Basic rules for the issuance of Schengen short stay visas

Attention!

A visa is only a preliminary permission for entry, which does not authorize its bearer automatically to enter the country. The traveller may be requested to provide proof of the existence of the conditions of his entry and stay in Hungary and, if he/she is not able to fulfill this, he/she may be returned from the border.

1. Genaral information

You can apply for a short stay Schengen visa to Hungary at the Hungarian Embassy in Nairobi. Appointment can be booked via this link: https://konzinfobooking.mfa.gov.hu

Opening hours: The opening hours for visa applications are Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 12.30 pm.

 

We can only accept visa applications submitted at least 15 days but maximum 6 months before the date of the intended departure.

1. Short stay/uniform visa (C) regulations:

Authorizes the bearer to a single, double or multiple entry and, in case of an uninterrupted stay, to a stay of maximum 90 days, while in case of an interrupted stay, to a stay of altogether maximum 90 days within the 6 months counted from the date of the first entry.

Where to submit a visa application?

Uniform visa applications have to be submitted at the representation of the country which is the main destination of the visit (the main destination is either defined by the purpose of entry or – if the applicant plans to visit more Schengen countries with the same purpose – by the length of stay). If visiting several states with stays of the same duration the consulate responsible for issuing the visa is that of the country of the first entry into the Schengen area. Thus, according to the above described Schengen regulations applicants having Hungary as the main destination, or the country of first entry in case of a trip stretching through several Schengen Member States can submit their visa applications at the Hungarian representations. It is sometimes difficult to determine the main destination, for example where the traveller intends to make several consecutive short stays of approximately the same length in various Schengen States. In this case, you should go to the consulate of the first country you intend to visit.

Who can submit a visa application?

Visa applications can only be submitted in person.

If the applicant – in an extremely justified situation – is unable to show up personally, the visa application with an authorization certified by a notary can be submitted by the authorized person. To adopt this procedure, the consulate’s previous approval is needed. In case of citizens included in the list of countries under obligation of consultation regarding the Article 22 of the Visa Code, publicized by the European Union’s Commission, the personal appearance is compulsory.

Attention!

1. Despite of the above listed exceptions from the obligation to submit the application personally the consul, in case of need, may call the applicant to a personal interview.
2. The authorization is only valid for submitting the application and for collecting the issued visa, however the application form has to be signed by each applicant personally.
3. Applications shall be lodged no more than six months before the start of the intended visit.
4. The decision about the admissible applications as main rule must be made within 15 calendar days.The deadline for taking a decision on an application starts running only when it has been established that the admissibility criteria have been met and not when the application has been submitted by the applicant. It is advised to submit the application earlier than 15 calendar days before the planned departure. The consulate does not take any responsibility for delayed submission and for therefore failed travels.
5. That period may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days.

3. General requirements for obtaining a visa 

• Application for Schengen Visa - Application form (completed and signed)(*)
• Original passport (*)[1] valid for travel to the Members States to visit. The passport validity must exceed the planned stay in the Schengen Area with at least three months.

• The passport must have been issued within the last ten years and shall contain at least two blank pages.

• Photocopy of the original passport including the data page, immigration file no, any other visa, residence permits, entry and exit stamps.
• Photocopy of the national ID card (both sides).
• One colour photo (*) not more than six months old, passport size (45 mm x 35 mm), full face and taken against a light background (see attached photo requirements)
• Payment of the visa fee(*)

The visa fee is 10,315 KES which can be paid by bank card ONLY on the day of application.  In case the applicant doesn’t have a bank card, the Consular Section will direct him/her to the closest bank branch in order to deposit the fee on the day of application. For those who reside outside Kenya, there is an additional  passport postage/courier fee of 5185 KES.

The visa fee shall be waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories:

• children under the age of 6;

• school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;

• researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research;

• representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations;

• holders of diplomatic passports.

The consulate does not charge any further fees other than those mentioned above for issuing a visa. If the application for a visa is refused, the fee will not be reimbursed.

• Individual medical travel insurance which covers all costs that could arise as a result of emergency medical assistance, emergency hospitalization or medical repatriation. The insurance should cover costs of at least EUR 30,000 and be valid for the duration of the stay in all the Schengen countries. List of approved travel insurance companies can be downloaded here!

Please be informed that the Tables on the recognition of travel documents by Hungary published on the website of DG HOME, under the link: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm.

