be accessed through FCDO communication channels comprising safety and security advice for Kenya.
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