How to Apply for a Schengen Visa at the French France Embassy: 2023 Guide for Kenyan Citizens

Is the “City of Love” anywhere on your travel bucket list? Basi vuta stool and learn more about how to apply for your French or France tourist visa as a Kenyan passport holder.

If you’re up to speed with my Instagram page, you’re probably aware that this year, I have been to France. And of course, as a Kenyan passport holder, I need a French visa to be allowed in. Actually, I didn’t get a French visa, I got a Schengen Visa which can be issued by and used in any of the 26 member states.  Since my first country of entry was France and this is where I would be spending most of my time on this Europe adventure trip, I lodged my Schengen Visa application with the French Embassy here in Nairobi.

With the Schengen visa, I can now freely visit any of the Schengen Area member countries, for as long as its still valid, and for no more than 90 days within half the year, starting from the day I cross the border into a Schengen member state from a non-Schengen member one.

Like any tourist visa application for a Kenyan passport holder, the process can either be difficult or hassle-free depending on what preparation you make.

I hope that this guide will ensure that your Schengen tourist visa application to visit France on a Kenyan passport is a breeze.

Okay, moving on…

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How to apply for Schengen visa for Kenyan nationals and foreigners residing in Kenya who wish to travel to France and need a visa:

If you are fully vaccinated:

You can apply for a Schengen visa from the French Embassy in Kenya if you have been vaccinated with any one of the following vaccines recognized for access to French territory:

• Pfizer/Comirnaty,
• Moderna,
• AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria,
• AstraZeneca/Covishield
• Janssen

There are no restrictions on entry into metropolitan France.

Your vaccination is considered complete:

  For Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccines: 7 days after the second dose;
  For Janssen vaccine: 28 days after vaccination.

If you are not vaccinated

IF you are not vaccinated with any of the vaccines recognized for access to French territory (Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca/Covishield and Janssen), you must justify a compelling reason as to why you need to apply for a Schengen visa in Kenya from the French embassy in Kenya.

The reason must belong to any one of the categories below that are subject to derogation:

• European Union national or equivalent and spouse and children, having their main residence in France;
• third-country nationals holding a valid French or European residence permit or long-stay visa, whose main residence is in France;
• British nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the withdrawal agreement;
• third-country nationals holding a long-stay visa issued for family reunification or family reunification of refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and stateless persons;
• foreign health or research professional involved in the fight against covid-19 and his/her spouse and children;
• foreign health or research professional recruited as an associate trainee;
• third-country nationals holding a long-stay “talent passport” visa, as well as their spouse and children;
• students enrolled in French as a foreign language (FLE) courses prior to enrolment in higher education or admitted to oral examinations in French higher education institutions or enrolled for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year;
• researchers settling in France at the invitation of a research laboratory, for research activities requiring an imperative physical presence, as well as their spouse and children;
• workers in the land, sea and air transport sector or transport service providers;
• foreign nationals working for a diplomatic or consular mission or an international organization with its headquarters or office in France, as well as their spouse and children, or foreign nationals from third countries staying in France for imperative professional reasons under cover of a mission order issued by the State to which they belong.

On arrival in France, you must undergo the following health checks:

• If you are vaccinated, present proof of vaccination status and a declaration on your honor attesting to the absence of symptoms of covid-19 infection and contact with a confirmed case of covid-19.
• If you are not vaccinated, you must present to the airline/train/ship etc and to the border control officers a negative PCR test dated less than 72 hours before departure (departure of the first flight in the case of travel with a connection) or a negative antigen test dated less than 48 hours before departure. If you are travelling or coming from the UK and are not vaccinated, you must present a PCR or antigen test less than 24 hours old.
• The departure of the first flight is taken into account in the case of travel with a connection.
• Children under 12 years of age are exempt from testing.
• You must also present :
  • a declaration on honor attesting to the absence of symptoms of covid-19 infection and contact with a confirmed case of covid-19;
  • an undertaking on your honor to undergo the antigenic test or the biological examination which will be carried out on arrival in metropolitan France;
  • an undertaking on honor to isolate themselves for seven days and an undertaking on honor to undergo a biological virological screening test (PCR) at the end of the isolation period.

