2.1 Jurisdiction and Application Process
For stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period (vacation, visits, business trips), Kenyan nationals require a Schengen visa (Category C). The Embassy in Nairobi has fully outsourced the acceptance of Schengen visa applications to TLScontact, where all documents are submitted; the decision is made by the Embassy.
Process: Online registration with TLScontact,
selection of travel purpose, appointment booking, in-person appointment (documents, biometrics, fees), subsequent processing by the Embassy, and return of the passport via TLScontact.
2.2 Schengen Tourist Visa
Purpose: Vacation trips, sightseeing tours, cultural excursions, sporting events, etc.
Key documents (in addition to standard documents):
- Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the stay, no more than 10 years old, at least 2 blank pages) + 1 copy of the data page.
- Fully completed and signed Schengen application form (VIDEX) + declaration pursuant to § 54 of the Residence Act.
- 1 recent biometric passport photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm, light-colored background).
- Proof of residence in Kenya; third-country nationals must present a valid Kenyan residence permit.
- Flight reservation (round-trip; purchasing the ticket only after the visa is issued is recommended).
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, travel package, invitation from a host with address, etc.).
- Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for all Schengen countries and the entire duration of stay.
- Proof of financial means: Bank statements for the last 3 months (e.g., bank, M-Pesa) – officially or bank-certified; for self-employed individuals, additionally company registration/CR documents, business bank statements.
- Proof of professional/social ties in Kenya: employment contract + employer’s confirmation, certificate of enrollment, proof of family ties (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates) .
All documents must be submitted as originals plus copies and in the order listed on the checklist; documents in languages other than German or English require a certified translation.
Fees and processing time: Schengen fee of €90 for adults (reduced for children 6–12, free for children under 6), payable in KES at TLScontact, non-refundable; processing takes approx. 15 calendar days, up to 45 days for intensive reviews.
2.3 Schengen visitor visa (family/friends)
Purpose: Visiting relatives or friends in Germany for up to 90 days.
Additional documents:
- Invitation letter from the host (purpose, duration, relationship, address of stay).
- Copy of the host’s passport/ID card; for third-country nationals, additionally a residence permit.
- Original formal declaration of commitment from the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany,
if the host is covering the costs (not mandatory if the applicant can prove sufficient personal funds).
- Proof of family relationship (birth and marriage certificates).
Other requirements are the same as for a tourist visa.
2.4 Schengen Business Visa
Purpose: Short-term business trips (negotiations, trade fairs, training sessions, conferences).
Additional requirements:
- Letter of invitation from the German company stating the purpose, duration, and, if applicable, coverage of costs.
- Proof of the company’s existence in Germany (e.g., extract from the commercial register).
- Employer confirmation from Kenya (position, salary, approved leave of absence, intention to return).
Guidelines on fees and processing are the same as for tourist visas.