Slovakia entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Slovakia. This applies to all travel purposes, including tourism, business, and transit. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Slovak embassy or consulate in Kenya before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Slovakia. Apply at the Slovak embassy or consulate in your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no later than 6 months before your trip and at least 15 days before departure.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Slovak airports and land borders routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for every night of your stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a Slovak host registered with the Foreign Police. Officers may ask to see it at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means of support | You need to show you have at least €56 per day of your stay (or €1,680 for stays up to 30 days). Bank statements, cash, or a sponsor letter all work — keep them accessible in your carry-on. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Kenyan passport holders must get a Schengen visa before travelling to Slovakia. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Processing can take up to 45 days.
Schengen area rules apply
Your visa allows you to travel to any Schengen country (26 European countries) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first point of entry must be Slovakia, but you can move freely within the zone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your visa application at the Slovak embassy in Nairobi or the VFS Global visa application centre. You'll need to book an appointment, fill the Schengen visa form, pay the fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and attend an in-person interview. Processing takes about 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak season.
2
Fly to Slovakia
Arrive at Bratislava Airport (BTS) or Košice Airport (KSC). At passport control, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your travel plans and funds. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Enter the Schengen area
Once admitted, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Your visa will specify the exact validity dates. Do not overstay.
Download Slovakia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Employment Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For individuals with a job offer from a Slovak employer. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Slovak educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For family members of Slovak citizens or legal residents. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (approx. $30-50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €33.50 per day (approx. $36 USD), max €3,350 (approx. $3,640 USD) |
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 Slovakia
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need an airport transit visa to change planes in Slovakia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit are exempt.
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or South Korea are exempt.
Transit hubsBratislava Airport (BTS) · Košice Airport (KSC)
Health & vaccines for Slovakia
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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is low for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bratislava
Foreign Police Department of the Police Force Presidium
Pribinova 2, 812 72 Bratislava
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa and residence permit matters. Appointments recommended.
Košice
Foreign Police Department of the Police Force Presidium
Moyzesova 14, 040 01 Košice
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for eastern Slovakia.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBratislava
LanguageSlovak
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Slovakia.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you are transiting through a Slovak airport to a non-Schengen destination, you still need a Schengen transit visa. This applies even if you don't leave the airport. Apply at the Slovak embassy in Nairobi.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your application. It can take up to 45 days if your application requires additional checks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date.
No, the Schengen visa cannot be extended for tourism. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from future Schengen travel.
You'll need a letter of invitation from your host, signed and notarised at the Slovak police department for foreigners. The letter must include their address, passport copy, and proof of accommodation. This is a visa requirement.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. This is paid at the time of application and is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Yes, Slovak immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds. The guideline is €56 per day of your intended stay. Bank statements, cash, or a credit card with available limit are accepted.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 15 days to the Slovak embassy. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Kenya. Reapplying with stronger documentation is also an option.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.