Detailed information and forms to be completed before travelling to France can be found on the Ministry of the Interior

(https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel).

Step 1: Find out the type of Schengen visa you need to apply for.

There are various types of Schengen visas that you can apply for: study visa, business visa, as spouse of a French national,etc. 

However, since I only have experience with the France visa requirements and process for Kenyan citizens, – for a 1 month multiple entry and 1 year multiple entry – that’s what this guide will focus on.

For all your other non-tourist Schengen visa application from Kenya requirements, kindly contact the French embassy in Kenya directly for the requirements.

But remember to always consult with the French embassy or their website for any updates or changes through email at : visas.nairobi-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr  or phone at +254 020 760 55 55

The French Embassy Nairobi’s new location is at this address : Peponi Gardens, off Peponi Road in Westlands

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents for your Schengen visa application.

1. Valid Kenyan Passport.

   • Submit both the original passport as well as clear copies of the same, especially the first two front page and the last two pages – biodata pages. Validity simply means that the passport expires at least 6 months after your intended travel date, you have signed it, and it has at least two (2) blank pages – this is needed for affixing the visa as well as for stamping the passport upon entry and departure into France or wherever else you intend to visit.

2. Copies of previous Schengen visas

   • – no more than 6 months old. But again, check with embassy. Things change from time to time

3. A duly filled, dated and signed by applicant Schengen Visa Application Form.

   •  Complete your application here on the French Embassy in Kenya online portal.
   • You will need to first create a France-Visas account, which will be required for each of the remaining process of your Schengen visa application at the French Embassy or Embassy of France in Kenya.
   • Make sure to enter a valid e-mail address as you will be required to verify your e-mail address to finalize the account registration.
   • Clearly fill in all applicable sections of the form with your information preferably in CAPITAL LETTERS for clarity. Remember to sign and date it off.

4. 2 passport size colored photos (white background)

   • Your head should be uncovered and no spectacles/glasses accepted
   • Your face should cover 2/3 of the photo. 
   • Just go to any studio (coz they’re fast and affordable) and ask for a Schengen/French visa photo and they will sort you out.

5. Return Air Ticket. 

   • The ticket must be round-trip
   • It must indicate your full names as in passport
   • You will need to print out the ticket.
   • My personal advice is that you don’t go for a fully paid flight ticket before your visa is approved to avoid issues of sunk costs in case your UK visa application from Kenya is denied. Or the visa approval process takes longer than anticipated and the visa is approved beyond your purchased ticket dates. Click here for more information on different ways you can make a flight reservation or book a confirmed ticket reservation for your French France visa application in Kenya without paying for an actual flight ticket.

1. • Once my visa is approved and I have it stuck on my passport (yes, I ain’t booking nothing until I see the stamp) I usually book my own tickets using aggregate sites like Skyscanner, Google.com/flights, Momondo. Other times I go directly to the airline’s website to look for deals.

2. Letter from the employer or company (located in Kenya).

   • At bare minimum, it is important that the letter include the following information:
   • Your full names and passport number as reference
   • Your title
   • Period you have been employed with the organization
   • Your salary details
   • Employment status – permanent jobs have more weight, I think
   • That you will be on approved leave during the travel period and that you intend to come back and work for the organization
   • Sign off by your HR/Admin person.
   • any other relevant information

3. Pay slips for the last 3 months. 

   • Photocopies certified by your finance/HR/Admin officer should suffice. No need for originals.
   • For self-employed / business people.
     • If you’re a hustler – like I am right now, it is important to register your business to get a Certificate of Registration. With e-citizen, this whole process is such a breeze. Use the The Attorney General and Department.The entire process takes kedo 8 minutes only. But If you’d rather do things manually, just head over to any Huduma center and register hata kama its as a sole proprietor. With your business name, you can also make other branding items like business cards, a website, etc that come handy especially at immigration when the officers ask for evidence of what you do for a living.
   • For unemployed persons.
     • Based on how the French embassy visa application requirements are structured, I’d suggest you just look for a guarantor or sponsor if you’re not employed or have no business to your name.

