Travel Guide — Kenya Airports Authority

Step 1 of your journey

Before You Fly

Follow this step-by-step guide for a smooth departure from any KAA airport. Timings are based on JKIA — allow more time for international flights.

Recommended arrival time

International flights — arrive 3 hours before departure. Domestic flights — arrive 90 minutes before departure.

Check in for your flight

Proceed to your airline's check-in counter in the departures hall. Present your passport and booking reference. Most airlines open check-in 3 hours before departure and close it 45 minutes before.

💡 Self-check-in kiosks are available for Kenya Airways, KLM, and SAA passengers — check your airline's app for online check-in eligibility before arriving.

Drop your checked luggage

After completing check-in, proceed to the baggage drop counter if you checked in online. Ensure all bags are tagged with your boarding pass barcode and labelled with your name and destination.

💡 Luggage wrapped in plastic or clearly tagged reduces risk of mishandling on connecting flights.

Security screening

All passengers pass through security before entering the departure lounge. Remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your bag. Remove belts, jackets, and metal items before the scanner.

Liquids rule

Liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, carried in a single transparent resealable bag no larger than 1 litre. One bag per passenger.

Passport control & immigration

For international departures, proceed to the passport control counters. Kenyan citizens use the green channel. Foreign nationals use the general channel. Present a valid passport with at least 6 months' remaining validity.

💡 e-Passport holders and qualifying nationalities may use automated passport control lanes at JKIA — look for the kiosk signs on approach.

Departure lounge & boarding

Once airside, proceed to your departure gate. The departures board shows gate assignments. Gates are typically announced 40–60 minutes before departure. Boarding usually begins 30 minutes before departure — be at your gate on time.

💡 JKIA has retail, food, banking, and WiFi available in the departure lounge. Duty-free purchases must be made before your final boarding call.

Items not permitted in carry-on

The following are prohibited from carry-on baggage. Some may be permitted in checked luggage — confirm with your airline.

🚫 Sharp objects 🚫 Scissors >6cm 🚫 Firearms & replicas 🚫 Flammable liquids 🚫 Explosives 🚫 Liquids >100ml 🚫 Aerosols (pressurised) 🚫 Lithium batteries (>160Wh) 🚫 Knives of any kind

Departure day checklist

PassportValid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date

Boarding passPrinted or on your phone — download before you leave home

Visa for destinationCheck entry requirements for your destination country

Liquids packed correctly100ml or less in a single transparent resealable bag

Valuables in carry-onDo not pack passports, electronics, or medications in checked luggage

Arrive on time3 hours before international flights; 90 minutes for domestic

Arriving in Kenya

Welcome to Kenya

Step-by-step guide from landing to exiting the airport — whether you're a Kenyan resident, returning diaspora, or first-time visitor.

Disembark & follow arrivals signs

Follow the green Arrivals signs from the aircraft gate. At JKIA, Terminal 1A arrivals are on the ground level. Do not leave the terminal building until you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage.

Immigration & passport control

Present your passport at the immigration counter. Kenya citizens use the dedicated citizen lanes. Visitors require a valid visa — ensure you have applied for your eVisa in advance via the official KRA portal. Visa-on-arrival is available to qualifying nationalities.

💡 eVisa holders should have their approval letter printed or accessible on their device. Processing time at the counter averages 2–4 minutes per passenger.

Collect your baggage

Proceed to the baggage reclaim hall. Your flight number will be displayed on the overhead screens — proceed to the assigned carousel. If your luggage does not arrive, report immediately to the airline's baggage services desk before exiting the hall.

Customs declaration

Proceed through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Use the red channel if you are carrying goods exceeding duty-free allowances, currency above the declaration threshold, or restricted/controlled items.

🟢 Green channel

Nothing to declare — within duty-free limits

🔴 Red channel

Goods to declare or above allowances

Exit arrivals & find your transport

Exit into the arrivals hall, where meeter-greeters and transport options await. Official KAA-licensed taxis are available immediately outside. Ride-hailing pick-up zones are signposted. Public transport connections are available at the main forecourt.

