The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel warning for Kenya, advising British nationals against all but essential journeys to Moyale Town and areas within five kilometres of the Ethiopia border, amid heightened security concerns and the threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants.
The warning, updated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Friday, November 6, 2026, also maintains travel restrictions affecting parts of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu and Tana River counties over security concerns, particularly the threat of terrorism linked to Al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based militant group affiliated with al-Qaeda.
In a significant development for travellers using the northern Kenya corridor, Moyale Town and its surrounding five-kilometre zone have now been added to the areas where the British government advises against all but essential travel. The restricted area includes the Kenya-Ethiopia border crossing.
The UK government has also cautioned that travelling against its official advice could invalidate travel insurance, potentially leaving affected travellers exposed to unexpected medical, evacuation and other expenses.
Moyale border warning
The latest advisory specifically identifies Moyale Town and areas extending up to five kilometres around it as locations where British nationals should avoid non-essential journeys.
The restriction includes the border crossing between Kenya and Ethiopia, an important route for cross-border movement, trade and transport between the two neighbouring countries.
The development is particularly relevant to international travellers, business operators, transport companies and individuals planning journeys through northern Kenya.
British nationals intending to visit the affected area are advised to reconsider their travel plans, establish whether their journeys are essential and consult the latest official guidance before departure.
The FCDO’s updated warning does not amount to a Kenyan government travel ban. Rather, it represents the British government’s assessment of security risks for its nationals visiting the country
Al-Shabaab threat behind Northern Kenya restrictions
Beyond Moyale, the UK government continues to advise against all travel to several locations in northern and eastern Kenya because of the threat of terrorism posed by Al-Shabaab militants operating from neighbouring Somalia.
Al-Shabaab has been linked to repeated attacks in Kenya, particularly in counties bordering Somalia, including Mandera, Garissa and Lamu.
The affected areas include Mandera County, Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, excluding Wajir Town, as well as areas of Wajir County within 60 kilometres of the Somalia border.
In Garissa County, the all-travel warning covers the county except Garissa Town, Lagdera constituency and specified parts of Balambala constituency located north and west of the main road running from Saka on the Tana River to its intersection with the C81 Road.
Lamu County is also affected, although the restrictions exclude Lamu Island and Manda Island.
The FCDO separately advises against all but essential travel to Garissa Town, Tana River County north of the Tana River up to Saka, and areas within 15 kilometres of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River.
These restrictions distinguish between locations where the UK advises against all travel and those where only essential journeys are recommended.
Travel insurance risks explained
The updated Kenya travel advisory also carries an important financial warning for British nationals.
According to the FCDO, travel insurance could become invalid if individuals travel against its official advice.
This means travellers who disregard the restrictions could face complications when seeking insurance coverage following an emergency or other unexpected incident.
British nationals planning journeys to affected counties should therefore contact their insurance providers, establish what their policies cover and review the latest government guidance before travelling.
The November 6 update highlights the importance of checking travel restrictions before visiting northern and eastern Kenya, particularly areas close to the country’s borders with Somalia and Ethiopia, where security concerns linked to Al-Shabaab remain a major consideration.
Source: People Daily
