we are going to Kenya in 2 months, but the Kenyan visa form ask of any past criminal conviction ,. My husband had a criminal conviction 20 years ago, should i disclose this info? do they have access to Canada data bank?....all is already paid for our trip, but i do not have any record...
Reply to this Hello Helene, and welcome to the forum!
This is a tough question, I always say to be honest in filling your form, because such a record may even be picked up on entry in Kenya.
Having said that, a conviction from 20 years ago is a very long time in the world of issuing visas. I suspect (but not sure) that it could be fine. However, it would depend on what the conviction was for - a drink-driving conviction is different to violent crime.
You could try to call the Embassy without identifying yourself and try to get the info, but that is a risky move in case they do identify you.
What does the form specifically ask for?
Reply to this Thanks for your response Shane, i called the embassy of Kenya, and they told me that i had to disclose and that it could affect the Visa.
on the form they ask if there was any criminal offense past or present, penalty and sentence. After re thinking my answer, i finally decided to disclose my husband criminal record (drug related) of 20 years ago...with a note that since then no offense....and model citizen...so, now it is in their hands, there is nothing i can do for now. I will keep you posted on the result.....bye
Reply to this 20 years ago with no other sentence should be okay - it wasn't violent crime which tends to get looked on more dimly. Best of luck, please let us know the result.
Reply to this Shane, sure will. but i will not sleep well until i get my husband visa. But even if i disclosed the info, could we be turned back at the customs?
Reply to this It would be very unusual to be turned back at the border once arriving in Kenya if you already have a visa. I obtained a Kenyan visa prior to arrival one time and I was through immigration within a few minutes.
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[replyto=177093 Hello again Shane, just want to keep you inform that my husband was granted his visa, despite the past criminal record..,
I guess the 20 years ago played a part....it is a relief...thanks for your support..Helene
Reply to this That is great news, thanks for letting me know! Enjoy your time in Kenya, it is a wonderful country.
Reply to this Hello again Shane..... i wonder if you could tell me if we need to get the yellow fever vaccin, before going to Kenya, is it really necessary. We are going on a safari for 3 days and we will be staying at a villa by the beach in Mombassa......i am from Canada, so here there is no yellow fever. I get mixed infos on that.....thanks for your help again...Helene
p.s....we went to Vietnam and Thailand a couple of years ago, and we got all the vaccins then, but not for yellow fever....
Reply to this I would recommend you get yellow fever - you may be asked when you get into Kenya (not happened to me yet), but you may be asked when you return to Canada or enroute anywhere inbetween. For example, in Asia, I have personally seen people from Africa required to product yellow fever vaccination certificates (they were in front of me in the queue).
Remember that the vaccine is handy if you plan to travel through parts of South America as well.
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