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The UK is issuing advice to travelers concerning the dangers of security threats, border issues, and safety problems in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique. UK travelers intending to visit Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique have been advised to scrutinize their travel plans because there are new warnings from the UK travel advice concerning terrorism, criminal violence, airport disruptions, political tensions, and border issues. There are different levels of advice provided for the three countries by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, with severe warnings issued only for specific areas in Kenya and Mozambique.
The guidance does not place every part of these countries under the same restriction. Instead, it separates higher-risk provinces, border districts and coastal areas from destinations where travel can continue with increased awareness. British passport holders must also meet country-specific entry conditions, including electronic travel authorisations, passport-validity rules, vaccination certificates and customs declarations.
Travelling against FCDO advice may invalidate travel insurance. Visitors must therefore ensure that their policy covers their complete itinerary, planned activities and emergency costs before leaving the United Kingdom.
Kenya faces some of the most geographically detailed restrictions in the advisory. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to several areas near the Somalia border and along parts of the northern east coast because of the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Somalia.
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The restricted areas include Mandera County and the Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies of Wajir County, although Wajir Town is excluded from the strongest warning. Travellers are also advised to avoid all areas of Wajir County within 60 kilometres of the Somalia border.
Most of Garissa County is covered by the warning. Exceptions include Garissa Town, the Lagdera constituency and areas of Balambala constituency lying north and west of the main road running from Saka on the Tana River to its intersection with the C81 Road.
The FCDO also advises against all travel to most of Lamu County. Lamu Island and Manda Island are excluded from that category, but additional security precautions apply because of their proximity to the mainland.
A lower but still serious warning applies to Garissa Town, the part of Tana River County north of the Tana River as far as Saka, and coastal areas within 15 kilometres of the shore between the Tana River and the Galana, also known as the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to these locations.
The principal security threat in Kenya comes from extremists linked to Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated organisation based in Somalia. The group has issued threats and previously carried out attacks in Kenya, partly in response to Kenyan military involvement in Somalia.
The advisory states that terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks in Kenya. Such incidents could occur without warning and may target western nationals, including British citizens.
Places potentially at risk include hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, supermarkets, shopping centres, sporting events, beaches, safari parks, government buildings, commercial premises, places of worship and diplomatic locations. Religious events, national holidays and public celebrations may also present heightened risks.
Travellers are advised to remain alert, observe security arrangements at buildings and vary regular routines or journey times. Daylight travel should be prioritised wherever possible.
Kenya also carries a high risk of terrorist kidnapping. The danger is particularly serious in northern counties bordering Somalia and in some coastal counties. Tourists, journalists, aid workers and business visitors may all be viewed as possible targets.
Visitors to Lamu Island and Manda Island should travel by air through Lamu Airport on Manda Island. Road travel to these islands is discouraged because of security conditions on the nearby mainland.
Security is not the only concern affecting Kenya-bound travellers. Ongoing industrial action by aviation workers has disrupted airport operations, including services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Significant delays and operational disruption have been reported at several airports. Passengers travelling to, from or within Kenya should contact their airline before travelling to the terminal. Flight schedules should be checked again on the day of departure, particularly when connecting with domestic services.
Travellers should also allow extra time for check-in, security procedures and possible changes to onward journeys. The advisory does not guarantee that scheduled services will operate normally while industrial action continues.
British citizens travelling on a full passport must ensure that the document remains valid for at least six months after the date of arrival. It must also contain at least two blank pages.
Entry may be refused if a traveller does not hold a valid document or attempts to use a passport previously reported lost or stolen. Dual British nationals returning to the United Kingdom must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Visitors must obtain an electronic travel authorisation before departure. Kenyan authorities recommend applying at least two weeks before travelling. Travellers who already hold a valid visa may continue using it until it expires.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required when arriving from a country classified as presenting a transmission risk.
Travellers arriving from Uganda, Ethiopia or the Democratic Republic of Congo may also face enhanced health screening connected with the Ebola outbreak centred in the DRC.