4. Medical Travel insurance Letter/Certificate.

   •  The cover should be valid for repatriation and medical care in all Schengen States during your entire period of intended stay.
   • The letter/certificate from the insurance must state : coverage is valid for ALL Schengen states, amount of coverage, validity period of Medical insurance.
   • Insurance Coverage amount for the Schengen visa must be at least EUR €30 000 (or $50,000 USD) and clearly stated in the insurance letter or certificate.
   • You can buy coverage through this list of approved Schengen travel insurance companies in Kenya or purchase directly online via credit/debit card. I like to be in control while out so I purchase my coverage online from World Nomads.

5. Means of funding your stay in France / Schengen region:

   • Usually they ask for the last 3 months’ certified personal bank statements. Please note that the embassy doesn’t accept company bank statements for tourist visa applications.
   • Ask your bank to certify the bank statements.
   • I am not aware of any standard minimum required amounts to have in the bank statement used to apply for Schengen visa. However, the visa application website states evidence of Euro 120 per day. But the more the merrier, you never know.
   • If your desire is to request for a longer – term multiple entry visa, I’d suggest that you purchase a year long insurance cover. Otherwise just get for your stipulated period of intended stay in the Schengen region.

6. Hotel Reservation. 

   • This should be duly confirmed by the hotel in France and other Schengen member countries you will be visiting. It’s best to reserve accommodation directly via the hotel or online with aggregation sites e.g. Booking.com. I love Booking.com as it has very many hotel selections that allow for free cancellation so this works in case your visa is denied. I use Booking.com to compare prices then head over to the hotel website to check if there’s a cheaper option before finalizing the booking. The advantage of using Booking.com is that most hotels allow free cancellations before a certain date and don’t ask for pre-payment. This works especially in the unfortunate event that a visa is denied. Its also advantageous in that the visa may be granted all the same, but your circumstances change and you want to change hotels without cost implications.
   • If you are invited by a friend or a relative, you will need what the French call an “Attestation d’accueil” (i.e proof of accommodation) which MUST be filled out in France (city Hall) by the host and sent in original to you.
   • If invited by a relative, you need to show documentary proof of the relationship between the two of you. I’m guessing a birth certificate or marriage certificate. Not sure.
     » TRAVEL TIP: Don’t wait until the last minute. Make your application today!

Step 3: Book your Schengen visa appointment

Like most embassies in Kenya, you need to get a French consulate Kenya visa appointment to submit the visa application forms at the visa section of the French Embassy in Nairobi.

You can book an appointment at the visa section of the French Embassy in Nairobi by calling (+254) 20 760 55 55.

Alternatively, you can book an appointment at the embassy of France in Kenya by sending an e-mail  to : visas.nairobi-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr . Make sure to include your phone number in the e-mail.

The embassy will call you back to schedule an appointment.

Note: Make sure to check the France-Visa website for any updates on how and where to submit your application.

Step 4: Submit your Schengen visa application at the French Embassy & attend interview

Kindly note that you can only submit your visa application via the embassy of France in Kenya only between 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM from Monday to Thursday.

The new Embassy of France in Kenya address details are as follows:

French Embassy in Kenya – Consular Section
Peponi Gardens,
Off Peponi Road
Nairobi

Tel: (+254) 020 760 55 55

E-mail: visas.nairobi-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Visa application submission hours (strictly by appointment only):
8:30 AM – 11:30 PM (Monday- Thursday)

Passport Collection hours (no need for appointment):
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM ( Friday)

  Map

Once you branch off Peponi Road, the embassy will be on your left hand side.

You will see a barrier, with some police officers hanging around there.

The entrance is up that slip road.

Once you go through the regular security check, just walk towards the building on your right hand side. You will see a window with “visa” section label. Get in through the door next to the main entrance.

The first visa officer will scrutinize your documents to confirm that all requirements are met and everything is in order. Once the officer confirms that all is well, you hand over the visa fee to her.

