The High Commission of India in Nairobi has issued a travel advisory informing Indian nationals that visitors travelling to Kenya will be required to obtain mandatory health insurance before entering the country, effective October 5, 2026.
In a notice dated October 14, 2026, the commission said the Government of Kenya had introduced compulsory inbound travel health insurance for foreign nationals entering the country on or after October 5, 2026, for stays of less than 12 months, subject to applicable exemptions.
The advisory requires Indian nationals planning to travel to Kenya to obtain the prescribed insurance before their arrival, regardless of when their Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) was issued or when their travel arrangements were made.
The High Commission emphasised that travellers must comply with the new requirement even if they had already secured their travel authorisation before the policy took effect. The directive means that having a valid eTA alone does not exempt eligible visitors from obtaining the mandatory insurance.
According to the notice, travellers can purchase the prescribed insurance through official online platforms designated for the process. Those applying for a new eTA can access the insurance service through the official eTA portal.
Visitors who already hold a valid eTA have been directed to obtain the insurance through the designated government insurance portal.
The commission also cautioned travellers against assuming that existing international travel insurance or medical insurance policies would satisfy the new requirement. It stated that such policies do not substitute for the mandatory insurance prescribed by the Kenyan government.
Indian nationals travelling to Kenya have therefore been advised to familiarise themselves with the new rules and ensure they possess valid proof of the required insurance before departure. The commission warned that failure to comply could result in inconvenience during airline boarding procedures and immigration clearance upon arrival.
The advisory comes as Kenya implements the inbound insurance requirement for eligible foreign visitors, making it important for travellers to verify the applicable conditions before finalising their journeys.However, the notice acknowledges that exemptions may apply in certain circumstances.
Travellers have been encouraged to consult official Kenyan government platforms for further information on eligibility, exemptions and the procedures for obtaining the required cover.
The High Commission said the measures were being communicated to ensure Indian nationals travelling to Kenya understand and comply with the country's entry requirements.
