Communication on Visa Applications

In recent months, we have received a considerable number of inquiries regarding delays in securing visa application appointments. Recognizing the challenges and inconveniences this poses for your travel arrangements to France, we would like to provide you with an update on our ongoing efforts to address this matter.

In contrast to the restricted cross-border travel during the Covid-19 period, the political, economic, and cultural relations between Kenya and France have flourished, resulting in an increased mobility between our two countries. This positive development is evident in the substantial growth in the number of visas issued in Kenya, reaching nearly 5,000 processed applications in 2022 alone.

While this increase is a testament to the strength of the Kenya-France relationship, it has also highlighted the limitations of our current capacity in dealing with those high numbers. In response, we are actively working to improve our system and reduce waiting times to more reasonable levels.

In the short term, we have successfully secured additional human resources to expedite the visa application process. Nevertheless, recognizing the structural nature of this challenge, we have made the strategic decision to initiate the outsourcing of our visa processing services. While this solution will significantly ease appointment waiting times, it does come with an associated increase in the cost of visa processing due to service fees charged by the outsourcing service provider. Implementation of this initiative is expected to take effect by the end of 2024. This decision will ultimately lead to an enhanced application process and a more positive experience for all applicants.

In the meantime, we encourage prior planning in organizing your application. Kindly note that the duration to process a visa at the Embassy once submitted is up to 15 days (excluding some specific long term visa applications). Therefore, we recommend submitting applications well in advance, (applications can be submitted up to six months before your intended travel date). Additionally, we kindly urge applicants to honour their scheduled appointments, as cancellations without adequate notice deprive others of the opportunity to secure those slots.

To facilitate a smooth and efficient application process, we encourage you to fill in your application in advance and present a complete file on the day of your appointment. Information on required documents can be found on our website, www.ke.ambafrance.org

Please rest assured of our unwavering commitment to supporting your projects and travels. We are dedicated to providing you with quality service, and we appreciate your understanding and collaboration as we continue to enhance your visa application experience.