Though not the largest, Kenya makes a significant tourist markets for Europe.
In total, 33,474 Schengen visas were submitted by Kenyans in 2017, according to recent statistics. From the total submissions, only 3,906 applications made by Kenyans were refused. That’s about 11.67% only.
What's Covered in This Article
Do Kenyans need a visa to enter Europe?
Yes, Kenya passport holders are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any of the countries in the Schengen area.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from Kenya?
You will have to follow a step-by-step guideline to apply for a Schengen visa in Kenya. The application procedure to obtain a Schengen visa in Kenya is kind of the same to that in every other country in the world.
In order to apply for a Schengen visa from Kenya you must follow these steps:
- Use “Visa wizard” to check, based on your situation, which Schengen visa type you need. There are different Schengen visa types depending on your purpose of traveling from Kenya to Europe.
- Find out where you need to apply for a Schengen visa in Kenya. Pay attention to the embassy / consulate of which country you need to apply at. Most of the embassies in Kenya these days use VSF Global to handle all their visa applications.
- Decide when to apply for a Schengen visa in Kenya. The earliest time you can lodge your Schengen visa application in Kenya is 3 months before your planned trip while, the latest time to file you visa application is at least 15 working days before you intend to travel to Europe.
- Collect the required Schengen visa documents for Kenyan citizens.
- Appoint an interview at visa application center in Kenya. Depending on the country, you may make an appointment online, through phone, or in person. Below in this article, you can find more information for each Schengen State embassy/consulate located in Kenya.
- Attend the interview on the day of your appointment. Show up on time and try to relax. Remember that the interview is an integral part of your visa application process.
- Pay the visa fee. All Schengen states have fixed and standardized visa fees. For more information check Schengen visa fees for Kenyan citizens.
- Wait for the processing of your visa. After the interview, you will have to wait for about 15 working days, for a response on your application. In my experience, applying for a Schengen visa at the French embassy of France in Kenya is much faster – less than 5 working days.
All Schengen visa applications submitted by Kenyans are processed by the embassies/consulates in Kenya.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Kenyan Passport Holders
When applying for a Schengen visa in Kenya, you will have to submit a number of required documents. These documents are important; therefore, you really need to be careful when assembling them. Make sure they all meet the standards set by the embassy you are applying at.
To apply for a Schengen visa in Kenya, you need to submit the following documents:
- Printed and signed visa application form. Fill it completely and with sincerity. You can also fill the Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard-copy.
- Two recently taken photos must be attached. The photos should be of passport format – a recent whole-face capture with a light background. Learn more about visa photo requirements for Kenyan citizens.
- A valid Kenyan passport or for your respective country. Expiring in no less that 6 months from intended date of arrival in the Schengen state, and having at least 2 blank pages.
- Evidence of legal residence in Kenya. – such as a national ID card, or residence permit.
- Travel Insurance for Schengen visa in Kenya – You can book online through WorldNomads whom I have always personally used to apply for Schengen visa or via any travel insurance company in Kenya that meets the following requirements: valid travel insurance covering any possible costs for medical repatriation, and emergency and/or hospital treatment. This is mandatory. This insurance must be valid throughout the Member States’ territory in the Schengen area, which fully apply the provisions of the Schengen accord and for the duration of your stay. It must allow you to access services in the Schengen area. This insurance must also provide coverage of €30,000 minimum including medical repatriation, and emergency and/or hospital treatment.
- A cover letter stating the purpose of visit and itinerary.
- Flight itinerary reservation from Kenya to Schengen state and back. Including dates and flight numbers specifying arrival and departure from the specified Schegen area state/states. Learn how to get a flight reservation for visa from Kenya.
- Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of the intended stay. Make your Hotel Booking for Visa application here. The beauty with Booking.com is that you can cancel your reservation free in case your visa is not approved.
- Proof of social economic ties and ‘deep rootedness’ in Kenya. (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, etc)
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay.
Additional Schengen Visa Requirements based on your Employment Status in Kenya
Depending on your occupational status in Kenya, you will need to submit the following additional documents when applying for a Shcengen visa to from Kenya:
If you are employed:
- Letter of Introduction from employer
- Current bank statement, of latest 6 months (Online Bank statements are not allowable).
- Annual Leave permission from your employer
If self-employed:
- A copy of your business registration certificate in Kenya
- Company bank statement for the latest 6 months
If a student:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from your school or university in Kenya.
If retired:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If applicable:
- Regular income generated by property proof of the latest 6 months
*Note: The signed application form must be accompanied by the other mandatory documents, then taken personally at the relevant Embassy/Consulate or its representative in Kenya.
Other specific requirements when applying for a different Schengen visa type in Kenya:
- Business visa requirements for Kenyans
- Tourist visa requirements for Kenyans
- Visitor visa requirements for Kenyans
