Brits flying to 2 holiday destinations face new rules - started in October

Detailed summary

Brits travelling to two popular holiday destinations have been warned to check one important detail or risk being denied boarding. With the holiday season approaching, travellers…

Brits travelling to two popular holiday destinations have been warned to check one important detail or risk being denied boarding. With the holiday season approaching, travellers are being urged to ensure all their paperwork is in order before heading to the airport. New travel insurance requirements have been introduced in several popular destinations this year.

A travel expert has reminded the holidaymakers that they need to check the specific entry requirements before they fly. The two destinations Kenya and Tanzania have updated their travel requirements this year.

Kenya, one of Africa’s leading safari hotspots, has introduced a compulsory health insurance scheme for international visitors, meaning standard UK travel insurance may no longer satisfy entry requirements.

The measure took effect on October 5, 2026, and applies to most non-Kenyan travellers visiting the country for less than a year, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Under the new rules, visitors must purchase an approved Kenyan health insurance policy through the government’s official platform. Evidence of cover must be presented both before departure and upon arrival in the country.

Dr Mohanjeet Brar, safari expert at Gamewatchers Safari said: "People can spend months planning and saving for a safari holiday, so the last thing anyone wants is for something as simple as an insurance document to disrupt their trip.

"One of the biggest misconceptions around travel insurance is that having a policy already means you're covered for every requirement at your destination.

"Kenya's new rules are a reminder that travellers need to check the specific entry requirements before they fly. Even if you've already booked your holiday and purchased insurance in the UK, you may still need to take an additional step."

Tanzania has also brought in compulsory government-backed travel insurance for overseas visitors, with the policy becoming a requirement from October 1, 2026.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Daily Express. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.