How to Apply for a German Visa in Nairobi ( Step-by-Step Order)
To apply for a German visa in Nairobi, start by creating an account on the TLScontact portal, book your appointment, complete the visa form, prepare documents, attend your biometric appointment, then wait about 15 days for a decision.
Germany is the country, officially Federal Republic of Germany. German refers to the people. : ) We are now done with the semantics :). So we say the German Embassy Nairobi and not Germany embassy in Nairobi.Kenyan passport holders wishing to travel to Germany can now book visa application appointments online. This is a new system that was introduced in 2010 that is deemed to help make German visa application much easier.
Step 1: Start Online (Create Account First)
👉 https://visas-de.tlscontact.com/en/kenya/
This is the official Germany visa application portal for Kenya.
What to do here:
- Create a TLScontact account
- Log in to your dashboard
⚠️ This is mandatory — you cannot proceed without an account.
2. How to book an appointment for German visa
Once logged in:
- Select Germany → Nairobi
- Choose your visa category
- Pick an available appointment date
⚠️ Key rules:
- No walk-ins allowed
- Book early — slots fill quickly
- Its important to note that the online visa appointments shall be made for each applicant – one appointment per applicant.
- Hence, you are advised to enter each name for each visa-applicant in order to verify your booking.
📍 Where You Will Go Physically
- Submission centre:
TLScontact Visa Application Centre Nairobi - Decision authority:
German Embassy Nairobi
3. Choose the Correct Visa Type
- Schengen Visa (Short Stay) – tourism, business (≤ 90 days)
- National Visa (Long Stay) – work, study, family reunification
👉 This determines your requirements and forms.
4. Complete the Visa Application Form
- Schengen visa: standard Schengen form
- National visa: VIDEX system
✔️ Print and sign
✔️ Ensure no missing fields
5. Pay Visa & Service Fees
- Schengen visa: ~€80
- TLScontact service fee
💡 Payment may be:
- Online
- Or at the centre (depending on your booking flow)
6. Prepare Required Documents
Bring originals + copies:
Mandatory:
- Valid passport (≥ 6 months)
- Completed application form
- Passport photos
- Travel insurance
- Flight reservation
- Accommodation proof
- Bank statements (3–6 months) to show proof financial ability
- Employment/business proof
Strong Supporting:
- Cover letter
- Proof of ties to Kenya
⚠️ Incomplete documents = high rejection risk
7. Attend Your Appointment (Biometrics)
📍 Go to:
TLScontact Visa Application Centre Nairobi
Key facts about TLScontact and location
- Type: Visa application center / outsourced consular service
- Location: 9 West Building, Ring Road Parklands, Wetlands, Nairobi, Kenya
- Typical floors used: 1st floor (unit 2) and 4th floor (France / Germany visa desks)
- Main clients: France and Germany embassies in Nairobi
- Core function: Intake of Schengen / national visa files, biometrics, and customer services
What happens:
- Document submission
- Fingerprints + photo
- Application verification
⏱️ Takes: 30–60 minutes
8. Application is Sent to the Embassy
- TLScontact forwards your file to
German Embassy Nairobi - The embassy reviews and decides
9. Wait for Processing
- Schengen visa: ~15 days
- National visa: weeks to months
📌 Apply:
- Up to 6 months before travel
- At least 15 days before travel
10. Track Your Application
Log into your TLScontact account:
- Get SMS/email updates
- Monitor status
11. Collect Your Passport
Return to:
TLScontact Visa Application Centre Nairobi
Bring:
- Receipt
- ID
✔️ You’ll receive:
- Passport with visa OR
- Refusal letter
⚠️ Critical Rules (From German Embassy)
- ❌ No walk-ins
- ❌ No incomplete applications
- ✔️ Biometrics mandatory
- ✔️ In-person submission required
- ❌ No appeal after rejection
🧠 Bottom Line (Clean Flow)
- Create TLScontact account
- Book appointment
- Fill form
- Prepare documents
- Attend appointment
- Wait for decision
- Collect passport
FAQs About How to Apply for a German Visa in Nairobi,Kenya
How much is a German visa in Kenya?
About €80 for Schengen visas (excluding TLScontact fees)
Can I apply directly at the German Embassy Nairobi?
No, most applications go through TLScontact.
How long does a German visa take in Kenya?
Around 15 days for short-stay visas.
Is an interview required?
Usually no, but the embassy may request one.
