Kenya arrival procedures

Airport pickup, flights, and visas for your trip to Kenya

We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Kenya. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.

Arrival airport and pickup in Kenya

A Projects Abroad staff member will be there to welcome you when you arrive at Nairobi Airport (NBO). From the airport, you will travel on a shuttle bus to Nanyuki, and then be taken to your host family. If you arrive at the airport late at night, you will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Nairobi and take the shuttle the next day. Depending on traffic, this will be a three to four hour drive.

Your airport transfer is included in the cost of your project fee, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses.

Booking your flights to Kenya

Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.

We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are. Find out more about the flight booking process.

Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Kenya

One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.

Upon arrival in Kenya, you’ll need to apply for a volunteer permit. It costs around US $145 and needs to be renewed monthly. A local Projects Abroad staff member will be able to assist you with this process. There are some exceptions to the permit requirement, depending on the type of project and length of stay. Your Volunteer Advisor will be able to tell you whether you are exempt or not.

Your induction and orientation in Kenya

On your first day, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction to your new town. You will receive an introduction pack, which includes useful information such as maps and local contact details. A staff member will take you on a tour of the surrounding area, and point out places that might be useful to you.

You’ll also be taken to buy a local sim card or exchange money if you need to. Our staff will explain how to use the public transport system, so that you are confident travelling around. You’ll also visit our local offices in Nanyuki, and find out more about the way we run out projects in Kenya.

Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Kenya

We want to make sure you are fully prepared for your project, so you’ll receive plenty of guidance on your first day. A Projects Abroad staff member will accompany you from your host family to work on your first day so that you know how to get there.

You’ll get shown around the placement, and meet the people you’ll be working with. It’s a great way to see how things are run, and gain insight into what you’ll be expected to do. Your project work will only begin on your second day.

Support, safety, and backup

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Find out more about safety and backup.