On October 22, 2026, the US State Department issued an announcement raising the travel advisory level for American citizens traveling to Kenya from Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”). This decision was primarily due to health risks (including the Ebola epidemic) as well as factors such as crime, kidnapping, terrorism, instability, and transportation safety.
The announcement specifically mentioned that health risks were a significant factor in the level increase. On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a matter of international public health concern.
According to the WHO’s update on October 20, the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC has spread to at least five countries, including a recently confirmed case in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. Earlier this month, Kenya reported its first case, with a total of 9 confirmed infections.
This particular strain of Ebola has affected multiple countries across three regions of Africa, representing the widest geographical spread of an Ebola outbreak on record. The fatality rate of this outbreak is close to 50%, making the current situation extremely severe.
The announcement highlighted the limited healthcare resources in Kenya, especially in remote rural areas where some medical facilities lack basic medications and equipment. It warned that without advance payment, medical facilities might refuse to provide services, except for those located in major cities with better medical capabilities.
American citizens were reminded in the announcement to prepare a will and establish a “Proof of Life Protocol” with their loved ones, a mechanism for periodically confirming each other’s safety in case of being kidnapped or going missing. This is a standard recommendation in Level 3 advisories.
Kenya is renowned for its wildlife safaris, picturesque savannah landscapes, and national parks, attracting millions of international visitors annually. In 2025, the country welcomed around 2.7 million international tourists, with Americans accounting for 14% of total inbound tourists.
However, the current social unrest, rampant kidnappings, terrorist activities, serious transportation safety issues, and worsening healthcare risks present significant challenges in the country.
The State Department urged US citizens to avoid specific neighborhoods in Nairobi, such as Eastleigh and Kibera, as well as certain counties in Kenya (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu), and turbulent areas near the Ethiopian border.
Officials cautioned that violent crimes could occur anytime in Kenya and highlighted that minor crimes were common. Travelers, especially those solo, were advised to be cautious as incidents of sexual assault in bars, resorts, and hotels were reported, with local law enforcement often ineffective in handling such crimes. Americans were also warned about investment scams involving gold and other high-value commodities, as well as property disputes in which some individuals lost their investments or were forced out by locals claiming ownership of land or businesses.
The announcement further cautioned that local protests could escalate into violent events, with past demonstrators attacking vehicles carrying Americans, including tour vehicles and motorcycle taxis.
Travelers were advised to remain vigilant, keep a low profile, and avoid crowded areas, demonstrations, and rallies at tourist sites.
Last month, the US State Department also updated the travel warning for Peru, highlighting concerns about crime, civil unrest, kidnappings, and terrorism. Similar warnings were issued for travelers to Brazil, where criminals targeted tourists in bars and dating apps, drugging them before robbing them.