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Italy Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a Schengen Type C visa for Italy — apply via VFS Global Nairobi; fee EUR 90, standard processing 15 calendar days.

Guide last updated September 25, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area, with 2 blank pages
  • Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
  • 2 recent passport photos, 35x45mm, white background
  • Travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 across the Schengen area for the full trip
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Round-trip flight reservation
  • Proof of funds: 3 months' bank statements showing roughly EUR 50-100 per day of stay
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) collected at VFS Global Nairobi if not on file within the last 5 years

Visa types

  • Schengen Tourist visa (Type C): single or multiple entry, up to 90 days per 180-day period, fee EUR 90
  • Schengen Business visa (Type C): for meetings and trade fairs, same 90/180 rule, fee EUR 90
  • National long-stay visa (Type D): for study or work beyond 90 days, applied for directly with the Italian consulate
  • Transit visa: for airport transit only, fee EUR 80

How to apply

  • Book an appointment through VFS Global's Italy visa application center in Nairobi
  • Complete the online application form and print the signed confirmation
  • Attend the appointment with the full document checklist, pay the fee, and give biometrics
  • Track the application status online using the VFS reference number
  • Interviews are not routine but may be requested for incomplete or flagged applications
  • Decisions are collected in person or by courier return of the passport

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: EUR 90 (approx. KES 13,000-14,000)
  • VFS Global service fee: approximately EUR 25-30
  • Total estimated cost: EUR 115-120
  • Standard processing time: 15 calendar days from a complete application, up to 30-45 days if additional review or an interview is needed
  • No official express service for Italy through VFS Nairobi; apply with a comfortable buffer before travel

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply at least 3-4 weeks before intended travel, especially during peak seasons (summer, December holidays)
  • Common rejection reasons: insufficient proof of funds, weak evidence of ties to Kenya, or an itinerary that does not match the requested visa duration
  • All applications go through VFS Global Nairobi; the consulate does not accept walk-in applications
  • Keep the VFS receipt and appointment confirmation until the passport is returned
  • Extensions inside the Schengen area are only granted in exceptional circumstances; plan to exit before the visa expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.