US raises Kenya travel warning to Level 3 over Ebola, security risks

US raises Kenya travel warning to Level 3 over Ebola, security risks - Medical workers in protective suits transfer the body of an Ebola victim in Mongbwalu, Ituri province, eastern DRC, May 24, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The advisory also cites heightened risks of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road accidents, warning that these threats could pose significant dangers to American travellers in the country.

The United States has raised its travel advisory for Kenya to Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider visits following a new health warning linked to the Ebola outbreak alert.

The advisory also cites heightened risks of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road accidents, warning that these threats could pose significant dangers to American travellers in the country.

Notably, the US Department of State has upgraded Kenya’s rating from Level 2, which advises increased caution, to Level 3, meaning travellers should reconsider their plans.

The change was announced on Monday, October 19.

“Reconsider travel to Kenya due to risk of health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and traffic safety,” the department said in its advisory.

The health warning follows a travel notice issued by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Kenya.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17.

Additionally, the advisory cites concerns over Kenya’s healthcare capacity, noting that medical services are limited in rural areas and that many facilities lack adequate medicines and equipment.

It warns that travellers who require specialised treatment may need medical evacuation at their own expense.

The security warning covers violent crime, including armed carjacking, robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping for ransom.

The department also warns that terrorist attacks can occur without warning, targeting hotels, shopping malls, transport hubs, places of worship and government buildings.

Despite the nationwide upgrade, several locations remain under the more severe Level 4 classification, which means “Do Not Travel”.

These include Nairobi’s Eastleigh and Kibera neighbourhoods, which the US government identifies as areas with heightened risks of crime and kidnapping.

The Level 4 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 because of kidnapping and terrorism threats.

West Pokot and western Turkana counties are listed over crime risks, while parts of Marsabit and Turkana within 50 kilometres of the Ethiopian border are flagged over the threat of cross-border incursions and unrest.

The department further cautions that demonstrations and political or economic protests can turn violent, disrupt major roads and expose motorists to attacks.

Road accidents are also identified as a major cause of injury and death among American travellers in Kenya.

The four-tier US travel advisory system ranges from Level 1, which recommends normal precautions, to Level 4, which advises against all travel to designated destinations.

The latest upgrade places Kenya under a stronger cautionary warning while maintaining the highest restriction for specific high-risk areas.