Big four say no to holidays in Kenya.

Thomas Cook, MyTravel, First Choice and Thomson have put on hold holidays to Kenya until the end of April 2008, despite the latest change in travel advice issued by the Foreign Office.

Statement issued by Thomson reads: “In light of the FCO’s advice against all but essential travel to large parts of Kenya and as the security and political situation in the country remains unpredictable, the decision has been taken to cancel both the First Choice and Thomson charter flight operation to Mombassa, Kenya for the winter season.”

Ban on holidays to Kenya lifted

The Foreign Office has changed its advice on travel to Kenya. Instead of a blanket travel ban, the Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to specific areas of Kenya: particularly the Western and Nyanza provinces, Rift Valley province between Narok and Kitale, parts of Nairobi, Uhuru Park and Mombasa town.

In response, the Kenya Tourism Federation issued a statement describing the situation in beach resorts north and south of Mombasa, including Msambweni, Galu, Diani, Bamburi, Nyali, Shanzu, Kikambala, Kilifi and on to Watamu, Malindi and Lamu as calm with open and secure linking highways.

According to a Kenya Tourism Federation announcement; “Tourists have been staying at the beach resorts throughout the last fortnight without any problems and all have travelled between the airports and their beach hotels without any incidents being reported.”

British Airways operates daily scheduled flights to Nairobi from London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic, Kenya Airways, KLM revised their timetables. All travelers are recommended to contact their airline before leaving for the airport.

The Foreign Office is recommending that tourists visiting Kenya should avoid all public gatherings and large public meetings, any rallies, even if advertised as peaceful. Extreme caution should be exercised at all times.

Further suspension of flights to Kenya

All UK charter flights to Kenya remain suspended until and including Monday, 21st January.

Scheduled flights with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways continue to operate.

Holidays to Kenya remain postponed

The suspension of holidays to Kenya has been extended once more due to the continuing political unrest in the country.

Holiday departures to Kenya will remain suspended until Friday January 18. The situation for charter flights due to leave on Saturday is still under review, and a decision is expected to be made on Wednesday afternoon.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to the country.