Additional requirements for non-Kenyan applicants residing in Kenya:

Copy of the applicant's Kenya residence permit. The permit validity must exceed the planned stay in the Schengen Area with at least three months.

4. In addition to the above mentioned requirements, the application will be assessed on the criteria for which the relevant documents have been submitted:

• travel itinerary;
• accommodation, or proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation;
• assessment of sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to the country of origin or residence;

The financial coverage of the expenses can be certified with the following documents

• an original income certificate of the employer or

• a bank account statement on the account turnover during the last three months or

• a pension slip or

• a certificate of registration in the case of an individual entrepreneur or one-man firm or

• a valid air ticket booking and confirmation of the reserved accommodation

• in the case of minors, a declaration by the legal representative on the coverage of the costs and on the existence of the financial coverage or

• a letter of invitation issued and endorsed by the Office of Immigration and Asylum.

 

Important notice: The mere submission of the listed documents does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. Individual assessments are made in every case.

The Embassy reserves the right to request for additional information or documents.

Additional requirements for applicants travelling for the purpose of medical treatmentFor specific purpose of visit as listed below, there are additional requirements. Please refer to the list below.

• A letter from the medical institution or doctor in the Member State of destination indicating the following:
• The contact with the local doctor;
• Nature of the treatment;
• Estimated time for recovery;
• The need for return visits;
• The cost of treatment;
• The mention that the patient is accepted;
• The indication that the treatment can be performed;
• The indication that the medical institution or doctor agrees with the intended method of payment.

• Certified bank statement with bank referral letter covering the last three months.
• Proof of pre-payment of the treatment or other proof of sufficient financial means to cover the medial treatment and related expenses.
• Employed persons:  a dated and signed letter from the current employer containing the following information:
• The employed person's personal data, function or profession;

• terms of employment  (temporary or permanent);
• number of years of employment ;
• granted leave days;
• Self-employed persons: copy of Kenya PIN Certificate and
• Certified bank statement for business account for the last three months.
• If you are retired please submit documents proving your pension or other financial support.

Additional requirements for applicants travelling for touristic purpose

• Detailed travel itinerary
• Hotel booking

• If you are employed please submit a signed letter from your current employer containing the following information:

• your personal data, your function/profession;
• terms of employment  (temporary or permanent);
• Starting date of employment;
• Monthly net salary;
• number of years with employer/organization;
• granted leave days;
• date and contact details of the employer.

• If you are self-employed, please submit copy of Kenya PIN Certificate and certified personal bank statement with bank referral letter covering the last three months
• If you are retired please submit documents proving your pension or other financial support.

• Any other documents relating to your personal ties in Kenya like marriage certificate, title deeds or lease agreements, etc...

Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of sport events

• Signed and stamped letter of invitation. The invitation must contain the following information:

• your personal data
• the name and date(s) of the event in the Member State
• if the event organizers will cover any expenses
• date and contact details

• If you are part of a group or representing an organization, a dated and signed and stamped letter from the group leader or organization is required, which needs to state the following:

• your personal data;
• if you have a specific function within the group/organization;
• purpose of the visit;
• the name of the responsible person or organization for the financial support during the period in the Schengen Area;

• Confirmation of your participation in the sports event from the relevant Kenyan sports federation

• If you are attending a sport event which requires prior registration, proof of registration and receipt for registration fee.

 

Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of business and conference (including official visits)

• Signed and stamped letter of invitation. The invitation must contain the following information:
  • your personal data
  • the reason for your visit to the Member State of destination
  • how long you intend to be in the Member State
  • who will be responsible for supporting you financially during the time you are in European Union
  • date and contact details

• Signed and stamped letter from your current employer or organization containing the following information:
  • your personal data
  • your function/profession
  • terms of employment  (temporary or permanent, begin and end dates of the contract)
  • number of years with employer/organization
  • purpose of the visit
  • who will be responsible for supporting you financially during the time you are in the Schengen Area
  • Salary: pay slips & certified bank account statements from the last three months

• If you are self-employed, please submit copy of Kenya PIN Certificate and certified bank statement for business account for the last three months.

• If you are attending a conference which requires prior registration, proof of registration and receipt for registration fee.

 

• Additional requirements for minors (under 18 years)

• Copy of birth certificate (the original must be presented)

• Copy of both parents ID-cards
• Legalized written consent letter from both parents if the child is travelling alone, or from the parent that is not accompanying the child when travelling. The letter should include the parent(s) telephone and e-mail contacts

• If either one of the parent is absent or deceased this must be supported by the information on the death certificate or a Court Order for the custody.

