Germany Visa RequirementsFor Kenya passport holders
Kenyan citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Germany. The German Embassy in Nairobi processes applications, and a Schengen visa issued by Germany grants access to all 27 Schengen member states.
Kenya passport holders require a visa to enter Germany.
Apply at the German Embassy in Nairobi (Ludwig Krapf House, United Nations Avenue) or through VFS Germany. Book an appointment well in advance. Required documents include a valid Kenyan passport (issued within 10 years, valid 3 months beyond intended stay), Schengen application form, two passport photos (35mm x 45mm), travel health insurance covering all Schengen states (minimum EUR 30,000), confirmed return flights, hotel bookings or invitation letter, bank statements (3-6 months), employment letter with leave approval, and payslips. The Schengen fee is EUR 90 (~$98 USD). Processing takes 10-15 business days.
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Completed Schengen visa application form
Valid Kenyan passport (issued within last 10 years, 3 months validity beyond stay)
Two recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm, light background)
Travel health insurance (minimum EUR 30,000, valid in all Schengen states)
Confirmed return flight bookings
Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host in Germany
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Employment letter with salary and confirmed leave
Last 3 months payslips
Proof of ties to Kenya (employment contract, property, family)
Current Travel Situation
Kenya to Germany: What You Need to Know
Germany is one of the top European destinations for Kenyan travellers, particularly for business, academic conferences, trade fairs (Frankfurt Messe, Hannover Messe), and tourism. Nairobi has direct flights to Frankfurt, making Germany one of the most accessible European countries from Kenya. The German Embassy in Nairobi processes a substantial volume of Kenyan Schengen applications. A German Schengen visa allows 90 days in any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen member states.
How to Get There
Lufthansa and Kenya Airways both operate direct Nairobi (NBO) to Frankfurt (FRA) flights. The direct flight takes approximately 8.5-9 hours. Frankfurt Airport is Germany's largest hub with excellent connections to all major German cities by ICE high-speed rail. KLM via Amsterdam and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa are popular one-stop alternatives.
Money & Banking
Germany uses the euro. Kenyan Visa/Mastercard bank cards work in German ATMs and shops. Germany is moderately priced compared to other Western European countries; Berlin is more affordable than Frankfurt or Munich. Public transport in German cities (S-Bahn, U-Bahn) is efficient and affordable.
Practical Tips
Apply for the German Schengen visa at least 6 weeks before your planned travel. Appointment slots at the German Embassy Nairobi are limited; book online as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Germany processes applications for the specific Schengen country you will spend the most time in. If your trip combines Germany and France, apply at whichever country receives the most days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there direct flights from Nairobi to Germany?
Yes. Lufthansa and Kenya Airways both operate direct Nairobi (NBO) to Frankfurt (FRA) flights. The direct flight takes approximately 8.5-9 hours. From Frankfurt, Germany's ICE high-speed rail connects to all major cities.
Does a German Schengen visa allow travel to France or other EU countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa issued by Germany allows entry to all 27 Schengen member states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Apply at the consulate of the country where you spend the most time.
What is the Schengen visa fee for Kenyan citizens?
The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 (~$98 USD) following the June 2024 fee increase. This applies at all Schengen country embassies.