London to Mombasa (LHR–MBA) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya, replacing the old eVisa system as of January 2024. Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 72 hours before travel. The fee is $30 for a single entry, valid for 90 days per visit with multiple entries over a 3-month period. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days but can be faster.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date with at least two blank pages. Upload a passport photo and a clear scan of your passport bio page during the application. Bring a printed or digital copy of the eTA approval. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from or transiting through an endemic country (this includes connections through Addis Ababa, Nairobi itself is not endemic).

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) run about 8 hours 30 minutes on British Airways and Kenya Airways. The Kenyan shilling (KES) trades at roughly 155 KES per $1. M-Pesa mobile payments dominate local commerce, and some tourist-facing businesses accept it from foreign numbers registered at a Safaricom shop (passport required, 5-minute process). Take malaria prophylaxis for coastal and western regions; Nairobi and highland areas above 2,500m are malaria-free.

Heathrow Express runs from London Paddington to T5 and T2/T3 in 15–21 minutes (£37 single, cheaper booked online or via the Heathrow app). Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is a lower-cost alternative; Paddington to T5 in 34 minutes from £13.50 with an Oyster/contactless cap of £14.90. The Elizabeth line also serves central London stations including Bond Street, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.London Underground Piccadilly line serves all terminals (T2/T3/T4/T5) from central London in 40–60 minutes (£6 with Oyster). Taxis (black cabs) from central London cost £55–90 depending on traffic. Coach services from Victoria Coach Station (National Express) cost from £10 booked in advance.