Turkey Visa RequirementsFor Kenya passport holders
Kenyan citizens can visit Turkey by obtaining an e-visa online before travel at evisa.gov.tr, costing $60. The visa allows up to 90 days. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Nairobi to Istanbul, making Turkey one of the most conveniently connected international destinations for Kenyans.
Kenya passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Turkey.
Apply online at evisa.gov.tr before your travel date. Enter your passport details, select visa type (single or multiple-entry), pay the $60 fee by credit or debit card, and receive the e-visa by email, usually within minutes to a few hours. Print the e-visa or save it on your phone to present at the Turkish border. No embassy visit or document upload is required for a standard tourist e-visa. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your travel date.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Kenya to Turkey: What You Need to Know
Turkey offers an online e-visa for Kenyan passport holders, available at the official portal evisa.gov.tr with no embassy appointment required. Turkey has become a major hub for Kenyan travelers due to Turkish Airlines' direct Nairobi service and its global hub role connecting Africa to Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The e-visa is typically valid for 180 days from issue, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit, and can be issued as single or multiple-entry.
How to Get There
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Istanbul (IST) multiple times per week, with a flight time of approximately 7 to 8 hours. This is one of the most direct long-haul connections available to Kenyans. Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkish Airlines' main global hub, providing connections to over 300 destinations worldwide. Kenya Airways also has codeshare options on Turkey routes.
Money & Banking
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). High inflation in Turkey in recent years has made it excellent value for visitors holding USD, EUR, or other stable currencies. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and tourist areas. ATMs are available throughout Istanbul and major cities. Withdraw TRY at ATMs for the best rate rather than exchanging at the airport. Istanbul is surprisingly affordable for a major city: street food from 40 to 80 TRY, mid-range restaurant meals 200 to 500 TRY.
Practical Tips
Istanbul's historic peninsula holds the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, all within walking distance of each other. The Bosphorus strait divides Europe and Asia, with ferry crossings offering spectacular city views. Cappadocia in central Turkey has unique volcanic rock formations, cave hotels, and famous sunrise hot-air balloon flights. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts (Bodrum, Antalya, Fethiye) offer beaches and ancient ruins. Turkish cuisine is outstanding: kebabs, mezes, baklava, and the elaborate Turkish breakfast (kahvalti).