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Switzerland Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Switzerland — apply through VFS Global in Nairobi on behalf of the Swiss Embassy; the fee is CHF 88 (approx. EUR 90), with standard processing of 15 calendar days.

Guide last updated September 26, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date, with 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years
  • Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
  • Two recent passport photos, 35x45mm, white background
  • Travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 (or CHF equivalent) across the Schengen area
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or Swiss host's formal guarantee/invitation letter)
  • Bank statements for the last 3-6 months and employer or business proof of income
  • Biometrics captured in person at the VFS Global Switzerland visa centre

Visa types

  • Airport Transit Visa (Type A) — for transit through a Swiss airport without entering Schengen territory
  • Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) — single, double, or multiple entry, up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism, business, or family visits
  • National Visa (Type D) — for work, study, or residence beyond 90 days, handled directly by the Swiss Embassy/State Secretariat for Migration, not VFS

How to apply

  • Kenyan applicants apply via VFS Global's Switzerland visa application centre in Nairobi, which accepts applications on behalf of the Swiss representation. Book an online appointment, complete the application, and attend in person with all documents for biometric capture. Apply between 6 months and 15 working days before the planned trip. The Swiss Embassy makes the final decision; VFS relays the outcome and returns the passport.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: CHF 88 (approx. EUR 90 / KES 12,500) for adults; reduced or waived for children under 12 in some cases
  • VFS service fee: approximately KES 6,500 in addition to the visa fee
  • Standard processing time: 15 calendar days, up to 30-45 days if the case is referred to other Schengen states for consultation
  • No dedicated express service for Nairobi applicants

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply at least a month in advance, since Swiss visa applications can involve consultation with other Schengen states, adding delay
  • Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial guarantees, an unclear itinerary, or a weak travel history
  • If staying with a Swiss host, a formal guarantee/invitation letter certified by the host's local commune significantly strengthens the application
  • VFS Nairobi is the only authorized channel for Swiss visa submissions from Kenya
  • Extensions inside Switzerland are granted only in exceptional cases through the local cantonal migration office

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.