Apply for a Visa

How to apply

To improve the service available to those applying for a visa, the Embassy cooperates with VFS Global. You present your application in person to VFS Global in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

The application is then sent to the Embassy in Nairobi, a decision is rendered, thereafter, a copy of the decision and your passport will be sent to VFS office in your country of residence for collection.

Where to apply

Sweden Visa Application Center/ Ethiopia

Schengen visa applications to Sweden and Norway from residents in Ethiopia can be submitted at VFS Global’s Application Center in Addis Ababa.  If you want to book an appointment kindly contact VFS they handle the appointment booking system, and you can track your application through their portal here.

Sweden Visa Application Center/ Kenya

Visa applications for residents in Kenya can be submitted at VFS Nairobi. If you want to book an appointment kindly contact VFS they handle the appointment booking system, and you can track your application through their portal here.

Sweden Visa Application Center/ Nigeria

Schengen visa applications to Sweden, Latvia and Slovakia from residents in Nigeria can be submitted at VFS Global’s Application Center in Abuja or Lagos.  If you want to book for appointment kindly contact VFS they handle the appointment booking system, and you can track your application through their portal here.

Sweden Visa Application Center/ South Africa

Schengen visa applications to Sweden and Estonia from residents in South Africa can be submitted at VFS Global’s Application Centres in Pretoria, Cape Town or Durban.  If you want to book for appointment kindly contact VFS they handle the appointment booking system, and you can track your application through their portal here.

Sweden Visa Application Center/ Tanzania

Schengen visa applications to Sweden and Iceland from residents in Tanzanian can be submitted at VFS in Dar es Salaam. If you want to book for appointment kindly contact VFS they handle the appointment booking system, and you can track your application through their portal here.

Sweden Visa Application Center/ Zambia

Schengen visa applications to Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Poland from residents in Zambia can be submitted at VFS Global’s Application Center in Lusaka. If you want to book for appointment kindly contact VFS they handle the appointment booking system, and you can track your application through their portal  here

Sweden Visa Application Center/ Zimbabwe

Schengen visa applications from residents in Zimbabwe can be submitted at VFS Global’s Application Center in Harare. If you want to book for appointment kindly contact VFS they handle the appointment booking system, and you can track your application through their portal here.

Other Nationalities

Schengen visa applications from residents from the following countries: Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan can be submitted at either of the abovementioned VFS Global Application Centres  in the region.

Submission at the Embassy in Nairobi

You need to book an appointment if you want to submit your application for Schengen visa at the Embassy in Nairobi. Kindly contact the Embassy on the following link to book an appointment.

Handling time

Notably, Schengen visa applications should be handled within 15 calendar days, or longer if motivated, in accordance with the visa code. This period may be extended up to a maximum 45 calendar days in individual cases, when further scrutiny of the application is needed. 

The handling time is counted from when the Embassy has received the application and NOT when the submission take place at VFS Global. The handling time is of course excluding the transportation time, when your application has been decided, your passport will be sent back to VFS application center where you submitted your application. The average transportation depends on where you are applying. Please check the country for submission below, for more information.  

According to Article 9 Section 1 of the visa code, you should apply not less than 15 days before the planned visit begins. Consequently, you need to calculate with the transportation time when planning for your submission. Please apply as soon as possible before travelling and note that it is possible to apply 6-months prior to your departure.

Applying at the Embassy

You have no right to apply directly at the Embassy, but exemptions can be made for holders of diplomatic passports and family members of EU/EEA citizens who fall under the scope of the Directive 2004/38/EC. Prior appointment is required and booked through email.  

No submission for Schengen visa at other Swedish Embassies located in the Embassy of Nairobis area of coverage, except for Liberia, where some categories will be accepted.