ARRIVING INTO MOMBASA

MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JKIA)
If arriving by air into Mombasa, you arrive at Moi International Airport [MOM]. As you walk through the terminal lobby, you will see signs indicating the route for international arrivals.

The first stop will be the Health Desk at the foot of the stairs. Here, you might be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate (usually yellow in colour). Travelers arriving from Europe rarely are required to produce this document, but it is a good idea to have it handy and it will be required if traveling to other East African countries once you have been in Kenya.

Next is Immigrations. It is always recommended that you apply for your visa prior to travel. This can reduce time and risk complications on arrival. If you have your visa, you may proceed to the lines indicating your status (returning resident or visitor). If you do not have your visa, you must get the form from the booth to the left as you enter the Immigration Hall. Completion time is roughly five minutes. You will need a fee in US Dollars* and may be asked to provide 2 passport style photographs. The fee is different for every country, most visitors are required to pay USD $50.00. All persons arriving will be required to complete an arrival card. This may be given to you on the plane. If not they can be found in the Immigrations Hall.

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Tip - If you are going to leave Kenya within 48 hours to another location, you might qualify for a transit visa which is cheaper than a full visitors visa.

* Though payment may be made in other international currencies, change is often a problem and poor rates of exchange may result in your paying more than the expected amount for your visa. It is always best to keep around $100.00 in tens and twenties on hand.

After Immigrations, you will descend the stairs to the baggage claim area. Here you will find your luggage and proceed to Customs. There are free baggage carts available to assist in transporting your things.

Customs should not be a problem for visiting tourists. Naturally, your bags will be subject to inspection, as would any person's when arriving into any country. Persons traveling with computer equipment or extensive video or photographic equipment may be asked to pay a bond or deposit to ensure you leave with the items. As an alternative, you might ask the officer to note the details of the equipment in your passport to ensure you take them with you when you leave. Posting deposits can be a bit time consuming, especially when leaving and trying to recover the deposit.

Upon leaving the Customs Hall, you enter the Main Arrivals Terminal that is generally packed with people. You will find taxis straight ahead. Guests of the Nairobi hotels can arrange a limousine (not stretch, I'm afraid) pick-up for around $25.00 per car holding up to three passengers and reasonable luggage. This should be arranged in advance.

Our main sponsor, Hertz Rent a Car in Kenya can arrange a vehicle on chauffeur driven or self-drive and has a rental desk at the International Arrivals Hall (look to the left as you exit customs). You can book through this website.

Taxis are a few dollars cheaper, but you should always negotiate the price before starting your trip.

The ride from the airport to town is about 20 minutes. North Coast Hotels may take up to 50 minutes and South Coast Hotels may take longer to get to depending on the ferry.