Mandera Joins Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu Counties in UK’s Latest Travel Warning Amid Rising Safety Concerns in Kenya– Is Your Destination Safe?

Published on December 3, 2025

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a serious travel warning advising British nationals to avoid certain regions of Kenya, citing escalating security risks from terrorism and kidnappings. The advisory targets Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and large parts of Lamu counties, highlighting the growing threat posed by extremist groups operating along the Kenya-Somalia border. This move follows increasing concerns over the safety of travellers in these regions and the instability created by militant activity.

Areas Affected by the UK Travel Advisory

The newly updated travel warning, released in December 2025, specifies a number of regions within Kenya that are deemed too dangerous for travel. FCDO classifies these areas as “Do Not Travel,” emphasizing the heightened threat of terrorism, violent attacks, and kidnappings in these parts of the country. These regions include:

• Mandera County (entire county)
• Wajir County, including specific constituencies such as Tarbaj and Wajir East (excluding Wajir Town)
• Garissa County, with exceptions for certain safe zones such as Garissa Town, Lagdera, and parts of Balambala constituency
• Lamu County, excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island

These locations have been identified as high-risk due to the significant presence of armed militant groups, including Al-Shabaab, that regularly target security forces and civilians.

Do Not Travel Zones: Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu

The travel advisory highlights that Mandera County, which lies near the Kenya-Somalia border, remains the most dangerous zone, with frequent terrorist activity and attacks by militant groups. The FCDO warns against all travel to this area due to the unpredictable security situation, which has resulted in the deaths of both civilians and security personnel.

Similarly, Wajir County, especially areas within 60 kilometers of the Somalia border, poses substantial risks. Although Wajir Town is not currently flagged as a high-risk area, surrounding constituencies such as Tarbaj and Wajir East are considered dangerous. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid these zones altogether.

Garissa County is also included in the warning, with the advisory specifying that areas such as Garissa Town, Lagdera, and parts of Balambala can still be visited but only for essential travel. However, these are still at risk due to their proximity to conflict zones, and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution.

The advisory also flags Lamu County, particularly the mainland areas, as highly dangerous. While Lamu Island and Manda Island remain exempted from the advisory, the FCDO recommends that travellers to these islands use air travel instead of road transport to minimize exposure to risk.

Why the UK Is Issuing This Travel Advisory

The travel warning stems from an ongoing and escalating terrorist threat in Kenya’s north-east and coastal regions. Extremist groups, especially Al-Shabaab, are active along the Kenya-Somalia border, where they launch frequent attacks against civilians and security forces. These attacks include bombings, ambushes, and targeted kidnappings. Foreigners, particularly Western nationals, have been specifically targeted for abductions, raising serious concerns for traveller safety.

The FCDO also reports an increase in violence and instability in these areas, with security forces struggling to contain the threat. Many of the extremist attacks have taken place in remote regions, where local authorities have limited reach and resources to counter the growing insurgency.

Increased Kidnapping Risk for Foreign Nationals

A significant part of the security threat in these regions comes from kidnapping risks. Foreign nationals have been kidnapped by militants, with some cases resulting in ransoms or tragic outcomes. In light of this, the FCDO has emphasized the risks of travel to these affected areas. The advisory also notes that foreign nationals are more likely to be targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and the valuable political leverage their abduction can provide extremist groups.

With the ongoing security challenges in the border regions, it’s crucial for tourists and expatriates to heed these warnings and avoid venturing into the areas deemed unsafe by official sources.

Areas Open for Travel: Garissa Town and Lamu Island

While large swaths of Garissa and Lamu counties are subject to the travel advisory, certain safer areas remain open for travel. Specifically, Garissa Town and parts of Tana River County, along with Lamu Island and Manda Island, are considered less risky, though they should only be visited if essential.

For visitors wishing to reach Lamu Island and Manda Island, the FCDO recommends air travel over land routes. Given the limited security on roads between the mainland and these islands, travellers are encouraged to fly directly to Lamu Airport from Nairobi or other major cities, bypassing any potential danger.

Recommendations for Travellers in Kenya

• Avoid all non-essential travel to Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and most parts of Lamu County, particularly the mainland areas.
• For those planning to visit Garissa Town, Lamu Island, or Manda Island, opt for air travel rather than road journeys, especially during periods of heightened security risks.
• Keep updated on the security situation by checking FCDO travel advice regularly, and adjust travel plans accordingly.
• If travel is absolutely necessary, ensure that all safety measures are in place, including hiring local security services and registering with the embassy.

Impact on Kenya’s Tourism Industry

This new travel advisory may significantly affect Kenya’s tourism sector, particularly the north-east and coastal regions. Tourist numbers to these areas are likely to decline, as UK citizens are discouraged from visiting regions known for their natural beauty, such as Lamu Island and coastal Garissa.

However, the advisory is unlikely to affect popular tourist destinations such as Nairobi, Maasai Mara, and coastal resorts like Diani Beach, which are not listed in the high-risk zones. These areas are expected to remain popular among international tourists, especially those seeking wildlife safaris and cultural experiences.

Conclusion

The UK government’s latest travel advisory highlights the ongoing security risks in north-eastern and coastal Kenya, where terrorism, violence, and kidnapping by extremist groups remain a serious concern. British nationals are urged to avoid Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and most of Lamu County, with exceptions for specific safer zones like Lamu Island. The advisory also encourages air travel rather than road transport for those visiting any of the exempted areas, such as Lamu Island and Manda Island.

Travellers should heed these warnings and ensure they take appropriate security precautions if they plan to visit any affected regions. Kenya’s tourism industry, particularly in the affected zones, will need to adapt to these new security measures as the situation continues to evolve.