Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Nairobi’s main airport and the busiest in East Africa, in Embakasi about 15 kilometres south-east of the centre. Kenya Airways is based here. Domestic and light-aircraft flights, including many safari flights, use Wilson Airport instead.

Before you land

  • An eTA approved before you fly, if your nationality needs one. See Applying for an eTA.
  • A yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
  • No plastic carrier bags. Kenya bans them, including duty-free bags. Leave them on the plane.

Arriving

  1. Immigration. Show your passport and eTA. You may be asked where you are staying and for your onward ticket.
  2. Baggage and customs. Declare anything above the duty-free allowances.
  3. Arrivals hall. You will find mobile network counters, ATMs and currency exchange.

Money and SIM cards on arrival

  • SIM cards. Safaricom and Airtel have counters in arrivals. Bring your passport for registration. Safaricom is the one for M-Pesa. See Phones and SIM cards and eSIMs for visitors.
  • Money. ATMs give the best rates. Airport exchange desks are convenient but often poorer value; change only what you need.

Getting into Nairobi

  • Ride-hailing. Uber, Bolt and Little pick up from marked zones and quote a price up front.
  • Airport taxis. Agree the fare before you get in.
  • A hotel transfer. Worth it if you land late at night.
  • The Expressway. Most drivers take the toll Expressway to Westlands, which is often 30 to 40 minutes. Without it, Mombasa Road at rush hour can take well over an hour.
  • Matatus and buses run along Mombasa Road, but are hard with luggage.

Departing

  • Leave early. Allow for traffic, then two security checks: one at the terminal entrance, and another before the gates. Aim to arrive three hours before an international flight.
  • Check your terminal on your ticket or the airline’s website.
  • Spend or change shillings before security; they are hard to exchange abroad.

Transit

Passengers connecting between international flights without leaving the airport generally do not need an eTA, but check with your airline. If you need to collect bags or leave the airport, you need one.

Lounges and waiting

Airline and pay-per-use lounges, restaurants and shops are available after security. There are hotels near the airport for early departures or long layovers.

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