Do French citizens need a Kenya visa or eTA?
France Diplomatie currently states that entry to Kenya is subject to obtaining an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) on the official Kenyan portal and that the eTA must be presented before boarding. For ordinary tourism, this has replaced the old general eVisa process as the main pre-travel authorization.
French passport holder
Use the passport you will actually carry to Kenya.
Kenya eTA
Apply before departure through the official system or use private assistance if you choose.
US$30
Current Standard eTA base fee, excluding payment charges.
Decided in Kenya
eTA gives permission to travel, not an unconditional right of admission.
Kenya eTA requirements for French citizens
6 months after planned arrival
The official Kenya eTA portal requires at least six months' passport validity after the planned date of arrival.
At least 1
The official Kenya portal includes at least one blank passport page among baseline requirements.
Selfie or passport-type image
Use a clear recent image suitable for identity verification.
Arrival and departure details
Prepare your current air or overland travel information.
Hotel, lodge or host details
Accommodation information should be consistent with your itinerary.
Email, telephone and payment method
Use contact details you can access throughout processing.
How French citizens apply for Kenya eTA
Check your passport
Confirm validity, passport number and blank-page availability.
Prepare digital documents
Passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation and contact details.
Complete the online form
Enter names, passport details and dates exactly as shown in the passport.
Add purpose-specific evidence
Business, family, conference and medical travel may require extra documents.
Pay the applicable fee
Government fee and any optional KE-Visa service fee should be displayed separately.
Wait for the decision
Where eTA is required, travel only after approval and keep the approval accessible.
Tourism, family visits and business travel
Holiday or safari
Prepare passport, itinerary and accommodation documentation.
Host documents
The official Kenya portal may request an invitation plus host identification or immigration-status evidence.
Company invitation
Business travellers can be asked for a company invitation and company-registration copy.
Kenya eTA fees for French citizens
Transit eTA
US$20Current official base fee when a transit eTA is required.
Standard eTA
US$30Current official base fee for one entry into Kenya.
One-Year Multi-Entry
US$300Current official multiple-entry category.
Five-Year Multi-Entry
Not a French categoryThe current US$185 five-year option is listed for American nationals.
Processing time, validity and stay
| Topic | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Normal processing | Typically around 3 working days, although some applications can take longer. |
| Recommended timing | The official Kenya portal recommends applying at least 2 weeks before travel. |
| Travel-use validity | The eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from its date of issuance. |
| Permitted stay | Determined at the point of entry; do not describe it as an automatic 90-day grant. |
| Possible tourism extension | France Diplomatie states that a tourist stay of up to three months may potentially be extended by a further three months through the Immigration Service, subject to official approval. |
Transit through Kenya for French citizens
Kenya's current exemption rules cover certain transit passengers who arrive and leave by the same aircraft or transfer to another aircraft without leaving airport precincts. If you plan to pass immigration or leave the airport, check whether a Transit eTA or another valid authorization applies.
Remain within airport precincts
Certain transit passengers can be exempt under Kenya's current rules.
Entering Kenya
If you cross immigration or leave the airport, check the appropriate eTA category before travel.
Yellow fever and health planning
Health-entry rules depend on your itinerary, not simply your French nationality. If your route includes a country with yellow-fever transmission risk, check Kenya Port Health and France Diplomatie shortly before departure and carry the required proof when applicable.
Entering Kenya with a French passport
- Travel with the same passport used in the eTA application.
- Keep your eTA approval available on your phone and preferably offline.
- Carry accommodation and onward or return travel details.
- Use an active gazetted airport, land border or seaport.
- Be prepared for normal immigration checks and possible biometric processing.
- Remember that an approved eTA is not the final authority to enter Kenya.
Multi-country safari planning from Kenya
French travellers often combine Kenya with Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda. Do not assume a Standard single-entry eTA automatically remains valid after every cross-border journey. Check the current Kenya category and the neighbouring country's requirements before booking a multi-country route.
Common mistakes French travellers should avoid
- Following old Kenya eVisa instructions rather than the current eTA system.
- Assuming visa on arrival remains the normal process.
- Applying with less than six months' passport validity after planned arrival.
- Waiting until the last 72 hours before departure.
- Treating US$34.09 as a guaranteed government total.
- Confusing a 90-day eTA travel-use window with an automatic 90-day stay.
- Assuming re-entry after Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda is automatically covered.
Kenya eTA FAQ for French citizens
Do French citizens need a Kenya eTA?
Yes. France Diplomatie currently states that entry to Kenya is subject to obtaining an eTA online and that it must be presented before boarding.
How much is a Standard Kenya eTA?
The current official government base fee is US$30, excluding payment charges.
How long should my passport remain valid?
The official Kenya eTA application guidance requires at least six months' passport validity after the planned date of arrival and at least one blank page.
How early should I apply?
The official portal says applications are generally processed in around three working days but recommends applying at least two weeks before travel.
Can I extend a tourist stay?
France Diplomatie says a tourism stay of up to three months may potentially be extended by another three months through the Kenya Immigration Service, subject to approval and applicable charges.
Official sources and independent-service disclosure
KE-Visa is an independent travel-document assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Kenya or the French Government. French citizens can apply directly through the official Kenya eTA portal.