KCAA Announces Mandatory Health Insurance Rules for Foreign Travellers

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has announced mandatory health insurance requirements for foreign travellers entering Kenya effective October 5, 2026.

In an Aeronautical Information Circular dated October 9, KCAA notified aircraft operators conducting international passenger flights into Kenya of the requirement and outlined measures to ensure travellers comply before boarding.

The directive applies to non-Kenyan travellers intending to stay in the country for less than 12 months, subject to specified exemptions.

“This Circular notifies all aircraft operators conducting scheduled and non-scheduled international passenger flights into Kenya of the mandatory inbound travel health insurance requirement and the associated passenger verification measures,” read part of the notice.

KCAA Name Those Required to Have Mandatory Health Insurance

Under the new directive, every non-exempt foreign traveller entering Kenya for a stay of less than 12 months must have valid individual health insurance cover.

KCAA  stated that the requirement also applies to minors, who must each have their own insurance policy.

However, Kenyan citizens, holders of valid residence status, citizens of East African Community (EAC) Partner States, people seeking asylum and holders of diplomatic, official and service passports are exempt from the requirement.

Certain crew members are also exempt if they have valid employer-provided health insurance or remain within the port of entry for the duration of their stay. Transit passengers who do not seek entry into Kenya are similarly exempt.

KCAA clarified that exemption from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement does not automatically exempt a traveller from mandatory health insurance.

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Therefore, nationals of African countries outside the EAC who are exempt from obtaining an eTA must still purchase the insurance unless they qualify for another exemption.

Travellers entering Kenya with refugee status and stateless persons are also required to obtain the cover unless they fall under another exempt category.

How to Obtain the Mandatory Health Insurance And Benefits

KCAA further stated that the mandatory insurance must be obtained from local insurers approved and licensed under the Insurance Act as foreign travel health insurance policies will not be accepted as proof of compliance.

To obtain the insurance. applicants are required to go through the official eTA application portal, where they are prompted to purchase the policy as part of the application process.

An electronic policy document is issued once payment has been confirmed through the eCitizen platform.

Travellers are advised to keep proof of insurance for presentation to immigration officers upon arrival in Kenya.

According to KCAA, the mandatory insurance scheme covers several benefits, including medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, prescribed medicines, mental illness and repatriation of mortal remains.

The individual benefit limits are as follows:

• Medical expenses: US$20,000
• Emergency medical transportation: US$25,000
• Prescribed medicines: US$300
• Mental illness: US$1,000
• Repatriation of mortal remains: US$5,000

Airlines Required to Verify Insurance Before Boarding

The circular also noted that the insurance policy will be valid for 90 days and can be used for multiple entries into Kenya during that period, provided the cover remains valid at the time of each entry.

Travellers whose policies expire must obtain new cover before making subsequent trips to the country.

The circular further stated that immigration officers at ports of entry will use a Validator App to confirm the existence, validity and category of the insurance cover.

KCAA has instructed aircraft operators to inform passengers about the insurance requirement, the exemptions and the available channels for purchasing the cover.

Airlines are also required to request and verify documentary proof of insurance at check-in before boarding non-exempt passengers, including those who do not require an eTA.

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Passengers who cannot provide evidence of valid cover are to be advised to purchase the policy online before departure.

Operators must also check documents supporting claims for exemption and refer uncertain cases to immigration authorities for guidance.

However, KCAA clarified that the airlines’ checks are intended to support compliance before boarding, while the final decision on admissibility and verification at the port of entry remains the responsibility of immigration authorities.

Meanwhile, travellers seeking clarification on entry requirements, exemptions and verification procedures have been advised to contact the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.

Enquiries about purchasing the cover and making payments should be directed to eCitizen.

Travellers covered under the scheme who require medical care while in Kenya can contact the scheme administrator, Minet, through its 24-hour helpline on +254 719 044 777.

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Kenya Civil Aviations Authority office headquarters in Nairobi
PHOTO/KCAA