Demonstrations, strikes and political gatherings are common, particularly in Nairobi. They may disrupt traffic and can turn violent rapidly. Demonstrators have been injured and killed during previous unrest.
Visitors should avoid crowds, political events and protest routes. Greater caution may be needed around anniversaries of earlier demonstrations or other politically significant dates.
Violent crime, including armed robbery, mugging and carjacking, occurs in major cities and on highways. Risks in Nairobi are considered higher in Eastleigh, the Central Business District, Mathare, Kibera and other informal settlements.
In Mombasa, visitors should be particularly careful in the Old Town and around the Likoni Ferry, which connects the city with southern resorts. Travellers should avoid walking alone in isolated locations, even during daylight, and inform others about their plans and expected return time.
The South Africa guidance does not advise against travel to specified regions in the same way as the Kenya and Mozambique notices. However, it presents detailed warnings about violent crime, protests, airport robberies and dangerous driving conditions.
British citizens may visit South Africa without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Passports must remain valid for at least 30 days beyond the planned departure date and contain at least two blank pages.
South African-British dual nationals aged 18 or over must use a South African passport when entering or leaving the country. Using another passport for these movements is illegal under South African rules.
Special documentation requirements may apply to children aged 17 and under, particularly when they travel without both parents.
From 1 July 2026, every traveller entering or leaving South Africa through an air, land, sea or rail port must complete an online traveller declaration before travelling.
Cash must also be declared when a person carries more than 25,000 South African rand or foreign currencies worth more than 10,000 US dollars in total.
The FCDO highlights armed robbery, violent mugging, jewellery snatching, carjacking, house robbery, sexual assault, murder and smash-and-grab attacks.
Although much violent crime occurs in townships, informal settlements, high-density communities and some city centres, incidents can happen anywhere. Tourist sites and transport hubs are not exempt. Risks generally rise after dark and in isolated areas.
Travellers should not display valuables, walk alone at night or visit townships without a responsible guide. Expensive-looking jewellery should be removed, and phones, cameras and money should be kept out of sight.
Resistance during a robbery can provoke a violent response. Visitors are advised to prioritise personal safety rather than attempting to protect property.
Protests and marches can also turn violent quickly. Travellers should avoid demonstrations, never attempt to cross protester roadblocks and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Navigation systems may direct motorists through insecure neighbourhoods, making advance route planning essential.
Crime around OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg remains a major concern. Criminals have followed travellers from the terminal to accommodation or other destinations before robbing them, sometimes at gunpoint.
Passengers should arrange collection through a hotel, recognised operator or trusted contact. Public areas should be crossed quickly, isolated spaces avoided and valuables kept in hand luggage. Rental cars should not be returned after dark where this can be avoided.
Travellers using Cape Town International Airport should remain on major routes. The FCDO advises using the M3 and N2 rather than the R300. Drivers should take Airport Approach Road at exit 16 from the N2 instead of Borcherd’s Quarry Road towards Nyanga.
Journey plans should be prepared before leaving the airport. Visitors should not blindly follow GPS directions that lead away from main roads.
Carjacking and robbery frequently occur around traffic lights, petrol stations, junctions and residential driveways. Criminals may break vehicle windows or place spikes, stones and glass in roads to force motorists to stop.
Some offenders pose as police officers and use blue lights on plain vehicles. A driver who doubts the legitimacy of a stop should continue towards a police station, petrol station or another secure public place.
Doors should be physically checked after locking because criminals may use signal-jamming technology. Windows should remain closed, valuables should be placed in the boot and enough space should be left between vehicles to allow an escape route.
The FCDO advises against all travel to most of Cabo Delgado Province because of terrorism and armed violence. Palma town and the areas around Pemba and Afungi are excluded from the complete restriction, but the advisory still recommends only essential travel to those locations.
