State Dept tells Americans traveling to Kenya to 'prepare a will' in threat advisory

The State Department escalated its travel warning for the East African nation of Kenya amid ongoing security threats and heightened health concerns.

Kenya is a popular travel destination, not only for Americans, but for travelers from many other countries. Kenya had about 2.7 million international visitors in 2025, with 14% of those travelers being Americans. Kenya is well-known for its national parks and wildlife safaris.

On Monday, the State Department increased its travel advisory for Kenya to Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” from Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution."

This travel advisory escalation is considered due to health risks and crime, along with kidnapping risk, civil unrest and terrorism.

“Prepare a will,” the advisory stated, adding, “Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones.”

There have been 8 confirmed Ebola cases in Kenya, with one more case confirmed on Sunday, according to Reuters. "Medical services are limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. Medical facilities in Kenya often lack sufficient medicine and equipment," the US travel advisory stated.

Certain neighborhoods of Nairobi, counties around the country and areas near the Ethiopian border are listed as areas to avoid. The agency also stated that violent crime "can occur at any time,” adding that petty crime “is common” throughout the country.

The advisory states that travelers "do not travel" to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, areas of the Tana River, areas of Kilifi and coastal areas north of Malindi. These statements are due to crime, kidnapping and/or terrorism. Also, West Pokot County and western Turkana County are listed as "Do not travel" due to crime.

Individuals traveling alone should be especially cautious," the agency says, citing sexual assault in bars and resorts, with the advice that, “local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes.”

Also, “property disputes are common in Kenya,” the advisory states, warning that Americans often fall prey to investments involving gold and other high-value commodities.