For more FAQs on Germany visa application go to German Embassy Website
Location of the German Embassy in Nairobi
The German embassy Nairobi consular section is located at Ludwig Krapf House, Riverside Drive 113, Nairobi. If you are using a matatu board 48B at Latema road.
More on visa requirements for Kenyan passport holders:
Visa to Australia
Visa to Brazil
Visa to China
Visa to Dubai
Visa to Turkey
Visa to Spain (Schengen Visa)
How long does it take for one to be given a visa after the visa appointment date?
will you assist Ahmed on visa application same repetition on the line of call,,,0720426214
Hey,i have cancelled my visa interview appointment date and now i cant apply for any other date.Im told that the same credentials still exist in the system. What can i do?
Hello this is emmanuel regarding your cancelling of visa appoint for Germany kndly call mi 0723000659
Kindly assist me to go and volunteers in germany rhanks
Is it a must to have an obligation letter accompany your application for visa even when the host has given bank statements? Thankyou
GOOD EVENING,
MY NAME IS MABEL, I HAVE BEEN POSTED TO THE KENYA MISSION BERLIN.I HAVE TWIN GIRLS WHO ARE TWO AND HALF YEARS OLD.I WILL REQUIRE A NANNY TO ACCOMPANY ME TO MY NEW DUTY STATION. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS.
Am here in Kenya,I want to come and assist you
KINDLY BOOK me for earlier visa appointment on 28th May 2018. Im supposed to Travel on 2nd June for a conference in Berlin and return after one week. There ia no appointment slot at the moment. Ive tried calling German Embassy in Nairobi but in vain.
Hello i would like to travel to Germany on 10th June. Kindly help me make an appointment on 28th May please.
How do i go about it?
My name is Wendy, I would like to visit Germany in June using visit visa .Kindly give me details on how to apply and give me an appointment on 27th May if it’s possible. Thanks.
Peace.
I am not able to apply on line the visa. It always hangs . What should I do? should I fill the hard copy of visa application?
I am a negotiater for Kenya for the UNFCCC and a regular participant in COP meetings in Bonn Germany.The 48 SBSTA is going on in Bonn Germany.The meeting starded yesterday 30th April until 10th may 2018.
My 2 year regular traveller sengein Visa expired on the october 2016. I could not travel in subsequent periods because of the ban and lack of resources from the Government.
I am an employee of NEMA Kenya for many years and married with a family , participating in COP negotiations for Kenya government.
I came to the Embassy on monday at 2.00pm to renew my VISA under frequent flier provision. I was nominated to attend by the governent and I was ready with all the requirements since I was planning to fravel on the 2nd may 2018.Unfortunately I was not allowed to come in and present my case.
I am writting to be considered for a quick approval so that I can travel to Bonn to participate in the SBSTA ,SBI and APA meeting I have all the requirements.
Kindly consider
Maurice Nyunja Otieno
Contact the German Embassy in Nairobi. or read more at https://nairobi.diplo.de/ke-en/service/faqs/1510744
I booked an appointment for 8 th May 2018; please confirm for me the timings.
I need to travel to Germany for vacation plizz help to book an appointment
am travel consultant working with travel africa tours and travel . I can assist you book the appointment and filling the forma.
kindly call: +710813771 or
email: info@travelafricatours.co.ke
Hello, I’m Alice I need to know how to fill the forms for visa,I need to visit German for just one week then I go to USA, can you please help me ? Thanks
Hallo…as m Ali Kenyan born I would kindly request for a German medical visa.
thanks.
looking forward to hear from you
My name is Winnie, I would like to travel to Germany for a visit in July — August 2018. I wish to book for an appointment for visa application.
Thanks….
I’m planning to travel in August, lets connect. ariana.nganga@gmail.com
Hi…kindly assist the process of booking visa appointment i cant find the omline booking.am away from Nairobi
i would like to book an appointment for 20th september morning for to travel for permance in germany
i would like to book for an appointment on 27th august to be able to travel on 6th sept your assistant will be highly appreciated
Hello Okongo
go to this site
follow the instructions. For your case i think the first option will do.
i would like to book an appointment for 27th august morning for to travel for a performance in Germany
Hello Owugo
go to this site
follow the instructions. For your case i think the first option will
I kindly request a study Visa for my Son (Mark Mureithi Kariuki. He is will be 24yrs old this November. My Husband is ready to sponser him for that. He wish to do Mechatronic .Help me how to go about it. Thanks in Advance
Get the Germany institute to send you the admission letter. After this, you will be able to book an appointment at the embassy.