Kenya eTA for French Passport Holders

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for French passport holders travelling to Kenya. This digital permission streamlines entry into Kenya for tourism or business, offering a convenient alternative to the traditional visa. This article delves into the specifics of the Kenya eTA for travellers from France. Topics discussed include its purpose, the application process, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and other essential information.

Which Type of Kenyan eTAs Can a French Citizen Apply for?

Kenya has introduced several electronic travel authorisations (eTAs) to cater to the diverse needs of visitors from France. These eTAs are organised into different types:

Tourist eTA: Aimed at tourists, this eTA simplifies travel for those eager to explore Kenya's stunning landscapes and rich cultural traditions. It's perfect for leisure travellers looking to enjoy Kenya's attractions.
Business, Conference, or Meeting eTA: This category serves professionals visiting Kenya for business purposes, including attending conferences or meetings. It ensures a hassle-free entry for those on business trips.
Family or Friends Visit eTA: Designed for individuals visiting relatives or friends in Kenya, this eTA streamlines the entry process for personal visits like family reunions or social gatherings.
Diplomatic Travel eTA: Tailored for government or diplomatic officials on official duty in Kenya, this eTA makes the entry process more efficient and crucial for those on diplomatic or official government tasks.

Selecting the right eTA for Kenya depends on the nature of your visit. Each type is designed to ease travel according to the visitor's planned activities in Kenya.

Document Checklist for French Citizens Applying for Kenyan eTA

To apply for a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online, having a set of critical documents ready for a hassle-free application process is crucial. Here's what you need to prepare:

Current Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into Kenya. This is a common requirement for international travellers.
Passport-Sized Photo: You'll need a recent photo that adheres to the standard passport photo regulations. The eTA application will provide specific guidelines for these photos.
Detailed Travel Plan: Be prepared to share detailed information about your visit, including the number of your flights and your intended activities in Kenya.
Accommodation Proof: You should have proof of where you'll stay in Kenya, like a hotel reservation. Make sure the dates on these documents align with your eTA application dates.

Having these documents in order simplifies the Kenya eTA application process, setting you up for an exciting and well-prepared trip to Kenya.

Step-by-Step Guide for French Passport Holders Applying for Kenya eTA

Applying for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) can be straightforward with this step-by-step guide:

Nationality Selection: On the eTA application page, find and select your nationality from the 'Nationality' dropdown menu.
eTA Category Choice: Identify the eTA category on the form that aligns with your travel purpose.
Personal Information Entry: Input your full name (first, middle [if you have one], and last) precisely as it appears on your passport.
Contact Details Submission: Provide a valid email address and phone number for receiving essential updates on your application.
Birth Date Input: Enter your birth date in the format Day-Month-Year (DD-MM-YYYY).
Gender Specification: Indicate your gender (Male, Female, or Other) per the options.
Travel Information Provision: Mention your planned arrival date in Kenya using the Day-Month-Year (DD-MM-YYYY) format.
Passport Information Entry: Fill in your passport details, including the number, issue date, and expiration date, in the Day-Month-Year (DD-MM-YYYY) format.
Processing Time Selection: Choose a time frame for your eTA, typically between 3 to 5 working days.
CAPTCHA Completion: Enter the CAPTCHA code as shown on your screen.
Document Preparation and Upload: Prepare all necessary documents in PDF format and a photograph in JPG/JPEG format for uploading.
Application Review and Submission: Carefully review all information for accuracy and submit your application by clicking the ‘submit’ button.
Follow-Up Actions: After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Monitor your email for further instructions or updates about your eTA status.

How Long Can French Passport Holders Stay in Kenya with an eTA?

The validity of your eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) for Kenya extends up to 90 days following its date. Once authorised, you can remain in Kenya for no more than 90 days.

French Visitors Seeking Urgent Kenyan eTA - Possible?

French visitors needing a swift journey to Kenya can choose the accelerated electronic travel authorisation (eTA) method. While this route incurs a higher fee, it ensures a faster processing period. Typically, processing a standard Kenyan eTA might take around three days. In contrast, by selecting this quicker alternative, travellers can anticipate their eTA approval within one to two days post-application submission.

Kenyan eTA Exemptions for French Citizens

Specific individuals with a French passport may be exempt from requiring a Kenya eTA for their journey to Kenya. These exemptions typically encompass:

Individuals who are permanent residents of Kenya or possess a Kenyan work permit.
Members of the diplomatic corps and employees of international agencies stationed in Kenya.
Travellers in transit who remain in the airport's international zone during a layover in Kenya without exiting the airport, regardless of whether they continue on the same flight or transfer to another.
Members of a ship's crew who remain on board while the boat is docked in Kenyan waters.
Crew members from different modes of transport, such as ships, aeroplanes, or trains, provided they are officially listed as crew and are merely transiting through Kenya.
Private pilots who stop in Kenya exclusively for refuelling purposes, under the condition that they do not leave the airport premises.

What is the Price of a Kenyan eTA Permit for French Travellers?

The price of obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Kenya varies based on the processing speed selected. Options include standard (the most leisurely pace), urgent, and the quickest, termed 'supercritical'. A baseline fee, denominated in US dollars, is set for each category, with additional costs incurred for the processing steps.

A specialised online resource has been developed to ensure travellers can access the latest and precise details regarding the Kenya eTA fees. This resource is invaluable in providing up-to-date fee information, greatly aiding in simplifying and clarifying the travel planning process.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Kenya eTA If I am a French National?

Obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is generally efficient for French nationals planning to visit Kenya. The standard timeframe for processing these requests is around three days. Nevertheless, this duration can be prolonged in case of unforeseen complications.

For those requiring expedited processing, there is a provision for a speedy service. Opting for this service, which incurs an additional charge, can shorten the eTA issuance time to approximately 24 to 48 hours.

Can a French Passport Holder Extend a Kenya eTA Beyond 90 Days?

You must know its restrictions when you have an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for Kenya. A key point is that you cannot renew an eTA after it expires. Additionally, if you exit Kenya before your eTA expires, you should know that you can't use the exact eTA for subsequent visits. You must apply for a new one each time you plan to re-enter the country.

Is Obtaining a Kenya eTA at the Airport Possible for French Citizens?

French tourists planning to visit Kenya should note that securing an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary before their trip. This authorisation cannot be acquired upon arrival in Kenya and must be arranged beforehand.

Unveiling Kenya eTA: A Closer Look at Its Official Visual Features

Dive into the distinct characteristics that shape the official appearance of Kenya's electronic travel authorization, guaranteeing its authenticity and easy recognition.

FAQs

Yes, an eTA is mandatory for French passport holders travelling to Kenya, irrespective of the duration of their stay.

Most internationally recognised credit and debit cards, including those from France, are accepted for eTA fee payments.

Printing the eTA approval is not required. Nonetheless, it's advisable to have a digital copy, like a saved email or a screenshot, accessible for presentation if requested upon arrival in Kenya.

A departure tax may be applicable upon departure from Kenya, which can vary based on your airline and destination.

A separate eTA is required for Kenya, even if you hold a work visa for another African nation. Entry requirements differ across countries.

For short-term, unpaid volunteer work (less than three months), the eTA is adequate. However, a specific work visa might be necessary for longer or paid volunteering assignments. It's best to consult the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate for detailed information.