Kenya entry requirements for France passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya. Apply online before you travel. This rule applies in 2026.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must have an approved e-Visa before boarding your flight to Kenya. Apply online before travel | All French passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Kenya e-Visa portal at https://etakenya.go.ke/. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry; the maximum stay is determined at the port of entry (typically up to 90 days). | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months | Your French passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival; a blank page is needed for that stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have two or more blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your return flight booking to show if asked. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the e-Visa system, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry some cash (Kenyan Shillings or USD) and have a credit/debit card as backup. May be requested | While not a fixed amount is specified, you should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Kenya. This could be cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your itinerary includes any stopover in a yellow-fever endemic country; if so, get vaccinated and carry the certificate. Required if arriving from endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. For direct travel from France, it is not required, but it is recommended for your own health. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical facilities in Kenya may require upfront payment; insurance protects you financially. Recommended | Although not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and evacuation is strongly recommended for all travelers to Kenya. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional online forms before arrival. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for French citizens. The e-Visa serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry eTA (1 year)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$120
Ideal for frequent travelers; apply online.
Multiple-entry eTA (5 years)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity5 years from issue
Cost$180
Best value for long-term frequent travelers.
Business eTA
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
ValiditySingle entry or multiple entry options
CostFrom $34 (single) to $180 (5-year multiple)
For business meetings, conferences, or trade; same eTA application but select business purpose.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist)Mandatory for all French passport holders; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, single entry)For transit through Kenya to a third country; valid for 72 hours. | $20 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries within 1 year. | $120 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 5 years)For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries within 5 years. | $180 |
| Visa extension (visitor's pass)Extensions up to 6 months; apply at immigration office in Nairobi. | Approx. $50 per month |
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
Transit visa required
French passport holders transiting through Kenya require a transit eTA, even if staying airside. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline crew ID may be exempt.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA)
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 = 129.25 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.
No, the eTA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type, such as a work permit or student pass, before your current eTA expires.
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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.