Visa Checklist Visit
Visa Checklist Visit
One (1) recent clear and coloured passport-size photo (with white/grey background; Please
do not staple the photo on the form.)
Valid passport (Must be valid at least 3 months from the end of the approved duration stay; must
contain at least 2 blank visa pages.) Previous passport in original if a new passport has been
issued within the last 3 years.
Photocopy of valid passport + National ID Card (page containing holder’s photo and personal
information, important reminders, signature page and other passport information) + Photocopy
of all visas (valid and expired for the past three years.)
Foreign nationals residing in Kenya: a copy of valid Kenya Residence Permit. Please note that
the validity must exceed the planned stay in the Member States with at least three months.
Proof of financial resources of the applicant: Recent pay slips + a recent certified bank
statement for the last 3 months.
Computer printout of air travel itinerary (Do not yet buy an airline ticket.
The Embassy cannot be held responsible for any financial losses in case you have to return it).
If self-employed: A signed letter of company together with proof of business (Pin Certificate,
Registration Certificate/Business Licence and a recent 3 months certified bank statement.
Detailed signed invitation letter, dated with detailed address from the host in Switzerland
indicating: invitation confirmation with personal data of the applicants (names, birth date, exact
address, family relation or friendship), duration of stay, accommodation and financial guarantee
The invitation must be sent as an email attachment directly to nairobi.visa@eda.admin.ch
together with a clear copy of host’s valid passport / ID card / residence permit in Switzerland. If
the host is working for an International Organisation or Diplomatic Mission in Geneva or Bern a
clear copy of host’s valid “carte de légitimation” and confirmation of employment signed by
the International Organisation or Diplomatic Mission must be provided.
If retired: Please 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.
If employee: A signed 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 hiring, type of employment (permanent or temporary), date of return to work, purpose of visit as
well as financial guarantee. If finances are met by the local company, a recent certified bank
statement for the last 3 months.
If still studying: A signed letter of 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.
International travel insurance (May be purchased locally or in Switzerland; must have written
proof of coverage of at least EUR 30’000.-- to cover expenses for personal accident, urgent
medical treatment, urgent admission in a hospital or urgent repatriation on medical grounds;
with coverage including ALL Schengen member states). The Insurance has to cover the entire
stay in the Schengen area including entry and exit day.
List of accepted Schengen approved Insurance companies for locally purchased travel insurance policies are
available on our website:
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/kenia/en/home/visa/entry-ch/up-90-days/documents-schengen.html
VISA PROCESSING FEE for adults: EURO 80.- and for Children 6-12 years old: EURO 40.-
Visa fee is paid cash in Kenyan Shilling according to the exchange rate of the day.
(Please prepare the exact amount in Kenyan Shillings in order to avoid delay).
For foreign nationals who have valid residence status in Kenya and need a visa for Switzerland
/ Liechtenstein / Schengen States, must submit also a copy of the valid Re-Entry permit.
The requirements above are applicable to Kenyan citizens and foreign nationals who have valid residence
status in Kenya and require a visa to enter the SCHENGEN territory.
*If you are in possession of a valid residence card / permit for any SCHENGEN State, then you do not need
a visa to enter Switzerland / Liechtenstein / Schengen States.
*Holders of a valid United Nations (UN) laissez-passer do not need a visa for official mission/private travel to
Switzerland / Liechtenstein only provided your flight lands you directly in Switzerland without transit via
another Schengen state. If you are transiting or travelling to other countries, contact the foreign representation
competent to issue visas for that country/-ies to check if you also need a visa with them.
*For other nationalities, kindly refer to the following link if there is a need for a visa for Switzerland /
Liechtenstein / Schengen states: (ID and Visa Provisions for Entry to Switzerland).
https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/einreise/merkblatt_einreise.html
**) In many cases, a “Declaration of Sponsorship” form is necessary after checking the documents. This form
has to be sent to the host in Switzerland who has then to process it with the city council in his/her area of
residence and the cantonal migrations office. Processing usually takes 3-8 weeks.
Please note that a positive “Declaration of Sponsorship” does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. For
more information about the Declaration of Sponsorship, you may download the information Leaflet available
from the following link: https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/einreise/merkblatt_einreise.html
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
In particular cases, the Embassy explicitly reserves the right
- to request more information or additional documents (eg. birth certificate, marriage certificate,
children’s birth certificate etc.)
- to verify the contents and truth of the documentation presented
- send the application to the Swiss Federal authority for decision
- reject an application; individual assessments are made in every case. No right of issuance exists. The Embassy
will not assume any responsibility should the visa application be rejected
- reject an application based on incorrect/false declarations or on forged or missing documents
- Foreign nationals residing in Kenya: a copy of valid Kenya Residence Permit. Please note that the
validity must exceed the planned stay in the Member States with at least three months.
In addition to the above mentioned requirements, the application will be assessed on the criteria for which the
relevant documents have been submitted:
the purpose of the journey
accommodation or proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation
assessment of sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the
return to the country of origin or residence
If the applicant is not a resident of Kenya, a justification for lodging the application here must be
provided.
Kenyan Passport holders now require a Schengen Consultation process of 10 working days.
Please note that during your stay in Switzerland you are not allowed to take up any kind
of employment or studies.
In case of application finally being rejected or withdrawn the fee is not reimbursed.
For inquiry of application status email your visa file number to: nairobi.visa@eda.admin.ch
If your application lacks any of the above documents, it is considered inadmissible.
Your documents including application fee will be returned to you without further notice. (Visa
Codex art.19:3).
Website www.eda.admin.ch/nairobi
POLITE NOTICE
On the 5th April 2010 a new Visa regulation came into
force for all Schengen Member States. If you want to
apply for a Schengen visa, please consider the
following: