The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Kenya, raising the country’s travel advisory from Level 2 to Level 3 following health concerns linked to an Ebola outbreak and persistent security risks in several regions.
The US Department of State renewed its advisory on October 19, 2026, citing health risks, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road safety concerns.
The update comes as Kenya confirmed one new Ebola infection on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases to eight.
Health Director General Patrick Amoth told Citizen TV that the Ministry of Health tested 38 people on Sunday, with one testing positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. The latest case involves a patient attendant.
Health authorities are investigating the infections, tracing contacts and assessing the possibility of further transmission as containment efforts continue.
The US advisory urges travellers to avoid contact with people exhibiting symptoms of Ebola or with their bodily fluids.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain, while unexplained bleeding or bruising may occur in advanced stages of the illness.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention advises anyone developing symptoms consistent with Ebola to separate themselves from others immediately, avoid travelling and contact local health authorities or a healthcare facility for guidance.
Travellers are also advised to call a medical facility before arriving so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Alongside the health warning, the State Department has maintained “Do Not Travel” restrictions for specific areas of Kenya, citing security threats.
In Nairobi, the department has warned American citizens against visiting Eastleigh and Kibera because of the risk of crime and kidnapping.
The warning extends to Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu and Tana River counties, excluding Tsavo National Park, as well as Kilifi County north of highway C103 and coastal areas north of Malindi, over the risk of kidnapping and terrorism.
The State Department has also advised against travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County because of crime.
In Marsabit and Turkana counties, the warning applies to areas within 50 kilometres of the Ethiopian border due to the risk of unrest.
The department has urged travellers to review the full advisory and assess the risks before making travel plans.
While the Level 3 classification calls on American travellers to reconsider visiting Kenya, it does not amount to a blanket travel ban. The more restrictive warnings apply to the specific locations identified by the department.
Kenyan health authorities continue to investigate the reported Ebola cases as the country works to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
