Kenya requires separate health insurance for travellers from the Netherlands

Travellers visiting Kenya on a Dutch passport have been required to obtain Kenyan inbound travel health insurance since 5 October 2026. The mandatory local policy is separate from any travel insurance they already hold. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs now also mentions the requirement in its Kenya travel advice.

Arrange the policy with your eTA

Travellers applying for Kenya’s electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) are directed to the insurance purchase as part of that process. Those who already have a valid eTA can obtain cover separately through the official eCitizen insurance portal. Kenyan authorities verify cover on entry.

People who do not need an eTA may still need the insurance unless they fall within a listed exemption. Dutch tourists are generally subject to the requirement.

Cost and validity

The Kenyan government states a premium of up to US$44 per person. Coverage is valid for 90 days, with a combined policy benefit limit of up to US$50,000 according to the official portal. Each traveller needs an individual certificate, including children. For longer stays, check the documents and insurance arrangements required before travelling.

Who is exempt?

The government’s exemption list includes Kenyan citizens, people with valid Kenyan residence status, nationals of East African Community partner states and transit passengers who do not enter Kenya. Certain diplomats and crew members also qualify for exemptions.

A travel insurance policy purchased in the Netherlands does not replace the mandatory Kenyan cover. Travellers should also check their existing policy for costs such as repatriation and treatment beyond the local scheme’s terms.

Credits

Sources: Government of Kenya, Inbound Travel Health Insurance and NetherlandsWorldwide, Kenya travel advice, updated 20 October 2026.

Photo: Fernando Anuang’a, an elephant at Amboseli National Park with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background (21 March 2016), via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped by NOMADIY under the same licence.