Kenyans planning to travel to Europe in 2026 need to obtain a Schengen visa, as visa-free entry is not permitted for Kenyan passport holders. This visa grants access to 29 member states for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa Fees and Processing Charges

  • Adult applicants pay a standard fee of €90 (around KSh 13,000 to KSh 15,000).
  • Children aged 6 to 12 years pay €45 (approximately KSh 6,500 to KSh 7,500).
  • Children below six years are exempt from visa fees.
  • Additional service fees apply through processing agents such as TLScontact and VFS Global, ranging from KSh 4,250 to KSh 6,800.

Required Documentation

Applicants must present the following:

  • A valid Kenyan passport with at least three months’ validity beyond the return date.
  • A completed and signed visa application form.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos meeting specific standards.
  • Travel health insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 valid across all Schengen states.
  • Flight itinerary, hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
  • Bank statements from the last three to six months showing consistent income.
  • Employment letter or business registration documents.

Financial Proof Crucial for Approval

Consular officers require evidence of regular income rather than a single large deposit. Each country sets daily financial requirements, typically between €50 and €95 per day. For example, a one-week trip requires proof of access to at least €350 (about KSh 50,000), and a two-week trip about €700 (approximately KSh 100,000).

Insufficient financial documentation accounts for 43% of visa refusals among Kenyan applicants.

Application Process in Nairobi

Most Schengen visa applications in Nairobi are handled by outsourced agencies:

  • VFS Global manages Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Greece.
  • TLScontact handles French visa applications.
  • BLS International processes Spanish visa applications.

Appointment slots are limited and often expensive due to unofficial resellers charging between KSh 10,000 and KSh 25,000 per slot. Processing typically takes up to 15 calendar days but can extend to 45 days during peak periods or for additional checks.

Applicants are advised to submit their documents four to six weeks before their travel date to allow sufficient processing time.

As of 2026, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries following the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in early 2025.