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Immigration & Legal Requirements

Foreigners traveling to Nairobi must check visa requirements, work permits, and residency options, with common permits including Class D for employment and 34-3(c) for diplomatic spouses.

  • All visitors to Kenya will need an e-Visa, which is an electronic visa and can be obtained online. Effective 1 January 2021 Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival. Staff members/Consultants with valid UNLPs on official business do not require a visa to enter the country. Staff members/ Consultants (as well as their dependents) who do not hold valid UNLPs, will be required to visit: https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/. To apply, the steps to follow are:

    • Create an account as ‘Visitor’.

    • Once verified go to Directorate of Immigration.

    • Fill in the e-Visa Application.

    • Choose Single Entry visa type.

    • Upload documents: Attach contract in place of the return ticket.

    • Once approved print out the e-Visa approval.

    • This will need to be done for all family members, however, children sixteen (16) years of age and below are exempted from visa payment and application except if they are from referred countries.

    • There is a US$50 issuance fee.

    It is highly recommended that visa applications be submitted at least three weeks before expected date of travel. Upon arrival, you are advised to request the immigration officer to issue a visa valid for three months to allow enough time to process the accreditation. Please ensure that you carry a copy of your contract or letter of offer. Information on visa eligibility based on nationality can be found at http://evisa.go.ke/eligibility.html.

    Staff members whose nationality requires a referral visa (see countries listed) can apply for the referred visa online https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/. Kindly get in touch with HCSU (Host Country Services Unit) first for issuance of the note verbal to be attached to the application in lieu of an invitation letter. (Afghanistan, Armenia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Formerly North Korea), Iraq, Libya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Somalia, Yemen Tajikistan).

    HCSU Contact

    UNON – Host Country Helpdesk: unon-hostcountry-helpdesk@un.org

Housing & Accommodation

Blue Zone Areas

Nairobi offers diverse housing options, from upscale gated communities to budget-friendly apartments, with popular expat areas including Westlands, Kilimani, and Runda.

Blue Zone Map

Serviced Apartments (Near the UN)

Hotels

Schools & Education

Nairobi offers a range of international and local schools with diverse curricula, including IB, British, American, and Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

  • At ISK, learning is the construction of meaning. We construct meaning through inquiry -based experiences that transcend disciplines.At ISK, wellbeing is equipping all learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges while feeling good on the inside, functioning well on the outside, and doing good for others.SK is a community that is committed to justice and anti-oppression through learning, action, and accountability.

    Curriculum Type:

    Our school is a center of inquiry, creativity and joyful learning. The curriculum consists of core subjects (Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science) combined with a specialist program (Modern Language, PE, Art, Music, Technology Integration, Guidance and Library.)

    Admission Period: Rolling Admission throughout the year

    Admission Age:

    Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5 Ages 3 - 10 years

    Grades 6, 7, and 8 Ages 11 - 14 years

    Grades 9 to 12 Ages 14 - 18

    Website

  • Hillcrest is a co-educational International School located in Nairobi. Built on a philosophy of inclusion, cooperation and mutual respect, it has a large diversity of cultures and backgrounds.

    Braeside Thika is a co-educational international school in Mang’u Road (Exit 16A off Thika Highway), Kenya.

    Braeside Lavington is a co-educational international school in Nairobi.

    Curriculum Type: National Curriculum of England and Wales
    Admission Period: Rolling Admission throughout the year
    Admission Age:
    Hillcrest: 2 – 18 years
    Braeside Thika: 3 – 18 years
    Braeside Lavington: 3 – 18 years

    Websites:
    Hillcrest
    Braeside Thika 
    Braeside Lavington

  • Rosslyn Academy, an international Christian school founded in 1947, is a private, co-ed day school. Its 701 students in Preschool-12th grade come from over 50 different countries. Rosslyn is located on a former coffee plantation on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. The school serves families from the mission communities, as well as those whose parents are with the diplomatic corp, the UN, in business and in the local community.

    Curriculum Type: American Curriculum
    Admission Period: As this changes each year, referring to this page will provide the most up-to-date information
    Admission Age: Preschool-12th Grade (Preschoolers must turn four by 1 September)

    website

  • Maple Bear Kenya offers the best of Canadian education for a global future. Located along a quiet road in the heart of Westlands, Maple Bear Kenya offers a bilingual preschool program for students aged between 12 months and 6 years incorporating the best Canadian educational practices. Our school is conveniently located just 2 minutes from Westgate Mall and a short 15-minute drive from the United Nations office in Gigiri.

    Curriculum Type: Canadian Curriculum
    Admission Period: Rolling Admission throughout the year
    Admission Age: 12 months to 6 years old

    Location: Eldama Ravine Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
    Contact Details: (+254) 0113733248, (+254) 020 202 0030

    info@maplebeareastafrica.com

    communications@maplebeareasafrica.com

    Website

Security & Safety

Nairobi is generally safe, but precautions like avoiding isolated areas, using trusted transport, and staying aware of your surroundings are essential.

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