Sweden entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenya passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit Sweden in 2026. You must apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Kenya before you travel — no visa on arrival or visa-free access. Plan ahead: processing takes at least 15 calendar days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Sweden. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in Kenya — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Start your application online at the Sweden Migration Agency portal.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Swedish airports check for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. This is a standard Schengen requirement — have your booking ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Sweden. Immigration may ask for this during the entry interview. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least 450 SEK per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but it's a formal Schengen requirement. | Recommended |
Transit visa required even for airside connections
Kenya passport holders need a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to change planes in Sweden, even if you don't leave the airport. Exceptions only if you hold a valid Schengen visa, residence permit, or certain third-country visas (UK, US, Canada, Japan, Australia).
Overstay penalties are steep
Overstaying your visa costs €100 per day, up to €1,000. It also gets you flagged in the Schengen system — future visa applications may be denied. Set a reminder to leave before your 90 days are up.
Yellow fever vaccination required
If you're arriving from Kenya (a country with yellow fever risk), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Start your application online at the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) portal. Then book an appointment at the Swedish embassy in Nairobi or the VFS Global center. Submit your documents, pay the €80 fee, and wait for processing — at least 15 calendar days.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages), return ticket, hotel booking, bank statements (450 SEK/day), and travel insurance. Print everything — digital copies are fine but have paper backups.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sweden
At Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT), or Malmö (MMX), go to the non-EU passport queue. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your stay, funds, and return ticket. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp — check the date.
4
Enter Sweden
Once stamped, you're in. Your visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Don't overstay — fines are €100 per day, up to €1,000.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
work visa
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Sweden. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply student visa
Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students at a Swedish university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For close family members of Swedish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and financial support.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional service charge for application submission. | ~€30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine up to €1,000 (~$1,090 USD). | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sweden
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to transit through Sweden, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen country
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia (for certain conditions)
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)
Health & vaccines for Sweden
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in southern and central Sweden; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Stockholm
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
Lindhagensgatan 74, 112 18 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Gothenburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa and permit matters in western Sweden.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.69 SEK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Sweden.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Sweden
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Apply well in advance — up to 6 months before your trip. The Swedish embassy in Nairobi handles applications, often through VFS Global. Rush service is not available.
No, you cannot extend a Schengen tourist visa. If you need to stay longer for work, study, or family, you must apply for a residence permit before your visa expires. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) in Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö.
Yes, Kenya passport holders need a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to transit through Sweden, even if you stay airside. Exceptions: if you hold a valid Schengen visa, residence permit, or a visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia (under certain conditions).
You'll be fined €100 per day, up to €1,000. Overstays also hurt future visa applications — you may be denied entry to any Schengen country. If you realize you'll overstay, contact the Migration Agency immediately.
Your passport with valid visa, return ticket, hotel booking or invitation letter, proof of funds (bank statement or credit card showing 450 SEK/day), and travel insurance. Keep printed copies — digital is fine but paper is safer.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sweden are high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds per day. Insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation is standard for visa applications.
No. A tourist visa does not allow work. For employment, you need a work permit (Arbetstillstånd) — apply before you travel. The fee is €80, and processing takes 1–3 months. Your employer must sponsor you.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.