- English
From 8 February 2022, the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi is responsible for handling Schengen visa applications for travels to Sweden and Norway from Ethiopia. The Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi is a migration hub for Schengen visa application in Africa and is currently handling Schengen visa applications from South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria and Kenya.
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 not 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.
A late application might be refused or in some cases a request for a new flight booking, insurance and even new invitation will be sent. A request for new documents is likely to increase the handling time further.
The normal transportation time one way is 2 days for Ethiopia to Nairobi.
The Embassy should handle your application within 15 days (if the application is admissible), counted from when the Embassy has received the application. If an application is not complete or if an interview or document verification is needed the handling time can be extended up to 45 days.
Inquiries about Schengen visas should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi by email (ambassaden.nairobi-visum@gov.se) or phone. The Embassy´s phone hours are Monday and Wednesdays 2-3 pm and Fridays 10-11 am local Kenyan time. See the Embassy´s Website for holidays and such Contact - Sweden Abroad . The Swedish Embassy in Addis Abeba is no longer handling Schengen visas and consequently your email 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). During the peak season (May-July and November-December) you need to wait patiently for a reply.
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 made in person at VFS.
All Schengen visa applications (1-90 days) from Ethiopia to Sweden and Norway, as the main destination, must be submitted at VFS Global’s Application Center 1st Floor, Haimi Apartment Hotel, Bole Sub City, 03 Woreda, Addis Abeba, not at the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa.
Applications are transmitted from VFS Global to the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi. Once a decision has been taken by the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi, passports and decisions will be sent back to VFS office in Addis Ababa. VFS Global will charge for the service.
The maximum handling time is in general 15 days. In addition, to the handling there is a transportation time back and forth to Nairobi of 2-3 days each way. This can be increased if unforeseen flight delays occur.
Information about required documents for submission of a Schengen visa application can be found on VFS’ website https://visa.vfsglobal.com/eth/en/swe/
VFS has a call center which can be reached on +251 960437204
Information about Schengen visas can also be found on the website of Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/about-sweden-non-swedish-citizens/kenya/going-to-sweden/apply-for-a-visa/
Please note that VFS Global has been the only authorized external service provider collaborating with the Swedish authorities on applications for visas to Schengen.
It is not necessary to hire an agency/agent to help out with the visa application. It is perfectly acceptable, preferable even, to fill in the application and arranging the supporting documents by yourself.