Travel Information

Passports

All athletes must have a current passport valid for at least 6 months after return from Kenya and a visa for entrance into Kenya in order to be eligible for travel to the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. The USATF National Office staff will apply and pay for the visa needed for entrance into Kenya; however, the athlete must have a current passport in order to receive a visa. USATF National Office staff and the team staff can provide information to assist the athlete in obtaining a passport by providing the necessary paperwork and instructions to the athlete and by providing any information that will assist the athlete in obtaining a passport as quickly as possible. Athletes should have passports with them when they enter the team sign-up area at the 2007 USA Cross Country Championships. Those athletes not bringing a current passport to the USA Cross Country Championships that is valid for at least 6 months after return from Kenya may find it difficult to acquire a passport and visa in time to travel with the team.

USATF will NOT assist the athlete by:

• Paying passport fees
• Paying passport expedition fees
• Traveling to a passport office to assist an athlete with obtaining a passport
• Paying for passport photographs
• Paying for an athlete's transportation to a passport office

USATF WILL assist the athlete by paying for the athlete's visa, provided that a current passport meeting the 6 months requirement is presented in a timely manner; however, it will not pay for expedition fees, travel to a consulate to acquire a visa, visa photos or other expenses caused by the athlete's delay in presenting their passport.

There are new passport rules dealing with minors, which makes processing more difficult. For more information on acquiring a passport, please visit http://travel.state.gov or your local post office.

Due to heightened security, passport rules have changed. If your passport expires any time during 2007, you may not use it for entrance into Kenya.

Visas

Passport, visa, and onward/return ticket are required for travel to Kenya. Visas should be obtained in advance. USATF will assist athletes who qualify for the team with the visa application process. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested. Tourist visas require 1 application form, 2 photos, onward/return ticket, and $50 fee (money order or cashier's check only). Multiple-entry visas require payment of a $100 fee (money order or cashier's check only). Expedited visa service is available for an additional $10. Airport departure tax is $40. For additional information, consult the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202-387-6101).

Immunizations

Before travel, be sure you are up-to-date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP). See the schedule for adults and the schedule for infants and children. Some schedules can be accelerated for travel.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is fewer than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

Yellow fever: vaccination is compulsory, i.e. if you have never been vaccinated, or it has been more than 10 years ago, you are obliged to get the vaccination: check with your national health authorities. The international certificate of vaccination becomes valid only 10 days after vaccination.

In addition, below is a common list of recommended vaccinations for those traveling to the region, including Kenya:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Malaria
Meningitis
Tetanus booster
Typhoid
Polio booster

Most of these vaccinations should be completed at least two weeks prior to departure. An accelerated vaccination is available for Hepatitis B and is a series of three shots that needs to start at a minimum of four weeks prior to departure. Evidence of yellow fever immunization is requested. 

The current estimated cost for an individual requiring all vaccinations is $350 and will be the responsibility of athletes who qualify for the team.

For more information visit www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm