France visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting France

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a French Visa.

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.

  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.

  • The parents/legal guardians have to sign the form if the applicant is a minor.

  • Three passport-size photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm) that meet all the France visa photo requirements.

  • Travel documents must be completely provided.

  • Proof of financial capability.

  • Proof of accommodation/hotel reservations.

  • Copy of return flight ticket.

  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to their home country.

  • A police report showing the traveller does not have a criminal record.

  • Medical insurance that covers the duration of stay.

  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.

  • Copy of travel itinerary.

  • Applicants are to provide proof of the paid visa application fee.



France Visa for Kenyans

Facts about France

France is a country rich in art and culture. The art and culture on display is the top pick for tourists who visit this country. The world-famous Eiffel tower attracts millions of visitors year-in-year-out. The country’s wide range of wine and cuisines can be best enjoyed on the various Mediterranean beaches available.
 
France is the most popular tourist destination in the world as the country receives over 85.7 million foreign tourists yearly.


Tourists should try to avoid traveling during french school holidays as hotel rooms are usually overbooked and traffic is unbearable.

Tourists should try to avoid traveling during French school holidays as hotel rooms are usually overbooked and traffic is unbearable.

Types of France Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5-7 working days 90 days
Business visa 5-7 working days 90 days
Medical visa 5-7 working days 90 days
Student visa 5-7 working days More than 90 days
Work visa 5-7 working days More than 90 days
Transit visa 5-7 working days 5 days

General Requirements for France Visa

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.

  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.

  • The parents/legal guardians have to sign the form if the applicant is a minor.

  • Three passport-size photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm) that meet all the France visa photo requirements.

  • Travel documents must be completely provided.

  • Proof of financial capability.

  • Proof of accommodation/hotel reservations.

  • Copy of return flight ticket.

  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to their home country.

  • A police report showing the traveller does not have a criminal record.

  • Medical insurance that covers the duration of stay.

  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.

  • Copy of travel itinerary.

  • Applicants are to provide proof of the paid visa application fee.



France Tourist visa France Business visa France Medical visa France Student visa France Work visa France Transit visa

France Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Kenyans are eligible to apply for a visa to travel for vacation, sightseeing, recreation, relaxation and tourism in France.
  • While this tourist visa allows you to visit your friends and relatives in the country, it does not allow you to work in France.
  • Those visiting friends and relatives in France require an invitation letter from their host. The letter should have the home address and telephone number of their host in the country.
  • During your time in the country, you are not allowed to enrol in any of the institutions to take up a course of study.
  • applicants must have a valid passport that has a validity of at least six months from the date of travel.
  • Applicants are to submit a travel health insurance that has an equivalent value of 30,000 euros.
  • Applicants are to submit their travel itinerary with specific flight dates and tickets.
  • Proof of financial sufficiency that covers the applicant's duration of stay.
  • If you are employed, a letter from your employer in Kenya is required. The letter should state that your employer is aware of your leave.
  • If you are not a Kenyan, you are required to present a copy of your Kenyan stay permit during the visa application process.
  • proof of hotel reservation or accommodation should be submitted.
  • Children under the age of 18 years should possess the original copy of their birth certificate. If they are not travelling with their parents, a letter of consent signed by both parents should be provided.
  • Proof of incentive of returning to Kenya is required.
  • Applicants should ensure they have the receipt of paid visa application fees.

France Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The French business visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to travel to France for business purposes.
  • Business travellers may meet up with partners in the country for business meetings and to sign and negotiate business contracts.
  • You can attend trade fairs, conferences, and business summits while you are in the country.
  • A letter of invitation from your French business partner is required. The letter should contain the company’s address and state the purpose of your visit to the country.
  • A letter from your employer in Kenya stating that he/she is aware of your business leave is required. The duration and purpose of your visit to the country should be clearly stated.
  • If you have had previous business dealings with the company, proof of this should be presented.
  • A copy of the certificate of business registration of the company you are meeting with should be provided.
  • If the French company is responsible for taking care of your expenses, it should be stated in the letter from the French company.
  • Travel insurance that is that covers applicants duration of stay should be submitted.
  • You are prohibited from being paid for the services you render while you are in the country.
  • For private business owners, a copy of their Income Tax Return(ITR) form or certificate of income tax deducted from salary should be submitted.
  • Certificate of business registration of your business partner in Denmark is required.
  • Non-Kenyans should ensure they have a copy of their stay permit.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.

France Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Kenyans who apply for this visa seek medical attention in France.
  • Diagnosis and Referral from your doctor in Kenya is required. The reason the treatment is best gotten in France and the duration of the treatment should be stated in a document.
  • A letter from the French doctor stating that he has accepted to take up the treatment should be provided. The nature of the treatment and the intended time of recovery should be clearly stated.
  • If you are employed, a letter from your employer is required. Your employer should state in the letter that he is aware of your leave. Your position in the company should be stated in the letter.
  • Proof of payment of medical fees should be provided.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • Applicants of this visa cannot enroll to study in one of the institutions of learning in the country.
  • You are expected to leave the country at the end of your treatment.
  • Holders are not allowed to take up permanent residence in the country.

France Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • To legally work in France, Kenyans must apply for a French work visa.
  • To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must have been employed by a company in France and meet all the France visa requirements.
  • Letter from your employer in the country confirming your employment should be provided.
  • The address of the company as well, as your job description, should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • Proof that you are not receiving below the minimum wage is required.
  • If the applicant of this visa is not a Kenyan citizen, a copy of his/her Kenyan stay permit is required.
  • You are required to apply for a work permit.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee should be provided.
  • Proof that you have the incentive of returning to Kenya.
  • You are expected to abide by all the rules guiding your visa application.

France Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to make short stays in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa intend transiting through France to their destination country.
  • Visa and flight ticket of your destination country should be presented during the visa application process.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the unabridged original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • You must have a clean criminal record.
  • Proof of payment of the applicants visa application fee should be submitted.
  • You are not allowed to study or work during your time in the country.
  • The visa is valid for 5 days.
  • You are required to exit the country before the expiry of your visa.
  • There is no extension to the transit visa.

France Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa type is for Kenyan students who have been accepted by a French learning institution to study in France.
  • During the visa application process, you are required to present the letter of acceptance from the institution that accepted you.
  • Certificates and transcripts of the schools you previously attended are necessary during the visa application.
  • Non-Kenyans are expected to provide a copy of their Kenyan stay permit.
  • Holders of this visa are allowed to work part-time when school is in session and full-time when they are on break.
  • An extension to the visa may be granted to cover the duration of the period of study in the country.
  • If you are a minor travelling without your parent, a letter of consent signed both your parents should be provided.
  • You are not allowed to seek public funds while you are in the country.
  • Receipt of paid visa application form is required.
  • The visa costs €60.

France Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Medical visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

75.00 (EUR)

Work visa

75.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

France Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

Location

Address

Nairobi

Barclays Plaza Building, 9th Floor, Loita Street, Nairobi, Kenya.

https://www.ambafrance-ke.org

ambafrance.nairobi@diplomatic.gouv.fr

+254 20 277 8000

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the earliest time that I can apply for a Schengen visa?

The French Embassy in Nairobi advises that applicants should plan for their trip early as the French visa processing time is usually 15 days.

How much should I have in my bank statement?
The French embassy does not indicate any minimum amount needed in your bank statement. However, you should have about KES10,000 per day of your intended stay.
Can I visit France without a visa?
Kenyans must apply for the France Schengen visa to be granted entry into France. This visa can be gotten from the French embassy in Nairobi.
Is there parking at the French Embassy in Nairobi?
Yes, there is ample parking space available.
How long does it take to process the Schengen visa through the French Embassy?
The visa is processed for a minimum of 7 working days.
Can I work in France?

To work in France, foreign nationals must apply for a French work visa. Kenyans who have been issued a visa to study in France may work part-time when school is in session and full-time when school is on break.