NAIROBI, Kenya — The United States (US) has raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2 to Level 3, urging American travellers to reconsider visiting the country amid health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak and longstanding security risks.
The US Department of State updated its advisory on October 19, citing health risks, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road safety concerns. The change raises the overall warning from “Exercise Increased Caution” to “Reconsider Travel”, but does not impose a blanket ban on travel to Kenya.
The health warning comes as Kenya’s confirmed Ebola cases caused by the Bundibugyo virus reached eight, including one death. Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said on Sunday, October 18, that one person tested positive among 38 people screened that day. The latest patient is a 49-year-old hospital support attendant who developed fever, headache and muscle pain.
Kenyan health authorities are continuing surveillance, testing and contact tracing to identify possible exposures and limit further transmission.
US advisory identifies areas travellers should avoid
Alongside the nationwide Level 3 warning, the State Department has retained “Do Not Travel” warnings for several locations it considers to face heightened security risks.
In Nairobi, US citizens are advised against travelling to Eastleigh and Kibera because of the risk of crime and kidnapping.
The warning also covers Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu and Tana River counties, except Tsavo National Park, as well as parts of Kilifi County north of highway C103 and coastal areas north of Malindi. The department cites kidnapping and terrorism risks in these locations.
West Pokot County and western Turkana County are designated no-travel areas because of crime concerns.
Travellers are also advised to avoid parts of Marsabit and Turkana counties within 50 kilometres of the Ethiopian border because of the risk of unrest.
The State Department advises travellers to read the full advisory before making arrangements, as security conditions vary across the country.
What travellers should know about Ebola
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has separately issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Kenya. It recommends usual travel health precautions, including avoiding contact with people displaying possible Ebola symptoms and with their bodily fluids.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising can occur in later stages of the illness.
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Ebola should immediately separate themselves from others, avoid travel and contact local health authorities or a healthcare facility for guidance.
People seeking medical attention should call the facility before arriving. Advance notification allows health workers to assess the situation and prepare precautions to protect staff and other patients.
Travellers should follow instructions from public health officials rather than attending a healthcare facility without warning.
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The advisory is not a declaration that all of Kenya is experiencing an Ebola outbreak, nor does it mean every traveller faces the same exposure risk. The confirmed cases and response measures should be understood alongside individual exposure history and guidance from health authorities.
Ebola transmission is associated with direct contact with an infected person’s blood or other bodily fluids, rather than simply being in the same country.
The State Department’s Level 3 designation reflects a combination of health and security concerns. Its separate no-travel warnings apply to specified locations and should not be confused with a nationwide travel prohibition.
As Kenyan authorities continue the outbreak response, travellers are advised to monitor official health guidance, understand the risks relevant to their destinations and take appropriate precautions.
