No insurance claims for cancelled Kenya trips

Security 11/01/2012

As the country admits that attacks from the al-Shabaab insurgents cannot be ruled out, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its travel advice for Kenya. The FCO advises against all but essential travel to within 60km of the Somali border, to coastal areas within 150km of the Kenya-Somalia border (this includes the Lamu area), to Garissa district and to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas.

Despite the warning, travel insurers say they will not compensate for loss of deposits if holidaymakers decide not to travel to the northern coast due to changing Foreign Office guidelines.

Insurers point out that a personal "disinclination to travel" is not covered by the terms and conditions of travel insurance. Travel agents and tour operators are likely to offer alternative destinations or dates, or accommodation in resorts further south on the Kenyan coast.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said its travel advice is "under constant review". Holidaymakers would only be covered for cancellation costs if the FCO imposed a blanket ban on travel.

Malindi and Mombassa - popular holiday destinations on Kenya's north coast ?-are located well outside the British government's current exclusion zone.

Kenyan authorities say they are working closely with British, French and international authorities to ensure that acts of piracy by Somali nationals are stopped and that hostages are released.

British holidaymakers due to travel to Kenyan coastal areas should continue to monitor the FCO's travel advice, which is subject to change.

Visit the FCO's website for changes in Kenya travel advice.