Entry Requirements and Visa for Kenya

People

For French Citizens

For tourist travel, a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your stay is mandatory, as is a visa allowing up to 90 days in the country. In theory, a return or onward ticket is also required, along with mandatory travel insurance covering at least $50,000 USD.

Note that Kenya has replaced the traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). This must be applied for on the official website of the authorities at least 3 days before departure, at a cost of $30 USD for 3 months.

As for the yellow fever vaccine, it is not mandatory but strongly recommended (especially if travelling off the beaten track), if only to enter certain other African countries that consider Kenya a "risk zone" and thus require vaccination as part of their entry requirements.

"East African Tourist Visa"

Those wishing to visit Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda (but unfortunately not Tanzania) can benefit from a single visa. Called the "East African Tourist Visa", it costs $100 USD for 90 days (non-renewable) and allows unlimited entries into the three countries.

Note that this visa is not issued on the Kenyan authorities' website mentioned above, but rather on those of the Ugandan authorities and the Rwandan authorities. Generally, this multi-country visa is most cost-effective if you plan to visit all three destinations.

Other Nationalities

The same requirements apply to citizens of most European Union countries, Switzerland, and Canada.

Long Stays

The 90-day tourist visa can, if necessary, be extended once for an additional three months at the Immigration Services in major cities. The cost is approximately 50 €.

In Case of Violation

Kenyan authorities are strict with foreigners in irregular situations, whether tourists or workers. The risks typically include arrest, fines, and deportation.

Consulates

In France

• Consulate General: 3 rue Freycinet, 75116 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 56 62 25 25. Open weekdays from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 16:00.

Other Countries

• Belgium: Consulate General, 208 av. Winston Churchill, 1180 Brussels. Tel.: +32 2 340 10 40.

• Canada: High Commission, 415 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, Ontario. Tel.: +1 613 563 1773.

• Switzerland: Consulate General, 1-3 av. de la Paix, 1202 Geneva. Tel.: +41 22 906 40 50.