Conditions for granting a Schengen Visa

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    Updated 09.03.2023

    What is a Schengen visa

    A Schengen visa is a short stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area.The Schengen area covers 26 countries ("Schengen States") without border controls between them. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

     

    A Schengen visa is an authorisation issued by a Schengen State with a view to:

    • an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 days period ("short stay visa"),
    • a transit through the international transit areas of airports of the Schengen States ("airport transit visa").

     

    Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nairobi is eligible to accept Schengen visa applications submitted by citizens of:

    • countries accredited for the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nairobi: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan;
    • countries accredited for the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Abuja: Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Gabon, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Niger, Mali;
    • countries accredited for the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Addis Abeba: Ethiopia, Djibouti, Central African Republic;
    • countries accredited for the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Portugal: Cape Verde.

    Bilateral agreements on visa representation

    When planning to apply for a Schengen visa, kindly be aware of bilateral agreements on visa representation of the Slovak Republic that are applicable in the following countries:

    • Since 1st February 2018 applicants of the Republic of Mali travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bamako.

    • Since 1st February 2018 applicants of the Republic of Senegal travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dakar.

    • Since 1st November 2016 applicant of the Burkina Faso travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Germany in Ouagadougou. 

    • Since 1st November 2016 applicant of the Republic of Côte d´Ivoire travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Germany in Abidjan.

    • Since 1st November 2016 applicant of the Republic of Benin travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Germany in Cotonou.

    • Since 1st May 2015 applicant of the Republic of the Congo travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Italy in Brazzaville.

    • Since 1st May 2015 the Ugandan applicant travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Italy in Kampala.

    • Since 1st May 2015 the Ethiopian applicant travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Czech Republic in Addis Ababa.

    • Since 1st July 2013 the Burundian applicant travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Belgium in Bujumbura.

    • Since 1st July 2013 the applicant of the Democratic Republic of the Congo travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Belgium in Kinshasa.

    • Since 1st May 2015 the Eritrean applicant travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Italy in Asmara.

    • Since 1st February 2014 the applicant of the United Republic of Tanzania travelling to the Slovak Republic can apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy of Switzerland in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

     

    Prerequisites for applications for Schengen visa

    The following are the prerequisites for applications for Schengen visa

    • passport not older than 10 years and the validity of which has to exceed that of the requested visa by at least 3 months,

    • a photocopy of the personal data page of the passport,

    • 1 passport-sized colour photo not older than 6 months,

    • Official invitation issued by the Slovak Police Authorities,

    • Adequate and valid individual travel insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and emergency hospital treatment. The insurance must be valid throughout the territory of the SMSs and cover the entire period of the applicant’s stay. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30,000,

    • In case the applicant is not a Kenyan citizen, certificate certifying lawful stay in Kenya,

    • In case of a multiple entry visa, documents certifying the grounds for the multiple visit and

    • In case of minors, written declaration by the legal representative giving consent to the travel.

    • Besides meeting the general requirements, the applicant shall also supply a certificate of the financial coverage of his expenses and a certificate of the purpose of the visit.

     

    The financial coverage of the expenses shall be certified with the following documents

    • An original income certificate of the employer,

    • A bank account statement on the account turnover during the last three months,

    • A return airline print-out (air ticket),

    • Certificate of reserved accommodation and

    • In case of minors, written declaration by the legal representative on the coverage of the costs and on the existence of the financial coverage.


    The purpose of the visit shall be certified with the following documents
     

    Applying for a transit visa

    A valid ticket certifying the purpose of the visit and a visa to the destination country, if necessary.

     

    Applying for a short stay visa

    • In case of a tourist visit: the certificate of the travel agency; or in case of an individual visit: the prepaid reservation of accommodation.
    • In case of an entry with an educational or other scientific or professional training purpose: the certificate of the receiving institution, the certificate of accommodation in Slovakia.

    • In case of an entry for visitation: the letter of invitation issued and endorsed by the Office of Immigration and Nationality or the letter of invitation in the form of a public notarial document and a photocopy of the data page of the personal identification document/passport of the inviting party in Slovakia.

    • In case of an entry for business purposes: a letter of invitation from the business partner, the certification of the existence of commercial-business relations, the certificate of the local chamber of commerce on the existence of business relations and certificate on the accommodation in Slovakia .

