Kenya Now Requires Individual Health Insurance For Every Ghanaian Traveller- MFA

Persons travelling to Kenya must now buy Kenyan-approved inbound travel health insurance before they travel, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

The rule took effect on October 5, 2026 and applies to all non-Kenyan travellers entering Kenya for a stay of less than 12 months.

The requirement covers all Ghanaian travellers, including adults and minors, and every individual traveller must have his or her own separate coverage.

A single policy for a family or group will not be enough. It also covers African nationals outside the East African Community who are exempt from an Electronic Travel Authorisation, unless they fall under an exemption.

The new policy has exempted only a limited set of categories from the rule, including Kenyan citizens, holders of valid residence permits or residence status in Kenya, citizens of East African Community Partner States, military personnel, holders of diplomatic, official or service passports, crew members of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or other carrier, and transit passengers who do not seek entry into Kenya.

The insurance must be purchased only through Kenya’s official portals. Travellers can buy it at www.etakenya.go.ke as part of the ETA application process, or at www.insurance.ecitizen.go.ke. The Ministry stressed that foreign travel insurance policies will not be accepted for compliance.

Ghanaians intending to travel to Kenya were therefore advised to familiarise themselves with the new entry requirement and to secure the mandatory health insurance through the designated Kenyan portals before departure.

They must also ensure that every member of their travelling team, including minors, has individual coverage, to avoid possible difficulties or delays upon arrival in Kenya.

The Ministry said the information was received from Ghana’s High Commission in Nairobi, following the introduction of the requirement by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs as part of its entry regulations.

It has also urged travel agents, airlines and other travel industry stakeholders to inform prospective travellers to Kenya about the rule to ensure compliance.

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