Kenya passport → Vatican City

Vatican City visa for citizens of Kenya

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days)

Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Vatican City 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.

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	€80
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	€50 per day of stay (suggested)

How to apply

1
Gather required documents
Collect all documents listed above.
2
Complete the Schengen visa application form
Fill out the form accurately and sign it.
3
Book an appointment at the Italian embassy in Kenya
Contact the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi or the visa centre handling Schengen applications.
4
Attend the in-person appointment
Submit documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Pay the visa fee
Pay the €80 fee (or equivalent in KES) at the time of application.
6
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15–45 calendar days.
7
Collect your passport
Return to the embassy or designated collection point to receive your passport with the visa.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least two blank pages
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Must meet ICAO standards.

Travel

Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary
Not necessarily a purchased ticket; a verified reservation is acceptable.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Must cover entire stay in the Schengen area.
Copy of round-trip tickets
Optional
Submit if already purchased.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank statements for the last 3–6 months or sponsorship letter.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to home country
Shows intention to return to Kenya.

Supporting

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Available from the Vatican or Italian embassy website.
Travel medical insurance covering €30,000
Valid throughout the Schengen area for the entire stay.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €50 per day of stay (suggested)

bank statements
sponsorship letter

Bank statements should be in English or accompanied by a translation.

Good to know

Visa applications are processed by the Italian embassy on behalf of the Holy See.
Biometrics are required for all applicants aged 12 and older.
Processing times can vary; apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form.

Double-check all fields and sign the form.

Insufficient proof of funds or travel insurance.

Ensure bank statements show adequate balance and insurance covers €30,000.

Lack of clear travel itinerary or accommodation proof.

Provide confirmed reservations for flights and hotels.

FAQ

Do citizens of Kenya need a visa for Vatican City?

Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Vatican City 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 Vatican City?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Vatican City visa cost for citizens of Kenya?

Government fee: €80.

How long does Vatican City visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Kenya need for Vatican City?

Valid passport with at least two blank pages; Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photographs; Travel medical insurance covering €30,000; Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary; Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter); and 3 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Vatican City?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.vaticanstate.va/en/services/visa/. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

vaticanstate.va

Plan your trip to Vatican City

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides