🇫🇷 French passport → Kenya
Do French citizens need a visa for Kenya?
French travelers benefit from Francophonie ties — Rwanda offers visa-free entry, and several West and North African destinations are particularly accessible.
Yes — apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before flying.
Apply online before you fly for a digital travel authorization linked to your passport. Faster than a traditional e-visa. All non-African nationals need the Kenya eTA. The 'visa' category was retired in 2024.
- Stay length
- Up to 90 days
- Cost
- USD 30 plus service fee
- Processing
- Up to 3 working days
- Where to apply
- Official eTA portal
What else you need
Common entry requirements that catch travelers out — verify each before you fly.
What to know about Kenya. Kenya replaced its traditional visa with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in January 2024. Apply at least 72 hours before travel; approvals usually arrive within three days. The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) is a useful upgrade if combining with Uganda and Rwanda.
Notes for French travelers
Currency tip
You’ll likely pay Kenya visa fees in USD or local currency, not EUR. Bring clean, post-2009 USD notes in mixed denominations — they’re the most useful currency for visas on arrival and border fees across Africa.
Health prep
Required if arriving from a yellow fever country Check the latest CDC/UK government travel health advice for Kenya before you fly — recommended vaccinations and antimalarial guidance change.
FAQ
- Do French citizens need a visa for Kenya?
- Yes. French passport holders need a electronic travel authorization for Kenya. All non-African nationals need the Kenya eTA. The 'visa' category was retired in 2024.
- How much does a Kenya visa cost for French citizens?
- USD 30 plus service fee. Processing time is Up to 3 working days. Apply at https://www.etakenya.go.ke.
- How long can French citizens stay in Kenya?
- Up to 90 days is the standard tourist entry. Extensions are usually possible through the destination's immigration office; some countries allow border-hop renewals.
- Can French citizens get a Kenya visa on arrival?
- No. You need to apply for an electronic travel authorization online before your flight.
Check another combination
Keep planning your Kenya trip
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Then
Best time to visit
Seasonal guides for when to go, what to see, and what to skip.
Then
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Trip-by-trip lists for safari, coast, cities and high-altitude treks.