--- title: Switzerland visa for citizens of Kenya description: "Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Switzerland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90 + €30 service fee. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/switzerland/kenya lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Switzerland visa for citizens of Kenya Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Switzerland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/einreise/visum.html ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Visa validity:** 90 days - **Entries:** Single entry - **Processing time:** 15–45 days - **Government fee:** €90 + €30 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 3 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds (approx. 100 EUR per day of stay) ## How to apply 1. **Determine visa type and gather documents** — Confirm you need a Schengen C visa for tourism and collect all required documents listed above. 2. **Complete the visa application form** — Fill out the Schengen visa application form online or manually, then print and sign it. 3. **Book an appointment at the Swiss embassy or VFS Global centre** — Schedule an appointment online via VFS Global or the embassy in Nairobi (or nearest location). 4. **Pay the visa fee** — Pay the €80 visa fee plus any service fee (approx. €30) at the time of appointment booking or at the centre. 5. **Attend the appointment and submit biometrics** — Visit the visa application centre in person to submit your application, provide fingerprints and photo, and hand over documents. 6. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but may extend up to 30 days in some cases. 7. **Collect your passport** — Once a decision is made, collect your passport from the centre or have it couriered (if opted). 8. **Travel to Switzerland** — Ensure your visa is valid for the dates of travel and carry all supporting documents with you. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area - **Completed and signed Schengen visa application form** (Identity): Download from official website or VFS Global - **Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)** (Identity): Must meet ICAO standards - **Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage)** (Travel): Valid for entire Schengen area and duration of stay - **Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation** (Travel): Not a paid ticket, but confirmed booking - **Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement)** (Travel): For entire stay - **Bank statements for last 3 months** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds - **Employment letter or proof of self-employment** (Employment): Include salary, position, and approved leave - **Leave approval letter from employer** (Employment): If employed - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, etc.)** (Supporting, optional): If applicable - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and itinerary** (Supporting): Brief and clear - **Copy of previous Schengen visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): To show travel history - **Visa fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Pay at VFS or embassy - **Biometrics appointment confirmation** (Supporting): Book via VFS Global ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** 100 EUR per day of stay - Bank statements for last 3 months - Sponsorship letter if funded by third party Bank statements must be original or certified copies, showing regular transactions and sufficient balance. ## Good to know - Visa does not guarantee entry; border officials may deny entry even with a valid visa. - Overstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines, deportation, or future visa bans. - Ensure passport has at least 2 blank pages and is valid for 3 months beyond departure. ## Common refusal reasons - **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields and sign the form. - **Insufficient financial means** — Provide bank statements showing adequate funds for the entire stay. - **Lack of travel insurance** — Purchase a policy covering at least €30,000 for the entire Schengen area. - **Unclear purpose of visit** — Write a detailed cover letter and provide a clear itinerary. - **Previous visa violations or overstays** — Disclose any past issues honestly and provide explanation if needed. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Kenya need a visa for Switzerland? Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Switzerland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days). ### How long can citizens of Kenya stay in Switzerland? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the Switzerland visa cost for citizens of Kenya? Government fee: €90 + €30 service fee. ### How long does Switzerland visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of Kenya need for Switzerland? Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Switzerland? At least 3 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/einreise/visum.html ## Sources - [sem.admin.ch](https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/einreise/visum.html) ## More - [Switzerland visa for every passport](/visa/switzerland) - [Every destination for Kenya passport holders](/visa/passport/kenya)