What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows Kenyan travelers to visit European countries within the Schengen Area for tourism, business, study, or family visits, usually for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Key Countries in the Schengen Area

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Tip: The first country you enter or the main country of stay is where you must submit your visa application.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Schengen Visa You Need

Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

• Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
• Business Visa: For attending conferences, meetings, or business events.
• Family Visit Visa: To visit relatives legally residing in Europe.

Transit Visa (Airport Transit)

For layovers at European airports without leaving the transit area.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

For study, work, or family reunification lasting more than 90 days.

Most Kenyan travelers apply for a Type C Short-Stay Visa for tourism or business purposes.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Basic Documents for All Applicants

• Valid Kenyan passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
• Completed and signed Schengen Visa application form
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• Travel itinerary and confirmed round-trip flight bookings
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental, or host invitation)
• Travel insurance covering medical emergencies (€30,000 minimum)
• Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
• Proof of employment or business registration
• Visa fee payment receipt

Additional Documents for Specific Purposes

• Business Visa: Invitation letter from European company + employer letter
• Student Visa: Letter of acceptance from European institution + proof of tuition
• Family Visit: Invitation letter + proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate)

Documents not in English may require certified translation.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Book an Appointment

Submit your application through the official embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit. Some countries outsource applications to service centers like VFS Global.

Attend the Visa Interview

Bring all original documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Kenya.

Pay the Visa Fee

• Adults: €80 (~KES 11,000)
• Children 6–12 years: €40
• Children under 6: Free

Step 4: Track and Collect Your Visa

Processing time is usually 10–15 working days. You will be notified to collect your passport once approved. Always double-check the visa validity, number of entries, and dates.

Tips for Kenyan Travelers

• Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel
• Ensure your travel insurance and accommodation documents are valid
• Submit honest and accurate information
• Keep copies of all submitted documents

Links to Visa Application Forms

Universal / Standard Schengen Visa Form

• EU‑wide standard Schengen visa application form (PDF) – general harmonised form used by many Schengen states:
  👉 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/visa_application.pdf

🇮🇹 Italy (Schengen Visa PDF Form)

• Italy – Schengen visa application (PDF)
  👉 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/italy/kenya/english/pdf/schengen-visa-application-form-2024.pdf

🇮🇹 Italy (Alternative)

• Italy – Application for Schengen Visa (PDF form)
  👉 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/italy/kenya/english/pdf/Application_for_Schengen_Visa.pdf

🇩🇪 Germany

• Germany – Online VIDEX application (fill online & download)
  👉 https://videx.diplo.de (use the VIDEX portal to generate & print the Schengen visa application)

🇫🇷 France

• France – Visa application portal (TLScontact)
  👉 https://visas‑fr.tlscontact.com/country/ke/vac/keNBO2fr?lang=en‑us

🇳🇱 Netherlands

• Netherlands – VFS Global visa center info & form guidance
  👉 https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa‑the‑netherlands/schengen‑visa/apply‑kenya

🇨🇿 Slovakia

• Slovak Embassy Visa Forms (incl. Schengen PDF)
  👉 https://www.mzv.sk/web/nairobi-en/visa-and-services/visa-application-forms

🇧🇪 Belgium

• Belgium – VisaOnWeb (Online application form portal)
  👉 https://visaonweb.diplomatie.be (complete online & book appointment)

🇨🇭 Switzerland

• Swiss visa application & Schengen form info (online)
  👉 https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/kenia/en/home/visa/entry‑ch/up‑90‑days/documents‑schengen.html

✅ Important:

• Some Schengen states (like Germany and Belgium) use online application portals (VIDEX or VisaOnWeb) where you fill the form online and then print the generated Schengen form before your appointment.
• The EU standard PDF works for many member states but always check the specific embassy instructions for Kenya.