    • In case of an entry with the purpose of medical treatment: the certificate of the receiving health institution, including reference to the fact that the expected coverage of the medical treatment is available, and other certification of the coverage of the medical treatment, as well as the certification of accommodation in Slovakia.

    • For the purpose of sport: accreditation proving the participation in the sports event or contract with the Slovak sport club, the certificate issued by the delegating sport club / Olympic committee / Ministry of Sport, certificate issued by the delegating sport federation on the results achieved by the applicant in major international sport competitions and certificate issued by the organizers of the major international sport competition on the results achieved by the applicant.

    • For the purpose of cultural activities: agency contract with the Slovak service provider, invitation letter issued by the host organisation.

    • For the purpose of attending conference: invitation letter issued by the host organisation, confirmation on participation issued by the host organisation, certification issued by the delegating organisation and receipt fro payment of the registration fee.

    Short term visa - information for Kenyan visa applicants

    All applicants

    Preliminary ticket booking or travel itinerary (it is not necessary to buy a flight ticket at this stage).

    Titulok

    Additional requirements for applicants travelling for the purpose of medical treatment

    A letter from the medical institution or doctor in the Member State of destination indicating the following:

    • The contact with the local doctor;
    • Nature of the treatment;
    • Estimated time for recovery;
    • The need for return visits;
    • The cost of treatment;
    • The mention that the patient is accepted;
    • The indication that the treatment can be performed;
    • The indication that the medical institution or doctor agrees with the intended method of payment.

     

    A letter drafted and signed within the last 3 months by the applicant's treating doctor in Kenya providing background information about the medical treatment and confirming the need of specific medical treatment to be provided abroad. 

    Recent bank statement covering the last three months. 

    Proof of pre-payment of the treatment or other proof of sufficient financial means to cover the medial treatment (and related expenses). 

    Proof from the medical institution showing that it agrees with your intended method of payment.

    Employed persons:  a dated and signed letter from the [current] employer containing the following information: 

    The employed person's personal data, function or profession;

    • terms of employment  (temporary or permanent);
    • number of years of employment ;
    • granted leave days;

    Self-employed persons: copy of Kenya PIN Certificate, 

    If available, bank statement for business account (for the last three months). 

    Retired persons: documents proving the pension or other financial support.

    Additional requirements for applicants travelling for the purpose of tourism

    Detailed travel itinerary

    Employed persons: a signed letter from current employer containing the following information: 

    • The applicant's personal data, function/profession;
    • Terms of employment  (temporary or permanent);
    • Starting date of employment;
    • Monthly net salary;
    • number of years with employer/organization;
    • granted leave days;
    • date and contact details of the employer.

    Self-employed persons: copy of Kenya PIN Certificate and, if available bank statement, for business account (last three months). 

    Retired persons: documents proving the pension or other financial support.

    Any other documents relating to the applicant's personal ties in Kenya, such as  marriage certificate, title deeds or lease agreements. 

    Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of sport events

    Signed letter of invitation. The invitation must contain the following information: 

    • The applicant's personal data
    • the name and date(s) of the event in the Member State
    • if the event organizers will cover any expenses and/or insurance of participants
    • date and contact details

    If you are part of a group or representing an organization, a dated and signed letter from the group leader or organization is required, which needs to state the following:

    • the applicant's personal data;
    • information on specific function held within the group/organization;
    • the applicant's previous sport results (national and/or international);
    • the applicant's level of competition;
    • purpose of the visit;
    • the name of the responsible person or organization for the financial support during the period in the Schengen Area;

    Confirmation of participation in the sports event from the relevant Kenyan sports federation and the required documentation proving the level, if applicable

    Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of business and conference (including official visits)

    Signed letter of invitation. The invitation must contain the following information: 

    • The applicant's personal data 
    • the reason for the visit to the Member State of destination 
    • period of  intended stay in the Member State 
    • who will be responsible for supporting the applicant financially during the stay  in the Member States
    • date and contact details

    Signed letter from current employer or organization containing the following information: 

    • the applicant's personal data
    • the applicant's function/profession
    • terms of employment  (temporary or permanent)
    • number of years with employer/organization
    • purpose of the visit
    • who will be responsible for supporting the applicant financially during the time you are in the Member States
    • Salary: pay slips and  bank account statements from the last three months

    Self-employed persons: copy of Kenya PIN Certificate and, if available, bank statement for business account (last three months). If the applicant is to attends a conference which requires prior registration, proof of registration and receipt for registration fee. 

