Kenyan students must apply for a Visado de Estudios at the Spanish embassy in Nairobi before departure. The Spanish Embassy in Nairobi handles applications for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African nations. Apply at least 3 months before your program start date — processing typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Visa Application Process for Kenyan Students
- Book your appointment: Spanish Embassy Nairobi — contact through exteriores.gob.es for appointment booking. Embassy addresses: Upperhill Road, Nairobi.
- Gather documents: Completed visa application form (Solicitud de Visado Nacional), valid Kenyan passport (18+ months validity), 2 passport photos (white background), university admission letter, financial proof (bank statements showing ~€700/month for study duration), comprehensive health insurance covering Spain (no copay), proof of accommodation in Spain, clean criminal record certificate (from Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya — apostilled), educational credentials (apostilled + sworn Spanish translation).
- Get criminal record (DCI): Request from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kenya, then apostille at Attorney General's Office (Nairobi).
- Apostille Kenyan documents: Attorney General's Office (Solicitor General) in Nairobi — Kenya is Hague Convention member.
- Pay visa fee: ~€60–80 (non-refundable).
- Attend appointment: Originals and copies; fingerprints and photo taken.
- Wait: 4–8 weeks. Do not book non-refundable flights before approval.
- After arrival: Register at Oficina de Extranjería within 30 days for TIE.
Document Checklist — Kenyan Applicants
| Visa application form | Solicitud de Visado Nacional — from Spanish Embassy Nairobi website |
|---|---|
| Kenyan passport | Valid 18+ months; photocopy of all pages |
| Passport photos | 2 recent, white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Admission letter | Official enrollment letter from Spanish university |
| Financial proof | Bank statements (3–6 months) showing ~€700/month × study duration |
| Health insurance | Private comprehensive — no copay, covers Spain; NHIF not accepted |
| Accommodation proof | Rental contract or university housing letter |
| DCI criminal record | From DCI Kenya — apostilled by Attorney General's Office |
| Academic credentials | KCSE + degree certificates — apostilled + sworn Spanish translation |
| Visa fee | ~€60–80 (non-refundable) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kenya is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention (acceded in 2021). Kenyan documents can receive apostille from the Attorney General's Office (Solicitor General) in Nairobi, which is recognized by Spanish authorities. This replaced the previous requirement for consular legalization. The process typically takes 1–2 weeks at the Attorney General's Office.
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