Kenya to Demand Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Arriving Passengers

The Ministry of Health says travelers arriving in Kenya must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The visitors, including Kenyans abroad, will be required to produce a COVID-19 vaccination certificate upon arrival in the country.

The directive which takes effect on December 21st applies to passengers aged 18 years and above.

“Those who are abroad including foreigners if they want to come to our country, they must be vaccinated for them to gain entry,” Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said.

The measure is aimed at stemming the spread of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant into the country.

Kenyans traveling overseas will equally be required to show proof that they are inoculated against coronavirus.

“All inbound travelers into the country must be in possession of a negative COVID-19 PCR taken 96 hours before arrival into the country,” the Health Ministry announced.

Kenya decided against banning flights from countries affected by the Omicron variant which carries 32 mutations, making it highly contagious. Instead, the country has stepped up surveillance at the ports of entry to ensure all persons are screened and show proof that they are vaccinated.

Several countries have already detected the new variant including the UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Italy, Belgium, Israel, Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, among others.