Kenya entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
French passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before departure. The eVisa is mandatory for French passport holders — you cannot get a visa on arrival at Nairobi or Mombasa airports. Processing takes 2–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines at CDG and ORY check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA ask for a return or onward ticket for every visitor. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they will check the date matches your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya ready. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you are a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Apply early for eTA
Do not wait until the last minute. eTA approval can take up to 72 hours, and sometimes longer if there are technical issues. Apply at least a week before your flight.
Keep digital copies
Save your eTA approval, return ticket, and accommodation booking as PDFs on your phone. Also print a paper copy — phone batteries die and airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to the official eTA Kenya website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Approval usually comes within 72 hours.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: eTA approval email, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them together.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and eTA approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport. You're usually allowed up to 90 days per visit. Check the stamp for the exact date you must leave.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Standard option for tourism, must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Ideal for frequent travellers, allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (Class K)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
For work, study, or investment; requires sponsor and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. €460) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. €920) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. €138) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, each stay up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Transit visaFor airside transit only, valid for up to 72 hours. | $20 USD (approx. €18) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46), max $500 USD |
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
France passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high throughout the country, especially in rural areas and at lower altitudes. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for FR 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 = 129.17 KES
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
Getting to Kenya
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke. The fee is around $30 USD. Approval usually takes 1–3 business days.
Up to 90 days per visit. The exact date is written on the entry stamp you get at immigration. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor's visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. The fee is about $50 USD. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 more months.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for French passport holders. Always apply before you fly.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. French passport holders coming directly from France do not need it. But if you have recently been in a risk country, you must show the yellow card.
No. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car. Get it from the French automobile association before you leave.
Most tourist areas (Nairobi, Mombasa, Masai Mara) are safe. Avoid border regions with Somalia and South Sudan. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.