Turkey Visa for Kenya Citizens

Kenyan citizens planning to visit Turkey should be aware of the visa requirements and exemptions. The type of passport you hold determines whether or not you need a visa to enter Turkey. This article provides detailed information on Turkey visas for Kenyan citizens.

Note:

• Diplomatic, official, service, and special passport holders from Kenya are exempt from the visa requirement for stays and transits in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This period is calculated from the first entry date.
• Ordinary passport holders from Kenya are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkey. They are not eligible for the e-visa system.

Are Kenyan citizens with diplomatic passports exempt from Turkish visas?

Yes, Kenyan citizens holding diplomatic passports are exempt from Turkey visa. They can enter Turkey for various purposes, such as diplomatic or official visits, without the need to obtain a visa in advance. 

Diplomatic passport holders from Kenya can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, starting from their first entry. This exemption is based on diplomatic agreements and international relations between the two countries.

What about official, service, and special passport holders from Kenya?

Kenyan citizens holding official, service, and special passports are also exempt from Turkish visas. Similar to diplomatic passport holders, individuals with these types of passports can enter Turkey without obtaining a visa in advance. 

They are allowed to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, starting from their first entry. This exemption applies to various official, government, and special passport holders from Kenya and is typically based on international agreements and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Do Kenyan citizens with ordinary passports need a visa to enter Turkey?

Yes, Kenyan citizens holding ordinary (regular) passports need a visa to enter Turkey. If you have an ordinary passport and plan to visit Turkey for tourism, business, study, work, or any other non-diplomatic or non-official purpose, you are required to apply for a visa before your trip. You can apply for a Turkish visa through the Turkish Embassy or Consulate. 

Different types of Turkish visas available for Kenyan citizens

There are several types of Turkish visas available for Kenyan citizens, depending on the purpose of their visit. These include:

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Student Visa
• Work Visa
• Transit Visa
• Official Visa
• Diplomatic Visa

Required Documents for Visa Application

Kenyan citizens applying for a Turkish visa typically need to submit:

• A completed visa application form
• A valid passport
• Passport-sized photos
• Visa application fee
• Supporting documents based on the type of visa (e.g., invitation letter for business visa, acceptance letter for student visa)

Can Kenyan citizens work or study in Turkey with a tourist visa?

No, Kenyan citizens cannot work or study in Turkey with a tourist visa. A tourist visa is specifically designed for individuals who intend to visit Turkey for tourism, leisure, or short-term travel purposes. It does not permit holders to engage in work or study activities during their stay in Turkey.

If you plan to work or study in Turkey, you must apply for the appropriate type of visa that corresponds to your intended activities. For work purposes, you would need a work visa, and for study purposes, you would need a student visa. These specific visa categories come with their own requirements, and you should apply for them before your travel to Turkey.

Working or studying in Turkey without the proper visa or authorization is not allowed and can lead to legal issues, including deportation and visa violations. Therefore, it's essential to ensure you have the correct visa type that matches your intended activities in Turkey.

FAQ

How many visitors from Kenya travel to Turkey in one year?

In 2018, around 39,360 travelers from Kenya visited Turkey.

Do Kenyan citizens need a visa to visit Turkey?

Yes, Kenyan citizens who hold ordinary passports are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkey for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.

Are there any exemptions for Kenyan passport holders?

Yes, there is a visa exemption for Kenyan citizens who hold diplomatic, official, service, and special passports. They can enter Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for specific purposes.

How can Kenyan citizens apply for a Turkish visa?

Kenyan citizens can apply for a Turkish visa by contacting the Turkish embassy or consulate in Kenya or by using the online visa application system, depending on the current procedures in place at the time of their application.