The fee for a Schengen visa in Kenya

As at the time of this writing, the fee for a Schengen visa is the equivalent of 60  euros (i.e. KES 7,299 for adults, the equivalent of 35 euros (i.e. 4,258 Ksh) for children between 6 and 12 years old is and free for children under 6 years.

Note: The French Embassy in Nairobi only accepts visa fees in cash and in the local Kenyan currency at the embassy on the day you are submitting supporting documents.

Once your documents have been scrutinized and you have already paid the visa fee, you will be ushered into a second counter for a mini-interview and finger printing.

This interview is mostly to background check and corroborate the info you have entered in the application form and documents you’ve submitted.

The total length of interview time varies from applicant to applicant.

Mine on average have been 5 – 7 minutes max.

Tip: Since the Schengen visa application form doesn’t have an option for requesting a longer-term visa, it’s at this point that you can request the officer of your interest.

In my case for instance, I requested and was lucky to be granted a 1 year multiple entry visa.

If this is your desire, make sure that your travel insurance covers an entire year and that you have “sufficient” funds that can fund your travels.

Again, there are no stipulated minimums, so the more, the merrier.

Once you have submitted finger prints and handed over your documents to the second officer, she will give you a slip that shows when to collect your passport. And visa, if one is granted.

For Kenyan passport holders, Schengen Visas applied via the French embassy are issued in a minimum period of 7 working days. I was lucky mine took about 2 working days.

I would however advise that you submit your application at least 15 working days before the intended departure date just to be on the safe side.

Step 5: Collect your Schengen visa to visit France

Once you’ve submitted your visa application, track its progress for details of when to collect it.

You will use the collection slip given at document submission to collect your passport. This is done right at the gate to the embassy compound and takes about 5 seconds total.

And voila! You’re ready to jet off!!!

Travel tip: When applying for your Schengen visa from the French embassy or any other embassy for that matter, one of the requirements is a flight reservation.

Please DO NOT buy a flight tickets until you get the visa approved and stamped on your passport.

Get a flight reservation for visa application, instead, just in case your visa is denied.

Thank me later.

FAQs. (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

◘◘ Where in Kenya can I buy travel insurance for my Schengen Visa?

In case you’re wondering where in Kenya to get Schengen visa travel insurance cover, you can buy coverage through this list of approved Schengen travel insurance companies in Kenya or purchase directly online via credit/debit card.

I like to be in control while out so I purchase my coverage online from World Nomads.

Fortunately, I have never had to claim, so the only experience I have with them is the buying experience which is hassle-free. In terms of claims, I have only read of good things.

So I highly recommend them.

If you’d rather go the traditional route of insurance agents, please go ahead.

◘◘ When is the earliest time that I can apply for a Schengen visa?
Of course, as with all things in life, luck always favors the prepared.

I therefore suggest you start your application as early as possible, i.e. any time up to a maximum of 3 months before travel.

The French Embassy in Nairobi advises that you apply at least 15 days before your intended date of departure from Kenya.

◘◘ How long is the duration of a tourist Schengen France visa?
With a Schengen tourism visa, you are permitted to stay in the Schengen member states for as long as the visa is still valid, but for no more than 90 days within half the year, starting from the day your cross the border into a Schengen member state from a non-Schengen member one.

◘◘ How much money should I show in my bank account?
The French Embassy does NOT indicate any minimum amounts of cash needed in your bank statement to grant a Schengen visa.

However, personally like to show about KES 10,000 per day of my intended stay in the Schengen region. But again, as I stated above, more won’t hurt.

◘◘ How long does the Schengen visa process via the French Embassy take?
For Kenyan nationals, the official processing period for Schengen Visas is a minimum period of seven (7) working days.

However due to differing individual circumstances, it could be earlier or later.

In my case for instance, it took only 2 days  after submission and I had my passport and visa back.

◘◘  How can I follow up on my application?
Once you’ve submitted your application, track its progress for details of when your passport will be ready for collection.

◘◘  Is there parking at the French Embassy in Nairobi? Can I use my car?

Yes, there is ample parking available. If driving, branch off Peponi road and go slightly passed the slip road heading to embassy entrance, and on your right hand side there is a parking lot.

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