Frequently asked Covid-19 related questions in Kenya
The impact of COVID-19 on travel is incontrovertible. We have gathered some commonly asked questions for you below which will assist you in planning your travel in a better way.
Do I need a negative COVID-19 certificate to enter the country?
Yes, all passengers arriving into Kenya through any point of entry must have a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers below the age of eighteen (18) years are exempt from this requirement and All passengers coming to Kenya must be in possession of a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure regardless of the route of entry. Children below the age of five (5) years are exempt from this requirement.
Please check this link for the latest travel requirements of Kenya: https://www.kcaa.or.ke/covid-19/quarantine-exempted-states
What is the process of getting a COVID-19 PCR test in Kenya?
If you require a COVID-19 test to fly out of Kenya, then kindly inform us prior to your tour start date so that our team can get prior appointment and make other necessary arrangements required for the same.
How much does it cost to get the test done?
It costs around USD 60 to USD 80 per person in Nairobi and the cost depends on the hospital you will be visiting.
Is advanced booking or prior appointment needed?
No, prior booking is not required. But if you let us know in advance then our team can assist you in finding the nearest COVID-19 centre according to your itinerary. Below is the list of some of the certified COVID-19 centres in Kenya:
- Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) - Nairobi
- Lancet Laboratories - Nairobi
- AMPATH Moi University Teaching & Referral Hospital - Eldoret KEMRI. CDC Nairobi Laboratory - Nairobi
- KEMRI. CDC Kisumu Laboratory- Kisumu
- Prof Jared Mecha's Laboratory- University of Nairobi, UNITID - Nairobi
- KEMRI National Influenza Center - KEMRI, Nairobi
- National Public Health Laboratories - Nairobi
- Coast General Hospital - Mombasa
- Mombasa HIV/STI Research Laboratory -Mombasa KEMRI Welcome Trust Research Laboratory - Kilifi
- Aga Khan University & Teaching Hospital Laboratory - Nairobi Nairobi West - Nairobi
- Mombasa Hospital - Mombasa
- IOM Gigiri - Nairobi
- Pathcare - Nairobi
- Nairobi Hospital - Nairobi
Where can I tested in Mara?
You can now get a PCR test done at masai mara. You can either visit their collection point or the technicians will visit your place of stay to collect samples. The prices for this vary depending on the distance of your stay from the collection point and number of people in the group. Below is the screenshot of the details for your reference :
Where can I get tested in Mombasa?
- In Mombasa you can get it tested at Mombasa hospital, Agha khan hospital and Diani beach hospital.
- No prior appointment needed as tests are done on walk-in basis.
- The tests costs 50 USD to 60 USD depending on the hospital you choose.
- It takes 24 to 48 hrs to get the results, hence kindly plan your travel keeping this time frame in mind.
How long will it take to get the results?
Usually it takes 24 hours to 48 hours to get the results. You will have to provide a working contact number while giving the sample, so that the hospital can contact you when you need to collect your results (Online/Offline). Below is the screenshot of a sample certificate issued by The Nairobi hospital. (Please note that the certificate format changes from one hospital to another and the below one is for reference purpose only)
Please Note: Sometimes the results may take up to 3 working days hence kindly plan your travel keeping the time frame in mind.
Can we get a Rapid test? If yes, How much and where?
Rapid tests are not done at any hospital/test centres in Kenya.
As per the latest information received, KLM airlines are doing this rapid antigen test at a hotel nearby to the airport (Location is next to Four Points by Sheraton hotel, Nairobi). But kindly note that this certificate is valid only for 4 hours. Depending on the volume of the tests done, the test results may take 30 to 45 minutes. Hence kindly plan your travel keeping this time frame in mind. Travellers who wish to get this test done can either walk-in and take this test directly or they can book an appointment with the below link:
If you need any more queries you can always contact our team at [email protected] and our team will be happy to assist you accordingly.