💡 Only use official KAA-licensed taxis from the designated rank. Avoid unlicensed touts who may approach you inside the terminal.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol 1 litre spirits or 2 litres wine

Tobacco 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars

Perfume 250ml perfume or 500ml eau de toilette

Currency Above USD 10,000 must be declared

Goods Personal goods up to KES 60,000

Prohibited imports

Narcotics, pornography, firearms without permits, endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn), and certain food items are prohibited. Contact KRA for the full controlled goods list.

🌍 Visiting Kenya?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Kenya. We strongly recommend applying for your eVisa in advance through the official Kenya eCitizen portal — it is faster and avoids queues at the airport.

Apply for Kenya eVisa

External link — Kenya eCitizen portal

Meeting points at JKIA

📍

International arrivals hall

Ground floor, after customs exit — clearly signed meeting point zone

📍

Domestic arrivals

Adjacent to the baggage reclaim, Terminal 2 forecourt

🚗

Short-stay parking for greeters

15 minutes free; rates apply thereafter — see parking section below

In the terminal

At the Airport

Everything available in KAA terminals — from dining and retail to WiFi, prayer facilities, and medical services.

Interactive Terminal Maps

Full interactive terminal maps with wayfinding, facility search, and accessibility routes. Launching with the Phase 2 platform update.

Terminal Facilities

Coffee & Café

Departures, post-security | All terminals

Full Service Restaurant

International Departures | JKIA T1

Halal Food Court

Departures | JKIA T1A

Duty-Free Shops

Departures, airside | JKIA, MIA

Jewellery & Gifts

Departures & Arrivals | JKIA

Fashion & Accessories

International Departures | JKIA

Forex Bureau

Arrivals & Departures | JKIA, MIA, Wilson

ATM / Cash Machine

Multiple locations | All major terminals

CIP Lounge

Airside | JKIA T1A (opening 2025)

Airline Lounges

Airside departures | JKIA, MIA

Free WiFi

All areas | All KAA airports

Prayer Room / Interfaith

Landside & airside | JKIA, MIA

Baby Care Room

Landside | JKIA T1A, MIA

Medical / First Aid

24-hour | JKIA, MIA

Massage Chairs

Departure lounge | JKIA T1A

Florist

Arrivals hall | JKIA

Charging Stations

Throughout | JKIA, MIA

Luggage Wrapping

Check-in hall | JKIA T1

Getting here & around

Transport & Parking

All transport options to and from KAA airports — official taxis, ride-hailing, shuttles, public transport, and parking.

Official Airport Taxis

KAA-licensed taxis are available immediately outside arrivals halls at all airports. All vehicles are metered and licensed. Look for the official taxi rank signage.

To City Centre ~45 min

Approx. fare KES 1,500–2,500

Only use official taxis from the designated rank. Agree the fare before travel or confirm the meter is running.

Ride-Hailing (Uber / Bolt)

Uber and Bolt both operate at JKIA and MIA. Pick-up points are clearly signposted on the departures/arrivals forecourt. Book via the app before exiting the terminal.

Pick-up point Forecourt — Zone B

Wait time 5–15 min typical

Confirm the vehicle registration and driver name match the app before boarding.

Shuttle Services

Shared airport shuttles serve major hotels and the Nairobi CBD from JKIA. Most hotel chains operate their own shuttle services — confirm with your accommodation before arrival.

Service Hotel & CBD routes

Booking In advance recommended

Car Hire

International and local car rental companies operate counters at JKIA and MIA arrivals halls. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak travel periods. A valid driving licence and credit card are required.

Location Arrivals hall counters

Requirement Valid driving licence

Public Transport

Matatu (public minibus) services connect JKIA with Nairobi CBD via Airport North Road. Buses depart from the public transport forecourt. Note that public transport may not accommodate large luggage.

Route JKIA — Nairobi CBD

Approx. fare KES 50–100

Airport Parking

Short-stay, long-stay, and overnight parking available at JKIA, MIA, and Kisumu airports. Disabled parking bays are located closest to terminal entrances.

Short-stay (JKIA) KES 200/hour

Long-stay (JKIA) KES 1,200/day

New at JKIA

JKIA Smart Taxi Dispatch

Kenya Airports Authority has launched a smart taxi dispatch platform at JKIA designed to improve passenger safety, reduce wait times, and enhance the experience for international visitors. All dispatched taxis are GPS-tracked and licensed.