    Additional requirements for minors (under 18 years) Original and copy of birth certificate

    Original and copy of birth certificate.

    Copy of both parents' ID-cards and passports, if applicable (all pages containing any type of information)

    Legalized written consent letter from both parents if the minor travels alone, or from the parent that is not accompanying the child when travelling.

    If either one of the parent is absent or deceased this must be supported by the information on the birth certificate or a death certificate when applicable

    If the legal guardian is someone else apart from the biological parent as stated in the birth certificate a custody order must be submitted proving the legal guardianship 

    A letter from school containing the minor’s name, name of parents, grade, number of years at school, school holidays, contact details, date and name of school representative.

    If the minor travels with a group: a complete list of names of all group members travelling and name of person in charge of the group

    Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of visiting family and friends

    Certified Invitation – applicants should refer the website of the Member State of destination.

    Employed persons: a signed letter from your current employer containing the following information: 

    • The applicant's personal data, the applicant's function/profession;
    • terms of employment  (temporary or permanent);
    • number of years with employer/organization;
    • granted leave days;
    • date and contact details.

    Self-employed persons: copy of Kenya PIN Certificate and if available bank statement for business account (last three months). 

    Retired persons: documents proving your pension or other financial support.

    Any other documents relating to the applicant's personal establishment in Kenya like marriage certificate, title deeds or lease agreements. 

    Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of study and research

    Letter of acceptance from the Member State educational institution. The letter must contain the following information: 

    • The applicant's personal data 
    • Indications of the course that the applicant has been admitted to/what research work to be done
    • course/research duration
    • who will be responsible for supporting the applicant financially during the stay in the Member State
    • date and contact details

    Signed letter from your educational institution in Kenya containing your personal data, name of institution, contact details, course enrollment and number of years at institution.

    Additional requirements for non-Kenyan applicants residing in Kenya
    Copy of the applicant's Kenya residence permit. The validity of the permit must exceed the planned stay in the Member States with at least three months.

    Short term visa - Information for Tanzanian visa applicants

    List of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for short stay visas in Tanzania  

    General requirements

    For non-Tanzanian applicants: proof of legal stay in Tanzania (i.e. valid residence permit for Tanzania).

    Information enabling an assessment of the applicant’s intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the visa applied for.

    If the applicant is a student: student card or signed and stamped copy of his/her enrolment at the educational establishment in question.

    For employees: a signed and stamped introduction letter from the applicant’s employer, with at least the following information:

    • address and contact details of the employer;
    • period/duration of stay;
    • purpose of stay;
    • name and position of countersigning officer;

    For business owners: the business registration document and/or TIN certificate.

    For minors: birth certificate and parental consent.

    • If the minor is travelling without his/her legal guardian, the consent of the parental authority or legal guardian must be provided as a legalised certificate issued by a competent authority or as a form signed on the premises of the consulate where the application is lodged.
    • If the minor is travelling with one of his/her legal guardians, the consent of the parental authority (parents not travelling with their minor child) or legal guardian must be provided as a legalised certificate issued by a competent authority or as a form signed on the consulate premises.
    • Exception: the single parent with whom the minor is travelling has sole legal guardianship.

    Proof of a hotel reservation, or proof that private accommodation will be provided (letter or scanned attachment to email from the host confirming that the host will provide accommodation), or proof of sufficient financial means to cover the applicant’s accommodation costs for the whole duration of his/her intended stay in the Schengen area.

    Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the stay, such as regular income, e.g. salary slips for at least the last three months, bank statements for at least the last three months.

    If supported by another family member/spouse: additional proof of kinship (birth certificate/marriage certificate).

    Flight reservation/round trip booking.

    Titulok

    List of supporting documents to be submitted by people travelling for business

    A letter of invitation. This must be written by a company/organisation located in the Schengen country, mentioning:

    • address and contact details of the company;
    • period/duration of stay;
    • purpose of stay;
    • name and position of countersigning officer;
    • the nature of the business relationship between the host company and the applicant/applicant’s company;
    • proof of enrolment in seminar/conference/workshop (if applicable).

     

    If attending a conference:

    • name;
    • location;
    • contact person for that conference with a registration or invitation and proof of receipt of payment.

    If a company is inviting the applicant: a copy of the certificate or registration/business licence of the inviting company.

