How to apply for a Schengen visa

The Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi is responsible for handling Schengen visa applications for travels to Sweden from Ethiopia. The Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi is a migration hub for Schengen visa application in Africa and is covering several countries in the region. 

On 18 May 2026, the Council of the European Union decided to remove the temporary visa measures which suspended certain elements of the EU visa code that regulate the issuing of visas to Ethiopian nationals (see press release). Thus, from 18 May 2026, visa processing is now back to the normal procedure.

You need to submit your application in good time before travelling. According to article 9 section 1 in the visa code, EU 2019/1155, you should apply no less than 15 days before the planned visit begins. The 15 days is counted from when the application is received by the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi. Consequently, you must calculate with the transportation time when planning for your submission.  You can find more information here: Apply for a Visa - Sweden Abroad.

Inquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi. See the Embassy’s website for contact details, phone hours and holidays: Contact - Sweden Abroad.

The Swedish Embassy in Addis Abeba is not handling Schengen visas and consequently your e-mail will be sent to the Embassy in Nairobi. Inquiry by phone directed to the Embassy in Addis Abeba will not be answered (you will only be referred to the Embassy in Nairobi).

VFS Global

In Ethiopia, Sweden cooperates with the external service provider VFS Global. All applications for Schengen visas should be handed in at VFS Global. Applications must be submitted in person at VFS. 

Information about how to apply, the processing time and required documents for submission of a Schengen visa application can be found on VFS website, click here.

VFS has a call center which can be reached on +251 960 437 204.

Information about Schengen visas can also be found on the website of Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi, click here.