France Unveils New Visa Application Centre in Nairobi to Streamline Services
TLScontact Nairobi Centre Manager Jackline Kivuva (left) handing over a passport with a French Visa to Rehema Melly who will be travelling to Marseille, France to volunteer.
The French Embassy in Kenya has officially launched a new visa application centre in Nairobi, marking a significant step in improving visa processing services for Kenyan travelers.
The centre, operated by TLScontact, was inaugurated by Arnaud Suquet, the French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, as part of France’s ongoing efforts to streamline the visa application process.
The newly opened facility, located on the 4th floor of 9 West Building, Ring Road Parklands, Westlands, aims to enhance efficiency and reduce waiting times for visa applicants.
TLScontact, an external service provider, will handle key aspects of the process, including receiving applicants, collecting biometric data and managing passport returns.
However, final application assessments will remain the responsibility of the visa section at the French Embassy.
(From Left)TLScontact global CFO Michael Aouate and French Embassy Spokesman Romain Boyer speaking during a press brief at the inauguration of the New French Visa Application Centre at TLScontact Centre in Nairobi
Ambassador Suquet emphasized the importance of the centre in fostering stronger ties between France and Kenya, stating,
“As the first gateway to France, this new visa centre in Nairobi will bring our two countries closer. It improves service quality and facilitates the visa process for students, business travelers and tourists. France welcomes all who wish to discover a country that holds Kenya in high regard. Karibu Ufaransa, bienvenue en France!,”he said.
The centre has been designed to offer a modern, welcoming environment with added services such as form-filling assistance, a photo booth, express courier return, a premium lounge and prime-time appointments for greater convenience.
Michael Aouate, Chief Financial Officer of TLScontact, highlighted the company’s commitment to excellence, saying.
(From left)French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet and TLScontact global CFO Michael Aouate share a piece of cake during the inauguration of the new French Visa Application Centre at TLScontact Centre in Nairobi on January 30, 2025
“This inauguration is another milestone for TLScontact, following multiple openings across Sub-Saharan Africa in the past 18 months. We appreciate the trust placed in us by the French Embassy and remain dedicated to making the visa process more accessible and efficient.”said Aouate.
Visa Application Process;
To apply for a French visa, applicants must follow these steps
1Start the application on the France-Visas website to fill out the required forms and check the necessary documents,2Book an appointment online via the TLScontact website, 3Submit the application at the TLScontact visa centre and 4Collect the passport once the French Embassy has processed the application.
Operating Hours & Contact Information
TLScontact Nairobi Visa Centre operates as follows,Standard appointments: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 15:30 Prime-time appointments: Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 08:30 Passport collection: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 15:30 For inquiries, TLScontact customer service can be reached via hotline:Kenya: +254 730 979 902 (Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00) Somalia: +254 730 979 903 (Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00).
With this new visa application centre, France reaffirms its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Kenya while enhancing accessibility for travelers seeking to visit the country.
