These are the Switzerland visa requirements for Kenyan citizens. Switzerland is a first world country located in Central Europe which is part of the 26 Schengen countries. It doubles up as one of the richest countries in the world which explains its strong economy and low unemployment. Switzerland is also home to top-rated tourist attractions in the world such as glittering blue lakes, snow-capped peaks of the Alps, glaciers, and the dramatic views of Mount Pilatus. Switzerland’s education system is also ranked as one of the best in the world which makes it a top hub for international students.
In this article, we are going to look at all the requirements one must meet before applying for a Switzerland Visa. We will highlight the types of Visas available for Kenyans, documents required, processing time and the charges. One good thing about getting a Switzerland Visa is that you will be able to access other 26 Schengen countries freely without being stopped at the border points.
Switzerland Schengen Tourist Visa Requirements For Kenyan Citizens
This type of Visa is given to Kenyans wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period i.e in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting or cultural events.
Requirements
1. Your Passport must be valid for at least 3 months and have at least 2 blank pages at the time of application. You may be required to submit a previous passport in original if a new passport has been issued within the last 3 years.
2. Duly filled visa application form. The form must be completed and properly filled in, saved as PDF, printed and then signed by the applicant.
Download the Switzerland Visa Application Form here
3. 2 recent clear and coloured passport-size photos with a white or grey background. Check out the photo quality guidelines here.
4. Proof of accommodation while in Switzerland. A detailed travel Itinerary of the planned trip or a schedule of activities together with a confirmed hotel booking, complete with names and contact details of the hotel and hotel voucher will be required.
5. Copy of your flight itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Switzerland. (Don’t buy an airline ticket before getting a visa) . Flight itinerary is a safer way of submitting a visa application without buying an actual flight ticket which can prove to be expensive if your visa is refused.
6. Proof of sufficient financial resources of the applicant. Recent payslips, a recent certified bank statement for the last 3 months will be required. You must be able to attest to owning at least 92.34 euros per day on disposition during the stay in Switzerland, in case you are a student, the amount reduces to 27.70 euros per day.
7. If you are employed, provide a signed employer’s letter, dated, with contact details of employer and personal data of the applicant, leave of absence from the local company or organization showing position, salary, date of hire, type of employment (permanent or temporary), date of return to work, the purpose of visit as well as a financial guarantee. If finances are met by the company, a recent certified bank statement for the last 3 months will be required.
8. If retired, you will be required to submit documents proving your pension or other financial support. Any other documents relating to your personal establishment in Kenya like title deeds or lease agreements will be accepted.
9. If you are self‐employed, please submit
- Copy of Kenya PIN Certificate
- Proof of registration with the relevant authorities (e.g. Registration Certificate and Memorandum & Articles of Association)
- Bank statements pertaining to the said business (last 3 months).
10. If still studying, you will be required to provide a signed letter of the school containing the student and parent’s names, date enrolled, grade, leave of absence from the school, number of years at school, school holidays, contact details and name of school representative.
11. If travelling with or without a spouse and/or children: A signed letter from the spouse, photocopy of passport, marriage certificate & birth certificates of the children will be required.
12. International travel insurance (May be purchased locally or in Switzerland; must have written a proof of coverage of at least EUR 30’000./ USD 50’000 to cover expenses for personal accident, urgent medical treatment, urgent admission in a hospital or urgent repatriation on medical grounds. The insurance has to cover the entire stay in Switzerland including entry and exit day.
13. Cover letter; This cover letter must be well written and formatted clearly. It must mention the reason you are visiting Switzerland, how your trip is being funded, your itinerary and our intention to return to Kenya after your holiday.
14. Invitation letter from your family or friends in Switzerland with their address and phone number may be required- if applicable.
Please note that during the submission of your visa application form, biometric data (finger scans & facial image) will be taken at the embassy. You will still have to appear in person to give your fingerprints in case the previously collected
fingerprints prove to be of insufficient quality.
- During your stay in Switzerland, you are not allowed to take up any kind of employment or studies.
Online Visa Application and Appointment
You are encouraged to make an online application and appointment because they give it a priority compared to the physical application. Start your Switzerland Visa Online application here. (The link takes some time to load fully).
Please note that you can apply for your visa and book an appointment online 5 weeks before the intended travel date. The applicant must be ready to submit the complete application form before seeking an appointment.
Switzerland Visa Fees For Kenyan Citizens
|
Category |
Visa Fees in KSh |
|
Adults |
6900 |
|
Children aged from 6 to 12 |
4000 |
|
Children up to 6 years old
|
Free |
Please note that the visa charges are paid cash in Kenyan Shilling according to the exchange rate of the day.
Switzerland Schengen Tourist Visa Processing Time in Kenya
It takes at least 15 working days to process a visa after submission of your application at the Switzerland Embassy in Nairobi. Sometimes it takes up to 4 weeks to process the visa. In case of the application finally being rejected or withdrawn the fee is not reimbursed. For inquiry of application, status email your visa file number to nai.visa@eda.admin.ch. If your application lacks any of the above documents, it is considered inadmissible hence your documents including the application fee will be returned to you without further notice.
Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya Contacts
This is where you will submit your visa application form and relevant documents.
Location
Rosslyn Green Estate,
Rosslyn Green Drive, off Red Hill Road
Nairobi.
Visa enquiries Telephone
Monday to Thursday, 13.30 PM – 15.00 PM.
(+254) 708 168 982
+254 730 694 000
Visa enquiries Email
Visa Appointment Email
nai.visaappointment@eda.admin.ch
Postal address
Embassy of Switzerland
P.O.Box 2600
00621 Nairobi
Kenya
|
Monday |
13.30–15.00 |
|
Tuesday |
13.30–15.00 |
|
Wednesday |
13.30–15.00 |
|
Thursday |
13.30–15.00 |
|
Friday |
closed |
|
Saturday |
closed |
|
Sunday |
closed |
accommodation arrangement in the member state as well as the financial guarantee).
6. If you are self‐employed, please submit
- Copy of Kenya PIN Certificate
- Proof of registration with the relevant authorities (e.g. Registration Certificate and Memorandum & Articles of Association)
- Bank statements pertaining to the said business (last 3 months).
based (stating purpose, duration of stay, accommodation arrangements, financial guarantee and travel health insurance) + original note verbal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
