Visa policy moves quietly and unpredictably. What was true in 2024 is often half-true in 2026. For Kenyan passport holders — and for travelers routing through Nairobi from elsewhere on the continent — here is a practical view of what is working at consulates and embassies right now.

Schengen (29 member states)

The Schengen process for Kenyan applicants has tightened in 2026, with three notable shifts: appointment scarcity in Nairobi for several consulates (book 6–10 weeks ahead), a stricter read on travel-history requirements for first-time applicants, and clearer documentation expectations around proof of return.

Approval rates remain strong — high 80s to low 90s percent — for applicants with proper documentation, particularly those routing through France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany. Italy and Greece are running slower than usual.

US B1/B2 visitor visa

Interview wait times at the Nairobi embassy have eased considerably in 2026 — typically 3–8 weeks for a regular appointment, with expedited slots available for documented medical or business travel. The interview itself remains the deciding moment; preparation is everything.

UK Standard Visitor

UK visa decisions for Kenyan applicants are now consistently issued within 15 working days for standard applications, with a priority service available for an additional fee. Refusal rates have ticked up slightly for applicants without a strong travel history; we recommend a sequence of shorter-haul approvals before applying.

The new ETA regimes

Three Electronic Travel Authorization programs now affect East African travelers most: the UK ETA (rolling out by destination), the US ESTA (already in effect for visa-waiver passport holders), and the Canadian eTA. These are not visas — they are pre-clearance for short visits, applied for online before travel.

What we tell our clients

  • Build a travel history
  • Apply early — never within 4 weeks of departure
  • Match financial documentation to your travel intent
  • Use the right consulate for the right itinerary
  • If in doubt, get a second pair of eyes on the file before submission

We handle the documentation work in-house, including financial-statement formatting, cover letters, and appointment booking. Get in touch if you'd like us to review your file.