AACUC 2024 Kenya Learning Experience

Required for Entry:

• Passport with at least two blank pages, six months’ validity, and a Kenyan electronic travel authorization.
  • Make sure to have a physical, printed copy of your Kenyan eTA (eVisa) for ease of entry at airport
• All visitors are required to have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before entering Kenya.
  • Apply for your eTA for travel to Kenya
  • Your eTA application may require a letter of invitation from ACCOSCA. This will be sent to you in advance.

1. Most flights will arrive at Terminal 1 at the Jomo Kenyatta Int’l Airport (NBO)
   1. Follow the crowd to Immigration/Passport Control area
   2. Look for a desk with an ACCOSCA sign, present yourself there.*
   3. You will be assisted through Immigration.
2. Be prepared to show your passport and the eTA (e-visa). The printed-out version of your eVisa works best.
3. Once past Immigration, proceed to Baggage Claim and pick up your checked luggage.
4. Move to Customs. Your carry-on luggage will be scanned. (Unless your checked baggage has been marked with an ‘X’, it has already gone through the scanning process so please do not put it in the scanner.)
5. Exit the airport once you have completed customs (there is only one main exit).
6. Look for another person holding an ACCOSCA sign who will provide transportation to the Weston Hotel.
7. Once at the Weston, check in as you would at any hotel. You will be asked to present a card for incidental expenses. Your trip fee did not include things like spa services, alcohol, tips, taxes, etc.
8. If you have any trouble (especially if you do not see an ACCOSCA person outside the airport), use your phone service or WhatsApp to contact Lois Kitsch. Lois Kitsch can be reached at +1 407 616 2409.

FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION, please check the WhatsApp ‘Announcements’ Community Group.

*(If you end up in the regular passport control line, no problem…just proceed through to the baggage claim. It will just take longer)

• There are no medical clearances required for Kenya. You may wish to check with your health care provider for recommendations for vaccines or Malaria medication.
• The tap water in Kenya is safe for brushing your teeth and for taking a bath, but it is not recommended to drink the water from the tap in Kenya. This doesn’t mean that tap water is necessarily contaminated but your body may not be used to it. It is advised to drink bottled water at all times during your Kenya trip.

AACUC has purchased a Business Travel Accident Policy for the group with assistance of TruStage. The insurer is Hartford Fire Insurance Company.

Coverage includes evacuation and medical emergencies. Learn more about the AACUC Travel Insurance.

You may purchase other coverage if you'd like.

• Local currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES), abbreviated "KSh".
  • The USD to KES exchange rate varies of course, but current average is $1 = 130KSh
• There are many secure ATMs available for cash withdrawals. There is an ATM at the Nairobi airport.
• American Express may not be widely accepted in Kenya. Plan to bring either a Mastercard or Visa.
  • Notify your credit/debit card company of your travel plans.
• If you are bringing cash, bills should be issued after 2013.
• Tipping is appreciated, but not expected for service. Tipping is more customary in the safari industry.
  • US dollars are accepted, but shillings are preferred as exchange rate on small bills is poor.
    • 400KSh per day for room attendant ($3)
    • 400KSh for baggage support ($3)
    • 500-1000KSh for wait staff in restaurant ($4-7)
    • 400-1000KSh for courtesy staff
    • 10% for specialty services (e.g., spa)

• Please wear credit union logo clothes or business casual attire during the days in Nairobi.
• Casual wear is more suitable for the weekends.
• Congress week attire is business (business suits, business jackets, meeting or office attire). Ties are optional.
  • Special Dinners
    • Foundation Dinner – Dressy (Cocktail)
    • Supporters Reception – Business
    • Opening Ceremony – Red, White, and Blue
    • Closing Dinner – White
• Friday, October 11 - casual attire for tree planting. Please wear appropriate shoes.
• Due to unpredictable weather, do carry layers and warm clothes too.

• When in Kenya, most communications will happen via WhatsApp.
  • Download the app from your play store and create a free account prior to travel to be prepared.
• Prior to the participant's arrival, AACUC will reach out to the participants to add them to a WhatsApp group. This will be the communication technique used to alert participants about logistics during their stay.

It is best to plan on getting to NBO airport 3 - 4 hours prior to your flight.

Space for baggage is limited to 15kgs (33 lbs) per person in a soft duffel-type bag. This includes hand luggage and camera equipment. See more in Part 3 below.