    List of supporting documents to be submitted by people travelling to attend sports or cultural events or for other reasons

    A letter of invitation. This must be written by the host company/organisation located in the Schengen country, mentioning:

    • address and contact details of the company/organisation;
    • period/duration of stay;
    • purpose of stay;
    • name and position of countersigning officer;
    • the nature of the relationship between the host company/organisation and the applicant/applicant’s company/organisation.

     

    If attending a conference/programme/training course/event:

    • name;
    • location;
    • contact person for that event with a registration or invitation and proof of receipt of payment.

    Proof of registration of the Tanzanian organisation by the competent authority in Tanzania, if the applicant belongs to an organisation/association (not applicable to individual artists and individual sportsmen/women).

    List of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants travelling for tourism
    Itinerary of planned trip with associated transport, hotel and tour bookings.
    List of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants travelling to visit family/friends

    Signed invitation and proof of legal status from host, and if relevant, proof of sponsorship/financial solvency by the person inviting the applicant :

    Under the national legislation of the Member State in question such proof may be provided in a document that can be obtained from the relevant competent authority of that Member State or as written confirmation from the host and as other documentation. Such documentation may include a copy of the identity card/passport and/or residence permit of the person inviting the applicant.  

    Documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificate) proving the relationship with the family member inviting the applicant.

    List of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants travelling for medical treatment

    A letter from the clinic/host medical institution confirming the applicant’s appointment at the clinic/medical institution in question.

    Financial guarantee: proof of a bank payment or transfer of the cost of the treatment to the clinic, on the basis of the payment plan agreed with the clinic.

    Medical/health documentation issued by the applicant’s country of residence attesting applicant’s illness; declaration by a public or private healthcare facility (which must be accredited by the National Health Service) indicating the type of treatment, the date it will begin, its estimated duration and the costs associated with it. The documentation should indicate that treatment abroad is necessary.

    Attention!

    The Consul may request the presentation of further documents in addition to the ones outlined above. All documents must be submitted in English and/or in Slovak.

    Documents shall be annexed to the applications being submitted in the original. If the applicant needs the original document, then a photocopy shall also be annexed besides presenting the original document.

    Any information on the application are given only to the applicant or to those who are legally authorized in the aforementioned way by the applicant.

    With a Schengen visa, a holder/visitor may stay on the territory of Schengen states up to maximum of 90 days within a six months period from the date of first entry into Schengen area. The duration of stay will be based on purpose of journey and airline ticket.

    Foreign person can stay on the territory of the Slovak Republic for a short-term visit not exceeding 90 days during a six-month period permitted by Schengen visa.

    For entry into the Slovak Republic a visa must be obtained prior to entering Slovakia.

    Visa cannot be granted at the border crossings upon arrival and cannot be extended.

    Visa fee

    Application for short-stay visa: adults 80 EUR; children from 6 to 12 year 40 EUR.

     

    Attention!

    The visa fee shall be paid upon submitting the application.

    The visa fee shall be paid exclusively in Kenyan Shilling (Ksh)


    Visas issued for free of charge to:

    • Children under the age of 6 and entered into the passport of the parent,
    • Family members of EEA citizens,
    • Children under the age of 5 travelling with their own passports.


    Visa application processing time

    The processing time is 15 days, provided all requirements have been met, in exceptional cases the decision may take up to 60 days.

    The visa application procedure may be lengthy in some cases. Therefore, you should file your application well in advance, but not sooner than three months prior to your planned trip.

    The application must be completely filled and signed by the applicant; in the case of minors or persons lacking legal capacity, the application must be signed by their legal guardian who is required to attach a copy of the document identifying him/her as the applicant’s legal guardian.

     

    Rejection of the visa application

    In case of entry ban or doubts concerning the application the Consular Department will refuse the visa application. Presentation of counterfeit documents is a reason for refusal in itself. Furthermore, the Consular Department reserves the right to examine the authenticity of the communicated data and the submitted documents. The communication of false data in itself will lead to the refusal of the visa application.

    Only the applicant in person can obtain notification on the reason for refusal at the Consular Department. At the applicant’s request the notification can be issued in written form, as well.
    If the visa application is refused, the fee will not be reimbursed.

    There is no legal remedy against the rejection of an application for an A or C visa, however, a complaint can be lodged to the Consul, the Ambassador or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic.

    List of Schengen agreed insurance companies
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