Portugal Visa RequirementsFor Kenya passport holders
Kenyan citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Portugal, costing €90 ($98 USD). Apply through VFS Global in Nairobi. Kenya Airways operates direct flights from Nairobi to Lisbon, making Portugal one of the more accessible Schengen destinations for Kenyans.
Kenya passport holders require a visa to enter Portugal.
Apply through VFS Global Nairobi (the authorised centre for Portugal). Required documents: completed Schengen form, passport valid at least 3 months beyond return, two biometric passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 Schengen-wide), confirmed return flight booking, accommodation proof (hotel reservations or invitation letter), 3 months of bank statements, and employment or income evidence. Biometrics are collected at VFS. Processing takes 15 business days, up to 45 in peak periods. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Portugal 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
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Kenya to Portugal: What You Need to Know
Portugal is a Schengen Area member: a Portuguese Schengen visa grants access to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The Schengen fee rose to €90 in June 2024. Portugal has historic connections to Africa through its former colonies in Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau, and has a welcoming attitude toward African visitors. Kenya Airways operates a direct NBO-LIS service, removing the need for a stopover and making Portugal unusually accessible for a Schengen country.
How to Get There
Kenya Airways operates direct flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Lisbon (LIS) on select schedules, with a flight time of approximately 8 to 9 hours. On dates without a direct service, connect via London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), or Frankfurt (FRA). From Lisbon you can travel overland or by short flight to Spain and other Schengen countries, making Portugal a convenient entry point for a multi-country European trip.
Money & Banking
Portugal uses the euro (EUR). Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. Portugal is one of western Europe's more affordable destinations: budget meals €8 to €12, mid-range restaurant meals €15 to €25. Lisbon and Porto have good public transport. Tipping 10 percent in restaurants is appreciated. Budget accommodation in Lisbon from €25 in hostels, €60 to €80 for mid-range hotels. ATMs are widely available.
Practical Tips
Lisbon's Alfama district, Belem Tower, and Jeronimos Monastery are key attractions. Sintra's palaces and castles form a UNESCO World Heritage site 40 minutes from Lisbon. Porto offers stunning azulejo-tiled facades, the Douro River waterfront, and famous port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. The Algarve coast has some of Europe's finest beaches with dramatic golden cliffs. Fatima is a major Catholic pilgrimage site. Portuguese cuisine features bacalhau (salt cod), pasteis de nata (custard tarts), and fresh Atlantic seafood.