Kenya entry requirements for Turkey passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel — it takes about 15 minutes to complete. As of 2026, the eTA is mandatory for all visitors, including those transiting through Nairobi.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Turkish passport holders need a visa for Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes. Approval usually comes within 2 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
6 months validity required
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at JKIA ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you are arriving without a pre-booked tour.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support your stay
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least $500 USD available. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to prove you are not working illegally.Recommended
Don't skip the eTA — even for transit
Kenya requires an eTA for all Turkish passport holders, including those just changing planes in Nairobi. If you don't have one, you won't be allowed to board your flight. Apply at least a week before travel.
Your passport needs 6 months of validity
Count 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from when you leave. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you book anything.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and a recent photo. Pay the fee (around $30 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 1-3 business days — don't wait until the last minute.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eTA approval, return ticket, and hotel booking. Also save digital copies on your phone. Keep them together in a folder so you're not fumbling at the counter.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eTA printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will take your fingerprints and a photo, then stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$51 USD (approx. 1,530 TRY)

Standard eVisa for tourism, valid for one entry.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$101 USD (approx. 3,030 TRY)

Allows multiple entries within validity period.

Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$101 USD (approx. 3,030 TRY)

Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.

work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500–$2,000 USD (approx. 15,000–60,000 TRY) depending on category
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 30,000 TRY) plus investment of at least $100,000 USD
For individuals investing in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Kenya Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. 4,500 TRY) per year
For students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Kenya eVisa (Single Entry)Required for Turkish passport holders. Apply online before travel.$51 USD (approx. 1,530 TRY)
Kenya eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months.$101 USD (approx. 3,030 TRY)
Transit VisaFor airside transit only, valid 72 hours.$20 USD (approx. 600 TRY)
Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity.$50 USD (approx. 1,500 TRY)
Overstay Fine (maximum cap)Maximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration.$500 USD (approx. 15,000 TRY)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Kenya

No transit visa needed

Turkish passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a transit visa is required if leaving the airport or staying overnight.

Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA) · Kisumu International Airport (KIS)

Health & vaccines for Kenya

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in tourists, but outbreaks occur in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk in most regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Nairobi
Department of Immigration Services (Headquarters)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.

Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles visa issues for coastal region visitors.

Practical information for TR travellers

Country basics
CapitalNairobi
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days with IDP.
Money
CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 129.47 KES
updated May 22
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Police999
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Kenya

4,343 kmgreat circle distance
~6hfrom Turkey
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Most applications are processed within 1-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. If you apply on a Friday, you might not hear back until Monday.
The eTA fee is approximately $30 USD (about 3,900 KES). You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional fees at the airport.
No, the eTA does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and reapply for a new eTA from outside the country. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Yes, even transit passengers need an eTA. If you're connecting through JKIA and staying airside, you still need to apply. There is no transit waiver for Turkish passport holders.
You will be denied boarding by your airline. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Turkish passport holders. You must have an approved eTA before you fly.
No. Kenya requires a valid passport for all foreign visitors. Your national ID card is not accepted for international travel.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Turkey is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently been to an endemic area. Check with your doctor about malaria prophylaxis — it's recommended for most parts of Kenya.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.