The High Commission of India in Nairobi has advised Indian nationals travelling to Kenya to obtain mandatory travel health insurance before departure, following the introduction of new entry requirements for foreign visitors.
In an advisory dated October 14, 2026, the mission said the requirement took effect on October 5 and applies to foreign nationals entering Kenya for stays of less than 12 months, subject to applicable exemptions.
The commission said the requirement applies to Indian nationals entering Kenya on or after October 5, regardless of when their Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) was issued or their travel arrangements made.
“Indian nationals intending to enter Kenya on or after 05 October 2026 are advised to obtain the prescribed travel health insurance prior to their arrival,” the advisory stated.
Travellers applying for a new eTA can obtain the insurance through the official Kenya eTA portal at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/.
Those who already hold a valid eTA have been directed to https://insurance.ecitizen.go.ke/ to secure the required cover.
The High Commission cautioned that existing international travel or medical insurance policies do not substitute for the prescribed mandatory insurance.
It urged Indian nationals to comply with the requirement and carry proof of valid insurance to avoid inconvenience during airline boarding and immigration clearance.
The mission also advised travellers seeking clarification on exemptions and other details to consult official Kenyan government portals.
The new requirement adds another compliance step for foreign visitors planning trips to Kenya, with travellers expected to secure the prescribed cover before arrival.
The mandatory travel health insurance requirement is anchored in the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, which require foreign visitors staying in the country for less than 12 months to have prescribed medical cover.
The government set minimum cumulative benefits of $50,000, covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, prescription medicines, mental health treatment and repatriation of remains.
The scheme faced a legal challenge but the High Court cleared the way for its implementation in a ruling on October 7, 2026.
