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Netherlands Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa for the Netherlands — apply via VFS Global Nairobi; fee is EUR 80, standard processing up to 15 calendar days.

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

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
  • Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, light background, biometric standard)
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) required in person at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Nairobi; valid for reuse for 59 months if already on file
  • Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid across the Schengen area for the full trip
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter) and a detailed travel itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3-6 months, roughly EUR 55-100 per day depending on accommodation arrangement)
  • Proof of employment/business registration and, where applicable, leave approval letter
  • Return flight reservation

Visa types

  • Schengen Tourist/Visit visa (Type C): single, double, or multiple entry; validity typically matches trip dates but multiple-entry visas of 1-5 years can be granted to frequent, trusted travelers; max stay 90 days within any 180-day period; fee EUR 80
  • Business visa (Type C): same fee structure, requires an invitation letter from the Dutch host company
  • Airport transit visa (Type A): needed only if transiting through a Dutch airport without entering the Schengen area and you hold a passport requiring it — most Kenyan travelers transiting will need the standard transit rules confirmed with VFS
  • National visa (Type D) for study, work, or family reunification: processed separately, higher documentation requirements, fee EUR 75-100 depending on category

How to apply

  • Book an appointment through VFS Global's Netherlands visa application center in Nairobi (the Dutch government portal at government.nl lists official requirements and the VFS booking link)
  • Complete the online application form and gather all supporting documents
  • Attend your appointment to submit documents and biometrics; the Dutch embassy/consulate makes the final decision, VFS only collects and forwards applications
  • Pay the visa fee (EUR 80) plus the VFS service fee at the application center
  • Standard processing takes up to 15 calendar days, extendable to 30-45 days in complex cases
  • Track your application status online via the VFS portal using your reference number
  • Collect your passport with the visa decision from the VFS center once ready, or opt for courier return delivery

Fees & processing time

  • Schengen visa fee: EUR 80 for adults, EUR 40 for children aged 6-11, free for children under 6
  • VFS Global service fee: approximately USD 30-35 (varies, paid locally in Kenyan shillings equivalent)
  • Total cost estimate: roughly EUR 80 plus USD 30-35 service fee, around USD 120 total
  • Standard processing: up to 15 calendar days from a complete application
  • No official express option for short-stay Schengen visas; applying well ahead of travel is the only way to reduce risk of delay

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 working days before your planned trip
  • The most common rejection reasons for Kenyan applicants are insufficient proof of funds, weak ties to Kenya (no clear reason to return), and incomplete travel insurance documentation
  • Always apply through VFS Global rather than informal agents; VFS is the only authorized visa application center for the Netherlands in Kenya
  • If you have previously traveled to Schengen countries without overstaying, include those visa copies — a clean travel history strengthens the application significantly
  • Extensions within the Netherlands are rarely granted for short-stay visas except in documented emergencies; plan your itinerary to fit within the granted validity

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.