In Nampula Province, all travel is discouraged to the districts of Memba and Eráti. In Niassa Province, the warning applies to Mecula and Marrupo.
The main terrorist threat comes from IS-Mozambique, an organisation linked to Daesh. The group operates mainly in Cabo Delgado but has also carried out attacks in neighbouring parts of Niassa and Nampula.
Attacks have involved explosives, firearms and machetes, as well as the burning of houses and vehicles, looting and robbery. Roads, checkpoints, military bases, villages, towns, offshore islands and safari or hunting areas may be affected.
There is also a significant threat of kidnapping, especially in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring districts. Tourists, journalists, humanitarian workers and business travellers may be considered targets.
British passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling for tourism or business visits of up to 30 days.
Applications should be submitted through the official system at least five working days before departure. Payment must be completed online and cannot be made at the border. The total cost is approximately 47 US dollars, including a visa charge and processing fee.
Travellers should carry printed copies of the approved authorisation and payment confirmation. Immigration officers may also request proof of accommodation, an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds.
Passports must remain valid for at least six months after arrival and contain at least two blank pages. Visitors should check that immigration officials stamp the passport with the correct dates.
Children under 18 require an unabridged birth certificate naming both parents. A notarised parental-consent affidavit issued within the previous three months is required when a child travels with one parent or without either parent.
Not every Mozambique land border operates continuously. Crossings may close or become restricted with little notice.
The Lebombo–Ressano Garcia crossing from South Africa can experience lengthy delays, especially during holidays. Travellers should allow enough time to reach their destination before dark.
Armed robberies have occurred near the Lebombo border around Nelspruit, particularly in queues after nightfall. Motorists should remain alert and leave enough space to turn or drive away if necessary.
Street crime is common in Maputo and has been increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Knives and firearms may be used. Travellers should avoid deserted places, beaches and offshore islands without adequate security, particularly at night.
The UK advisory presents three different risk profiles. Kenya’s most severe warnings focus on the Somalia border, northern coastal zones and terrorist threats. South Africa’s guidance concentrates on violent crime, airport security, demonstrations and vehicle attacks. Mozambique’s strongest restrictions cover northern provinces affected by insurgent activity and kidnapping risks.
Travellers should examine the exact route of every journey rather than relying on general assumptions about an entire country. Valid documentation, appropriate insurance, trusted transport and continuous awareness remain central to safer travel across Kenya, South Africa and Mozambique.
Kenya, South Africa and Mozambique have moved into sharper focus under UK travel guidance as terrorism, crime, protests, airport disruption and border risks complicate journeys across parts of Africa. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office identifies strict no-travel zones in Kenya and Mozambique while issuing extensive safety precautions for South Africa.
Travellers entering an area against FCDO advice could invalidate their insurance and face uncovered emergency or repatriation costs. Every stop, transfer and planned activity should therefore be checked before departure.
Kenya’s strongest warnings concentrate on areas near Somalia and parts of the northern east coast because of threats from Somalia-based terrorist groups.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Mandera County; Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except Wajir Town; and areas of Wajir County within 60 kilometres of the Somalia border.
Most of Garissa County is covered. Exceptions include Garissa Town, Lagdera constituency and parts of Balambala constituency north and west of the road from Saka on the Tana River to the C81 Road intersection. Most of Lamu County is included, except Lamu Island and Manda Island.
Advice against all but essential travel applies to Garissa Town, Tana River County north of the river as far as Saka, and places within 15 kilometres of the coast between the Tana River and the Galana, or Athi-Galana-Sabaki, River.
Visitors to Lamu and Manda islands should remain especially alert and travel by air through Lamu Airport rather than by road.
Industrial action by aviation workers is affecting Kenyan airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Significant delays have been reported.
Passengers travelling to, from or within Kenya should confirm flights before going to the airport, particularly when connecting to domestic services or safari transfers. Travellers with tightly scheduled itineraries should also allow additional time between international arrivals and onward journeys.
