European Visa Requirements for Kenyans 2026

Kenyan passport holders require a visa for most European countries, including all 27 Schengen Area states and the UK. However, Turkey and Georgia offer convenient eVisa options. Here is the complete breakdown.

Important

No European country offers visa-free entry to Kenyan passport holders. A Schengen visa or national visa must be obtained before travel. Turkey and Georgia offer eVisas which can be applied for online.

Schengen Area (Visa Required)

All 27 Schengen countries require a Schengen visa for Kenyan citizens. One visa covers travel to all member states. See our complete Schengen visa guide.

CountryCountryCountry
AustriaGermanyNorway
BelgiumGreecePoland
CroatiaHungaryPortugal
Czech RepublicIcelandRomania
DenmarkItalySlovakia
EstoniaLatviaSlovenia
FinlandLiechtensteinSpain
FranceLithuaniaSweden
BulgariaLuxembourgSwitzerland
Malta, Netherlands

Schengen Visa Quick Facts

  • Fee: EUR 80 (adult), EUR 40 (child 6-12), free (under 6)
  • Stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
  • Processing: 15 calendar days (can take up to 45 days)
  • Apply at: Embassy of your main destination country in Nairobi
  • Guide: Full Schengen visa application guide

United Kingdom (Visa Required)

The UK is not part of the Schengen Area. Kenyans need a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa.

  • Fee: GBP 115 (6-month), GBP 400 (2-year), GBP 771 (5-year)
  • Stay: Up to 6 months per visit
  • Processing: 3-4 weeks (priority service available)
  • Apply at: VFS Global centre in Nairobi
  • Guide: Full UK visa application guide

eVisa European Countries

CountryMax StayFeeProcessing
Turkey30 daysUSD 50Instant - 3 days
Georgia30 daysUSD 205 business days
Azerbaijan30 daysUSD 263 business days

Turkey is the most accessible European destination for Kenyans. Apply at evisa.gov.tr - the process is quick and straightforward.

Other European Countries (Visa Required)

CountryVisa TypeNotes
IrelandIrish visa (not Schengen)Separate application, not covered by Schengen visa
BelarusEmbassy visa or eVisaeVisa available for short visits
RussiaEmbassy visaApply at Russian Embassy, Nairobi
UkraineEmbassy visaTravel currently not recommended
MoldovaEmbassy visaApply in advance

Tips for European Visa Applications

  • Apply early: Start 3-4 months before travel for Schengen/UK visas
  • Financial proof: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with sufficient funds
  • Travel insurance: Mandatory for Schengen (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
  • Accommodation: Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host
  • Return ticket: Show proof of return or onward travel
  • Employment letter: Confirm you will return to Kenya after the visit
  • Multi-entry: Request a multi-entry Schengen visa if you have a strong travel history

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The UK left the EU and is not part of the Schengen Area. You need a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa. Similarly, a UK visa does not allow you to enter Schengen countries. If you want to visit both the UK and Europe, you need two separate visa applications.

Turkey is the easiest - instant eVisa online for USD 50. For Schengen, France and Germany generally process the most applications from Kenya. Italy and Portugal have competitive approval rates. Georgia also has a straightforward eVisa process. First-time applicants with strong documentation (stable employment, bank balance, travel history) typically have the best chances.

There is no fixed amount, but a general guideline is EUR 50-100 per day of stay plus flight and accommodation costs. For a 14-day trip, having at least KSH 200,000-300,000 in your account with consistent income deposits over 3-6 months strengthens your application. Avoid sudden large deposits just before applying.

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