Flight Information

Check departure and arrival status for all flights through KAA airports.

Check flight status with your airline

Kenya Airways

kq.com/flightstatus

KLM Royal Dutch

klm.com

Ethiopian Airlines

ethiopianairlines.com

Emirates

emirates.com

Qatar Airways

qatarairways.com

RwandAir

rwandair.com

Inclusive travel

Accessibility & Special Assistance

KAA is committed to ensuring all passengers can travel with dignity and ease. Assistance is available across all KAA airports at no charge.

How to request assistance

Request special assistance when booking your flight with your airline — at least 48 hours before travel. You can also request at the airport on arrival at the assistance desk. For complex needs, contacting us in advance is strongly recommended.

Wheelchair Assistance

Wheelchair assistance from kerbside to aircraft door is available at all KAA major airports. Motorised buggies serve longer terminal distances at JKIA. Request when booking your flight.

Visual Impairment

Escort assistance through all airport processes is available for passengers with visual impairments. Service dogs are permitted in all terminal areas with appropriate documentation.

Hearing Impairment

Visual departure and arrival boards are present throughout all terminals. Induction loops are available at information desks. Flight information can be relayed through written communication on request.

Medical Equipment

Passengers travelling with medical equipment (oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, insulin pumps) should notify their airline in advance. All items must meet aviation safety requirements.

Unaccompanied Minors

Children aged 5–15 travelling alone can use the KAA Unaccompanied Minor service. Dedicated staff escort children through check-in, security, and boarding. Advance arrangement with your airline is required.

Families with Young Children

Dedicated family lanes at check-in and security are available at JKIA. Baby care rooms with changing and feeding facilities are located landside and airside. Priority boarding applies to families with infants.

Passenger Support

Lost property, complaints, general enquiries — contact our passenger services team or submit a request online.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my luggage is lost or delayed?

If your luggage does not appear on the baggage carousel within 30 minutes of other passengers collecting theirs, report immediately to your airline's baggage services desk in the arrivals hall — before exiting customs. You will need your boarding pass and passport. The airline is responsible for lost and delayed luggage; KAA's lost property office handles items lost within the terminal building itself.

How do I report a lost item at the airport?

Items lost within the KAA terminal (as opposed to on the aircraft) should be reported to the KAA Lost Property office, located at the information desk in each airport's arrivals hall. Items are held for 30 days. You can also contact us using the form on this page and we will check on your behalf. Please include a detailed description of the item, the date and approximate location of loss, and your contact details.

Can I re-enter the terminal to meet an arriving passenger?

Non-travelling visitors may access the public landside areas of KAA terminals, including the arrivals hall meeting area, without a ticket. Access beyond the immigration and security zones is restricted to ticketed passengers only. Short-stay parking is available for meeters and greeters — the first 15 minutes are free at JKIA.

What can I bring through security in my carry-on?

Liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, carried in a single transparent resealable bag no larger than 1 litre. Laptops and tablets must be removed from bags at the security checkpoint. Sharp objects, knives, firearms (including replicas), and flammable materials are prohibited from carry-on baggage. Prescription medications may be carried with appropriate documentation.

Is there free WiFi in KAA terminals?

Yes. Free WiFi is available throughout all KAA major terminal buildings — both landside and airside. Connect to the KAA_FreeWifi network and accept the terms to access. Session durations may be limited during peak periods. Premium extended sessions are available at select locations.

How do I make a complaint about my airport experience?

You can submit a complaint using the form on this page. KAA acknowledges all complaints within 2 business days and provides a full response within 10 business days in line with our Service Charter. For urgent matters at the airport, speak to any KAA staff member or visit the information desk. Note that complaints about airline service (baggage, delays, boarding) should be directed to your airline directly.

Contact passenger services

Use this form to submit a complaint, enquiry, or lost property report. We respond within 2 business days.

Full name *

Email address *

Airport *

Enquiry type *

Date of visit

Details *

KAA acknowledges all enquiries within 2 business days in line with the Service Charter.

Direct contact

JKIA Passenger Services

+254 20 827 5000

General enquiries

info@kaa.go.ke

Desk hours

24 hours — JKIA & MIA