Skip to main content

France Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for France — apply via VFS Global Nairobi on france-visas.gouv.fr; fee €90 (about KES 12,500), standard processing 15 working days.

Guide last updated September 24, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed France-Visas online application form and printed confirmation
  • Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or a signed invitation letter (attestation d'accueil)
  • Proof of sufficient funds: bank statements for the last 3 months, roughly €120/day of stay
  • Confirmed return or onward flight reservation
  • Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area with minimum €30,000 coverage
  • One passport photo, 35x45mm, plain white background
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) captured in person at VFS Global Nairobi; valid for 5 years once on file

Visa types

  • Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Tourist/Visit: single or multiple entry, stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period, fee €90
  • Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Business: same validity, requires invitation letter from host company
  • National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) — Study or work exceeding 90 days, issued directly by the French Embassy, not VFS
  • Airport Transit Visa (Type A) — For travelers transiting through French airports without entering the Schengen zone

How to apply

  • Create an account and complete the form on france-visas.gouv.fr
  • Book an appointment at VFS Global's visa application centre in Nairobi
  • Attend in person to submit documents and give biometrics
  • Pay the visa fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6-11, free under 6
  • Pay the VFS service fee, approximately KES 8,000, in addition to the visa fee
  • Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30-60 days during peak season (June-August, December)
  • An interview is not usually required for straightforward tourist applications

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: €90 (about KES 12,500)
  • VFS Global service fee: approximately KES 8,000
  • Total estimated cost: around KES 20,500
  • Standard processing time: 15 working days
  • No official express service through VFS France; apply early to avoid peak-season delays

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply 3-4 weeks before travel, and no more than 6 months in advance
  • Common rejection reasons: thin bank statement history, unclear travel purpose, and weak proof of ties to Kenya (employment letter, property, family)
  • Apply through VFS Global Nairobi rather than the Embassy directly, which mainly handles complex cases
  • Check French Embassy Nairobi advisories before booking travel
  • Extensions inside France are only granted for exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, force majeure) via the local prefecture

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.