British citizens need a passport expiring at least six months after arrival and containing two blank pages. Entry can be refused without a valid document or when using a passport reported lost or stolen.
An electronic travel authorisation must be obtained online before departure. Kenyan authorities recommend applying at least two weeks ahead, while existing visas remain valid until expiry.
A yellow fever certificate is required for arrivals from a listed transmission-risk country. Enhanced Ebola screening may affect passengers arriving from Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
British dual nationals returning to the UK must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Insurance should cover the itinerary, activities and emergency costs.
The FCDO says terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks in Kenya. Westerners could be targeted at hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, sporting events, shopping centres, beaches, safari parks, government buildings, places of worship and diplomatic premises.
Travellers should remain alert, vary routines and move during daylight where possible. The main threat comes from Al Shabaab, the Al Qaida-linked group based in Somalia.
The advisory recalls the 2020 attack on a military airstrip in Lamu County and the 2019 attack at Nairobi’s 14 Riverside complex. It also notes support for Daesh and possible threats to western and Jewish targets.
A high terrorist-kidnap threat exists across Kenya, particularly in northern border counties and coastal regions. Tourists, journalists, aid workers and business travellers may be targeted.
The British government does not make substantive concessions to hostage takers, while payments to terrorists are illegal under UK law.
Protests and strikes are common, especially in Nairobi, and can turn violent. Mugging, armed robbery and carjacking also occur.
Higher-risk Nairobi locations include Eastleigh, the Central Business District, Mathare, Kibera and informal settlements. In Mombasa, caution is advised in the Old Town and around the Likoni Ferry. Visitors should avoid isolated places and take extra care around Christmas and New Year, when crime levels may increase.
South Africa is not subject to the area-based restrictions applied to Kenya and Mozambique. However, its guidance highlights violent crime, terrorism, demonstrations, airport robbery and road attacks.
British visitors can enter visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Passports must remain valid for at least 30 days after departure and contain two blank pages.
South African-British dual nationals aged 18 or older must use a South African passport when entering and leaving the country.
Special rules apply to children aged 17 and under and unaccompanied minors. A yellow fever certificate is required when arriving from a listed risk country.
From 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea or rail ports must submit an online traveller declaration.
Cash must be declared when a traveller carries more than 25,000 South African rand per person or combined foreign currency worth more than 10,000 US dollars.
The advisory lists violent mugging, jewellery theft, carjacking, smash-and-grab attacks, house robbery, rape, sexual assault and murder.
Incidents can occur in tourist districts, transport hubs, city centres and isolated places, particularly after dark. Travellers should not assume that busy tourism areas are automatically protected from criminal activity.
Visitors should avoid deserted beaches, conceal valuables, use reliable transport and enter townships only with a responsible guide. Resisting robbery may provoke a violent response involving weapons.
At OR Tambo International Airport, criminals have stolen baggage and followed passengers before robbing them, sometimes at gunpoint. Travellers should use main roads, pass through public areas promptly and arrange trusted collection where possible.
Attacks have also affected routes serving Cape Town International Airport. Drivers should use the M3 and N2, stay on Airport Approach Road at exit 16, avoid Borcherd’s Quarry Road towards Nyanga and reject unsafe GPS shortcuts.
Carjacking is common around traffic lights, junctions, petrol stations and driveways. Criminals may use spikes, stones or glass to stop vehicles. Others may impersonate police officers by using blue lights on unmarked vehicles.
Drivers should close windows, hide valuables, check doors physically and leave enough room to move away when stopping in traffic. Central locking systems can be disrupted through car-jamming technology, making manual door checks important.
Travellers should not stop for strangers or motorists who appear to be in distress. Suspicious activity should instead be reported from a secure location. Resistance during a carjacking can sharply increase the risk of injury.
The FCDO says terrorists are likely to attempt attacks in South Africa, mainly through individuals inspired by groups such as Daesh. Tourist sites, shopping centres, crowded venues and major events could be targeted.
