Foreign travellers entering Kenya for stays of less than 12 months will be required to have valid inbound travel health insurance under new requirements that took effect on October 5, 2026.
Malawi Airlines announced the directive in a travel advisory dated October 13, 2026, informing passengers travelling to Kenya that the mandatory insurance requirement applies to non-Kenyan travellers unless they qualify for an exemption.
The airline said the requirement follows an official circular issued by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to aircraft operators conducting scheduled and non-scheduled international passenger flights into the country. The circular outlines the compulsory insurance cover and the passenger verification measures that airlines are expected to implement.
According to the advisory, the requirement applies regardless of when a passenger purchased their flight ticket, meaning travellers who booked their journeys before the October 5 implementation date are also expected to comply if they fall within the category covered by the directive.
The airline further clarified that existing foreign travel insurance policies will not be accepted as substitutes for the mandatory cover, urging eligible passengers to obtain the required insurance through the designated official channel before travelling.
Travellers can access the insurance through Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) website. Passengers have been advised to secure their cover before departure and carry proof of insurance for verification during airline check-in and upon arrival in Kenya.
The directive introduces an additional compliance requirement for international visitors, making it important for travellers to confirm their eligibility and insurance status before embarking on their journeys. Failure to meet the applicable requirements could result in complications during the travel verification process.
Airlines operating flights into Kenya are expected to communicate the requirements to passengers and undertake the necessary checks in line with the aviation authority's circular.
The announcement comes as Kenya continues to streamline entry procedures for international visitors through its electronic travel authorisation system. The mandatory insurance requirement means eligible travellers must now pay closer attention to health coverage arrangements in addition to meeting other applicable entry requirements.
Malawi Airlines advised passengers seeking further clarification to consult the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority's circular on Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance, which has been made available through the airline's website.