• If the legal guardian is someone else apart from the biological parent as stated in the birth certificate a custody order must be submitted proving the legal guardianship

• A letter from school containing the child’s name, name of parents, grade, number of years at school, school holidays, contact details, date and name of school representative.

• If the child is travelling with a group please submit a complete list of names of all group members travelling and name of person in charge of the group

 

Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of visiting family and friends

• Invitation – a letter of invitation issued and endorsed by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing of Hungary. For more information please visit the website of the office.

• If you are employed please submit a signed and stamped letter from your current employer containing the following information:

• your personal data, your function/profession;
• terms of employment  (temporary or permanent, begin and end dates of the contract);
• number of years with employer/organization;
• granted leave days;
• date and contact details.

• If you are self-employed, please submit copy of Kenya PIN Certificate and certified personal bank statement covering at least the last three months
• If you are retired please submit documents proving your pension or other financial support.

• Any other documents relating to your personal establishment in Kenya like marriage certificate, title deeds or lease agreements.

 

Additional requirements for applicants travelling for purpose of study and research

• Letter of acceptance from the Member State educational institution. The letter must contain the following information:
  • your personal data
  • what course you have been admitted to/what research work to be done
  • course/research duration
  • who will be responsible for supporting you financially during the time you are in the Member State
  • date and contact details

• Signed and stamped letter from your educational institution in Kenya containing your personal data, name of institution, contact details, course enrollment and number of years at institution.

• If attending a course, which requires prior registration, proof of registration details

5. Decision making upon visa applications

In order to check visa applications the consul:

• consults in every case the entry ban list (SIS)
• inspects former visas issued to the applicant
• is liable to consult with competent authorities of other Member States in particular cases

• may consult the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing of Hungar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary
• may consult with foreign representations of other Schengen States
• the Consul may request an interview with the applicant
• may request the presentation of further documents or certificates in addition to the ones already attached to the application.
• may contact parties in connection with the visa application for more information

 

According to law decision upon the visa application must not exceed 15 days. In individual cases the period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days, in specific cases up to 60 calendar days.

The visa application will be refused, if

1. The applicant:

• presents a false, counterfeit or forged travel document

• does not prove the purpose and conditions of the intended stay

• does not certify, that he/she has sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay, and for the return to his country of origin or residence,

• has exceeded the maximum duration of authorized stay within the same 6 months period in the territory of the Member States

• is a person for whom an alert has been issued in the Shengen Information System (SIS) for the purpose of refusing entry

• is considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security or public health, international relations of any of the Member States, in particular where alert has been issued in Member States national databases for the purpose of refusing entry on the same grounds

• is not in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance, where applicable.

 

2. Doubt arises concerning the validity and the content of the supporting documents, the reliability of the statements made by the applicant.

The reason for refusal is notified by the consul using the established refusal form. Notification on the reason for refusal can be obtained at the consulate only by the applicant in person. In case of refusal the consulate will not reimburse the visa fee.

 

6. Appeal procedure

If the visa is refused, or for the annulment, revocation of visas, applicants have the right to appeal. Appeals can be submitted personally either by the applicant or by the person who has a power of attorney from the applicant at the Hungarian Consulate (that refused the visa application) 8 days within the date of receiving the decision on refusal and 3 days within the date of receiving the decision for the annulment or revocation of a visa. The appelas are decided by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.

The reasoned appeal should be lodged in writing and it should be signed by the applicant or by the person who has a power of attorney.

The fee of the appeal procedure is 20,630 KES which should be paid at the same time when submitting the appeal. The fee for the appeal procedure cannot be reimbursed, not even in case of a positive decision. There is no possibility for the reduction of the fee, that should be paid by that applicant also who could lodge his/her visa claim free of charge in the first instance procedure.

The appeal must be submitted in Hungarian or in any other official language of the European Union. If the applicant lodges the appeal in another language he/she must submit an official translation with the appeal.

The applicant or the person with the power of attorney can submit further supporting documents during the appeal procedure, and the client can be summoned to the consulate for a personal visa interview.

The appeal judgment may be subject to judicial review.

In case of refusal a new application may be submitted at any time, after the deadline of the appeal ( 8 days) has expired. The visa fee has to be paid again.