NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Kingdom has issued a revised travel advisory warning its citizens of heightened security risks in parts of Kenya, citing persistent terrorism threats and instability near the border with Somalia.
The alert, released Tuesday by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), places several counties under strict travel restrictions and urges British nationals already in the country to exercise increased vigilance.
In the updated guidance, the FCDO advises against all travel to Mandera County, as well as Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, exempting only Wajir Town.
Parts of Garissa County remain restricted, with Garissa Town, Lagdera, and sections of Balambala north and west of the main Saka–C81 Road corridor excluded from the advisory.
Lamu County has also been flagged, with the UK cautioning travellers to avoid the mainland while allowing visits to Lamu and Manda islands.
The advisory further warns against all but essential travel to Garissa Town, parts of Tana River County located north of the river towards Saka, and the 15km belt along the east coast between the Tana and Galana rivers.
The UK government emphasised that the evolving security landscape means no destination can be declared entirely safe. “No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide,” the FCDO noted, urging travellers to familiarise themselves with safety tips tailored for women, persons with disabilities, LGBT+ travellers, and those exploring independently.
It also advised travellers to secure comprehensive insurance covering planned itineraries and emergency costs.
Kenyan security responses in recent years have included intensified operations against al-Shabaab militants along the northeastern border and increased surveillance of transit routes.
The UK advisory aligns with similar notices previously issued by the United States and other partners, often prompting discussions on the balance between national security and the economic impact on tourism-dependent regions.
The updated notice comes just days after the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a heightened alert over potential nationwide anti-government protests in Tanzania.
The embassy warned that demonstrations planned for December 9 could start earlier, citing unrest that followed the October 29 elections.
That period, it said, saw “destruction of public infrastructure, violence against civilians, internet shutdowns, and major travel disruptions.”
Tanzanian authorities are reported to have intensified scrutiny of foreigners, including searching electronic devices for politically sensitive material.
The embassy cautioned that travellers should anticipate curfews, roadblocks, potential internet blackouts, and disruptions to ferry and air travel.
“Travellers to Tanzania over the next several weeks should be prepared for potential disruptions,” the US warned, adding that the security environment remained fluid.
Analysts note that travel advisories, though routine, can strain diplomatic relations if perceived as harsh or economically harmful.
However, they also function as early indicators of regional instability, with East Africa currently managing both terrorism threats and political volatility.
For now, both Kenya and Tanzania face heightened scrutiny from Western nations as security dynamics continue to evolve — a situation likely to shape diplomatic dialogue, tourism trends, and regional stability heading into 2026.
