France Excludes Kenya From New Visa Waiver

France has introduced a new visa waiver policy for its overseas territories that allows citizens of 13 countries to travel without obtaining a separate territorial visa if they already hold a valid multiple-entry French consular visa. 

Kenya is not among the eligible countries. Under the new rules, eligible travellers may enter French overseas territories without applying for an additional visa, provided they hold a valid French multiple-entry consular visa with a validity period of between six months and five years. 

Those who do not meet these requirements must continue to apply for a visa through the standard consular process. The waiver applies to citizens of Bahrain, Belarus, China, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. South Africa is the only African country included in the list.

French authorities said visa exemptions may also be available under other conditions. These include travellers who hold a residence permit, a long-stay visa or qualify under specific categories set out in French immigration law. 

"Not all foreign nationals are required to hold a visa to enter a French overseas territory. A visa waiver can be granted on a variety of conditions," the government said.

Kenyan nationals remain subject to the standard visa application process when travelling to French overseas territories. The requirement applies regardless of other travel documents they may hold, reflecting the separate entry rules that govern France's overseas territories.

Unlike mainland France, each overseas territory has its own entry requirements established through ministerial orders. As a result, visa rules can differ depending on the destination.

The decision also reflects wider differences in international visa policies affecting African travellers. Japan's recent visa exemption programme, which granted visa-free access to citizens of 74 countries and territories, included only three African countries.

France's new policy simplifies travel for eligible nationalities while maintaining existing visa requirements for countries that are not included. Kenyan travellers must therefore continue to follow the standard visa application process when planning visits to French overseas territories.