Ministry of Health Clarifies Travel Health Insurance Requirements for Foreigners Entering Kenya

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The Ministry of Health has clarified the legal basis and implementation of travel health insurance requirements for non-Kenyan travellers entering the country, following the issuance of Gazette Notice No. 11492 dated July 30, 2026.

In a statement on Friday, August 7, the Ministry of Health said the requirement is anchored in Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and supported by Regulation 70(1) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that the directive ensures all foreign visitors are covered under approved health insurance policies during their stay.

Consequently, the Ministry requires all non-Kenyan travellers planning to stay in Kenya for less than 12 months to possess valid travel health insurance.

“A person who is a non-Kenyan that intends to enter and remain in the territory of Kenya for a period of less than twelve months shall be required to be in possession of a travel health insurance cover as may be designated by the Cabinet Secretary,” the notice read.

In addition, the Ministry of Health reinforced the requirement by citing further legal backing under the law.

“A person travelling into Kenya shall possess a travel health insurance cover pursuant to section 26(6) of the Act,” the ministry stated.

Ministry of Health Compliance and Implementation Measures

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health explained that the Cabinet Secretary, through Gazette Notice No. 11492, prescribed the travel health insurance benefit limits and applicable tariffs for non-Kenyan travellers.

As a result, the Ministry of Health requires travellers to ensure their insurance policies meet the prescribed benefit limits before arrival.

“Accordingly, every non-Kenyan intending to enter and remain in Kenya for a period not exceeding twelve months is required to possess a valid travel health insurance policy that complies with the benefit limits and tariff prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary,” the notice read.

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Upload Requirement and Entry Verification

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health directed travellers with valid insurance obtained in their countries of origin to upload proof through the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system before travelling.

“Any traveller who possess travel health insurance from their country of origin, provided it meets the insurable value as per the Gazette Notice no. 11492 dated 30th July 2026, should upload it in the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system,” the ministry stated.

However, the CS Aden Duale provided an alternative for travellers who fail to secure insurance before departure.

“However, where a traveller has not obtained the required travel health insurance before travelling to Kenya, the traveller may obtain a compliant travel health insurance policy at the point of entry from an insurer licensed under the Insurance Act and approved to provide the requisite travel health insurance cover in accordance with section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024,” the ministry added.

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Additionally, the policy allows flexibility at entry points as a person travelling into Kenya may obtain the travel health insurance cover at the point of entry in Kenya.

Enforcement at Points of Entry

Finally, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the Department of Immigration Services will enforce compliance through the eTA system and at all designated entry points.

“The Department of Immigration Services shall implement this requirement through the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system and at all designated points of entry by verifying compliance with the travel health insurance requirement,” the ministry stated.

Similarly, the Ministry of Health stated that authorities will verify policies obtained at entry points before granting entry.

“Where a traveller obtains the required travel health insurance at the point of entry, the Department shall verify the policy before granting entry into the Republic of Kenya,” it stated.

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