The conflict involving Israel and Palestine has also contributed to heightened international tensions, potentially motivating attacks against Jewish or Muslim communities, Israeli interests or countries viewed as Israel’s allies.
Protests can turn violent at short notice. The guidance also notes xenophobic and anti-immigration marches and attacks, primarily affecting African immigrants or people perceived to be African immigrants.
Visitors should avoid gatherings and protest roadblocks, follow local instructions and check routes before travelling. Navigation systems may suggest shortcuts through areas that carry greater security risks.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Cabo Delgado Province, except Palma town and areas around Pemba and Afungi. Those exceptions remain under advice against all but essential travel.
It also advises against all travel to Memba and Eráti districts in Nampula Province and Mecula and Marrupo districts in Niassa Province.
The threat is linked mainly to IS-Mozambique, a Daesh-connected group active in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring districts.
Militants have used explosives, machetes and firearms, burned homes and vehicles, committed robbery and looting, and threatened communities. The major 2021 attack in Palma killed dozens of people.
Possible targets include roads, roadblocks, military bases, towns, villages, offshore islands and safari or hunting parks. Security forces may struggle to reach isolated areas quickly, increasing the danger to people caught in an incident.
Kidnapping is a serious threat in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring areas of Niassa and Nampula. Tourists, journalists, humanitarian workers and business visitors may be targeted.
People working in high-risk locations should follow employer procedures, vary routines, share travel plans, secure their accommodation and consider professional security protection.
British passport holders need an electronic travel authorisation for tourism or business visits of up to 30 days.
Applications should be submitted at least five working days before travel, with payment made online rather than at the border.
The approximate cost is 47 US dollars, including a 37-dollar visa charge and a 650-metical processing fee.
Travellers should carry printed ETA approval and payment confirmation. Immigration officers may also request proof of accommodation, an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds.
Passports must expire at least six months after arrival and contain two blank pages. Visitors should confirm that immigration officials stamp their passports with the correct dates before leaving the immigration desk.
Anyone attempting to enter without a valid document, or using a passport reported lost or stolen, could be refused entry.
A child under 18 must travel with an unabridged birth certificate naming both parents.
When a child travels with one parent, or without either parent, a notarised parental consent affidavit is required. The document must have been issued within the previous three months.
These requirements make advance document preparation particularly important for family holidays, school trips and journeys involving guardians rather than both parents.
Land borders are not always open continuously and can close or become restricted at short notice.
The Lebombo-Ressano Garcia crossing from South Africa can experience long delays, particularly during holidays and when passengers travel by public transport. Travellers should allow enough time to reach their destination before darkness.
Armed robberies have occurred near the Lebombo border in Nelspruit, frequently while vehicles queue after dark. Drivers should remain alert and leave enough room to turn or move away when stopped at junctions or in queues.
Travellers entering South Africa before or after visiting Mozambique must also meet South African entry, customs and safety requirements.
Protests may begin suddenly, become violent and disrupt toll gates, transport, public services and land-border access. Travellers should avoid gatherings, monitor surrounding conditions and not travel after dark.
Street crime is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Knives and firearms may be used, while beaches and offshore islands may have little policing.
Visitors should avoid walking alone, conceal phones, cash and jewellery, use bank ATMs during daylight and keep valuables in a hotel safe or another secure place.
Stolen passports should be reported to the local police, the British High Commission in Maputo and Mozambican immigration authorities.
The UK guidance does not close Kenya, South Africa or Mozambique entirely. It draws strict boundaries around the highest-risk areas of Kenya and Mozambique while demanding elevated vigilance across South Africa.
Travellers must check each border, road, airport transfer and overnight stop, meet entry requirements and confirm that insurance remains valid.
Travel advice issued by UK regarding the dangers faced by visitors in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique.
The most important thing is not who the traveler decides to visit but rather where they will go, how they will get there, and how safe they will be while on their trip.
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Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
