Kenya Visa for France Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a safari or beach holiday in Kenya as a French citizen? You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling, which costs $30 and is typically approved within 3 working days. The eTA replaced Kenya's traditional visa system in January 2024, making entry simpler for French travelers. With an approval rate above 97%, most applications are processed without issues.

Visa Application process

Applying for your Kenya eTA is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process:1 Step 1: Gather your documents Before starting, have ready: • Your French passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date) • A passport-style photo (digital) • Travel dates and flight information • Accommodation booking details • Credit or debit card for payment Step 2: Visit the official portal Go to etakenya.go.ke and create an account.1 The Kenya Embassy in Paris warns travellers to only use this official website and not third-party sites that may charge higher fees.2 Step 3: Complete the application Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Upload your passport scan and photo. Enter your travel itinerary and accommodation information. Step 4: Pay the fee The eTA costs $30 (approximately €28) plus a small bank processing fee.1 Payment is made online by credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or other digital payment methods. Step 5: Wait for approval Standard processing takes 3 working days, though it may be faster depending on volume.3 You will receive email notifications about your application status. Step 6: Receive your eTA Once approved, download and print your eTA confirmation. While Kenya uses electronic verification, having a printed copy provides backup.

Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Gather your documents
Step 2: Visit the official portal
Step 3: Complete the application
Step 4: Pay the fee
Step 5: Wait for approval
Step 6: Receive your eTA
1. Proceed to immigration
2. Present documents
3. Biometrics
4. Entry stamp
5. Customs

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount	eTA Application: $30 (~€28)	Bank Processing: ~$1-4	Total: ~$31-34	The fee is the same for all French citizens regardless of age. Children and infants also require their own eTA and must pay the full fee.1	The application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.1 Ensure all information is correct before submitting.

Required documents

Valid French Passport
Passport-Style Photo
Travel Itinerary
Proof of Accommodation
Payment Method
Contact Information

Valid French Passport

Your French passport must meet Kenya's entry requirements • Valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Kenya; • At least one blank page for entry stamp; • Clear scan of the biographical information page required for application] (Tip: Check your passport expiry date well before applyingEnsure your passport scan is high quality and all text is legible)

Passport-Style Photo

A recent digital photograph meeting Kenya's eTA photo requirements • Clear, colour photograph taken within the last 6 months; • Plain white or light-coloured background; • Face clearly visible, no sunglasses or head coverings (unless religious); • JPEG or PNG format for upload] (Tip: A selfie against a white wall can work if lighting is goodMany smartphone apps can format your picture to passport specifications)

Travel Itinerary

Details of your arrival and departure from Kenya • Arrival date and port of entry; • Departure date; • Flight details (airline, flight numbers)] (Tip: Have your flight booking confirmation ready before starting the applicationYour stay cannot exceed 90 days)

Proof of Accommodation

Confirmation of where you will stay in Kenya • Hotel booking confirmation; • Safari lodge reservations; • If staying with family or friends, an invitation letter with their contact details] (Tip: Book refundable accommodation if your plans are not finalisedSafari packages often include accommodation details in the booking)

Payment Method

Credit or debit card to pay the eTA fee • Visa, Mastercard, or other international cards accepted; • Apple Pay and other digital payment methods also accepted; • Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions] (Tip: Use a card without foreign transaction fees if possibleHave a backup payment method ready in case of issues)

Contact Information

Valid email address and phone number • Email address where you will receive eTA confirmation; • Phone number (can be French number)] (Tip: Use an email you check regularlyCheck your spam folder if you do not receive confirmation)

Optional documents

Yellow Fever Certificate

International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever • Must be the original certificate (yellow card); • Vaccination must be received at least 10 days before travel; • Certificate is valid for life after one dose] (Tip: If flying direct from France, this is NOT requiredIf transiting through Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, or other endemic countries, you will need proof of vaccinationCheck France Diplomatie travel health guidance for Kenya before travelling)

Border entry information

When you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Moi International Airport (Mombasa), or other ports of entry:3
1. Proceed to immigration
Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport and printed eTA confirmation ready.
2. Present documents
The immigration officer will verify your eTA electronically, check your passport, and may ask basic questions about your visit:
• Purpose of your trip
• Where you are staying
• How long you plan to stay
• Your return travel arrangements
3. Biometrics
Your fingerprints and photograph may be taken as part of the entry process.
4. Entry stamp
Once cleared, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport indicating your permitted stay duration.
5. Customs
After immigration, collect your baggage and proceed through customs. Declare any items as required.

