Kenya: necessary formalities and vaccinations

Time difference in Kenya :

GMT+3.
Until 27/03: 2 hours ahead. At midday in Paris, it's 2pm in Nairobi.
From 28/03 to 30/10: One hour ahead. At midday in Paris, it's 1pm in Nairobi.
From 31/10: 2 hours ahead. At midday in Paris, it's 2pm in Nairobi.

Currency and exchange rates :

The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). For 1 Euro, you will get 131.93 shillings.

Language :

There are two official languages in Kenya English and Swahili (Kiswahili). The country's various ethnic groups have their own spoken languages: the most common are Kikuyu, Dholuo and Luhya. Sheng, the Swahili slang of Nairobi, has become very widespread.

Formalities :

French nationals must hold a valid passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. The passport must have at least two blank facing pages.

Visas are compulsory for French nationals. From France, visa applications for Kenya are usually made at the Kenyan embassy in Paris. You will need your passport, a completed application form, a passport photograph, a copy of your flight ticket or travel certificate and payment. It usually takes three working days to obtain the passport, or a fortnight by post.

Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Paris :

3 rue Freycinet. 75 116 Paris. Tel: 01 56 62 25 25

Since January 2021, however, the Kenyan authorities have decided to fully automate the issuance of visas for entry into Kenya: all passengers who need a visa to enter Kenya will need to obtain their visa before boarding their flight to Kenya by visiting www.evisa.go.ke. 

Once the account has been created and validated, the traveller must import a passport photo and complete the information form. The cost of the tourist visa is 51 US dollars, payable directly online by credit card. The eVisa takes at least 2 working days to be issued once payment has been made. Travellers must then present their printed eVisa to the immigration department at the airport of arrival in Kenya to obtain their visa in due form. This procedure is valid for all types of visa.

The Kenyan authorities do not issue "business visas". On the other hand, to carry out any activity, even monitoring or consultancy work, you need a special pass, a kind of temporary work permit, in addition to an entry visa. This special pass is particularly suitable for short-term work. To obtain one, contact the Central Immigration Services:

Central Immigration Services

Nyayo House 20th floor, Kenyatta Avenue. Nairobi

The application can be made online before departure, but the paper file must be printed out and submitted to the immigration authorities, together with copies of all the supporting documents (translated into English and certified by an accredited institution).

The documents to be provided include

• Form 32
• Original passport and copy of the first page and the page showing the entry visa
• 2 recent passport-style colour photos
• Letter of introduction in English from the employer to the Director of Immigration Services
• Where applicable, authorisation from the association governing the sector of activity (doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, Ministry of Information, NGO councils, etc.).
• Copy of criminal record translated into English
• The cost of the special pass is 15,000 Kenyan shillings per month or part-month.

Vaccination

Yellow fever is endemic in central and western Kenya, so vaccination is strongly recommended. It must be done at an approved international vaccination centre at least 10 days before departure. Vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B are recommended, as is the vaccine against meningitis.

Preventive treatment against malaria is recommended when visiting rural areas. Given the increase in cases of dengue fever and chikungunya, it is advisable to protect yourself against mosquito bites.