If your application is denied

If your eTA application is rejected:1
Immediate steps:
Check the rejection email for the specific reason
Review your application for errors
Gather correct documentation
Common solutions:
Photo issues: Take a new photo with proper lighting and a plain background
Passport scan problems: Rescan with all corners visible and text clear
Information errors: Verify all details match your passport exactly
Missing documents: Prepare all required supporting materials
Reapplication:
You can submit a new application after addressing the issues. Note that the fee must be paid again as it is non-refundable. There is no limit on how many times you can apply, but multiple rejected applications may invite additional scrutiny.
Contact support:
For complex issues, contact the Kenya eTA support team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +254 110 922 062 or +254 110 922 064
WhatsApp: +254 110 922 063
The Kenya Embassy in Paris can also provide assistance:
Phone: +33 156 62 25 25
Email: [email protected]

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
eTA Application	$30 (~€28)	Standard fee for all applicants
Bank Processing	~$1-4	Varies slightly by payment method
Total	~$31-34	Paid online during application

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Application Form Errors
25%	Poor Quality Document Uploads
18%	Passport Validity Issues
12%	Incomplete Application
7%	Using Unofficial Websites
3%	Previous Immigration Violations

35% - Application Form Errors

How to avoid: Double-check that your name, passport number, date of birth, and other details match your passport exactly before submitting.

25% - Poor Quality Document Uploads

How to avoid: Ensure your passport scan shows all four corners and text is clearly readable. Use good lighting for your photo with a plain background.

18% - Passport Validity Issues

How to avoid: Renew your passport before applying if it expires within 6-8 months of your planned trip.

12% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Have all your travel details ready before starting the application. Review each section before submitting.

7% - Using Unofficial Websites

How to avoid: Only apply through the official website at etakenya.go.ke. Unofficial sites may charge higher fees and cannot process valid authorisations.

3% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: If you have previous immigration issues, ensure you can explain them and provide documentation showing resolution.

Frequently asked questions

Do French citizens need a visa to visit Kenya?

French citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Kenya, which replaced the traditional visa system in January 2024. The eTA must be obtained online before travel. It costs $30 (approximately €28) and is typically processed within 3 working days.

How long can French citizens stay in Kenya?

The eTA is valid for travel within 90 days of issuance. Upon arrival, immigration officers determine your actual permitted stay, which can be up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

How do I apply for a Kenya eTA from France?

Apply online at the official portal etakenya.go.ke. You will need your passport, a digital photo, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and a credit or debit card for payment. The process takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?

Standard processing takes 3 working days. However, it is recommended to apply at least one week before your planned departure to allow for any issues to be resolved.

What documents do I need for Kenya eTA application?

You need a valid French passport (with at least 6 months validity and one blank page), a passport-style photo, travel itinerary with flight details, proof of accommodation, and a credit or debit card for the $30 fee.

Is a yellow fever vaccine required for Kenya?

Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If flying directly from France, it is not mandatory. However, health authorities recommend checking current advisories before travel.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Kenya?

No. As of January 2024, the eTA must be obtained before travelling to Kenya. There is no visa on arrival option for French citizens. Airlines may deny boarding if you do not have an approved eTA.

What if my Kenya eTA application is denied?

If denied, you will receive notification by email. Review the rejection reason, correct any issues such as photo quality or information errors, and submit a new application. The fee is non-refundable for denied applications.

Can I extend my stay in Kenya beyond 90 days?

Extensions may be possible by applying to the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services before your authorised stay expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and require a valid reason.

Is Kenya safe for French tourists?

France Diplomatie advises against travel to some areas of Kenya, particularly near the Somali border and certain coastal regions. However, popular tourist destinations like the Masai Mara, Nairobi, Mombasa, and beach resorts are generally safe when standard precautions are followed.

What is the best time to visit Kenya?

The Great Migration in the Masai Mara occurs from July to October, drawing millions of wildebeest and zebra. The dry seasons of January to March and July to October offer the best wildlife viewing. Beach holidays are excellent year-round, with the driest weather from January to March.

Are there direct flights from France to Kenya?

Kenya Airways operates direct flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Nairobi. Several airlines offer connecting flights through hubs like Amsterdam, Dubai, or Addis Ababa. Flight time for direct routes is approximately 8 hours.

Apply for Kenya tourist visa online

Sources

Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization Official Portal

https://www.etakenya.go.ke

Kenya Embassy Paris - Electronic Travel Authorization

https://kenyaembassyparis.fr/electronic-travel-authorization/

Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services

https://immigration.go.ke/eta/

France Diplomatie - Kenya Travel Advice

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/kenya/

Kenya Tourism Board

https://www.magicalkenya.com/

At a glance