Travelling to Switzerland with a Kenyan Passport: Complete Guide

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Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. Top five destination for sure. As someone who would choose mountains and nature over a beach almost any day, I was genuinely in my element. From the dramatic mountain scenery in Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen to the turquoise lakes and little villages, there was so much to love about this trip. Every single place i visited is picturesque.

I spent six nights in Switzerland in August 2025, which was high key not enough meaning I will have to go back someday. Interlaken was my base to explore different parts of the country. I visited Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Lungern, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lake Thun and Iseltwald, mostly travelling by train.

There were two things that stood out to me. First, the scenery is picturesque. Second, Switzerland is expensive. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world and because I travelled solo, I covered all the costs myself, and if I were planning the same trip again, I would seriously consider traveling with friends or a group so we could split some of the fixed expenses.

Switzerland is an excellent destination if you love mountains, lakes, waterfalls, hiking, picturesque villages and scenic train journeys.

Destination Overview

Languages: Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The language you encounter depends on the region you visit. Download google translate.

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).

Time difference: Switzerland is 1 hour behind Kenya during the summer months when Switzerland observes daylight saving time. In August, Switzerland is on UTC+2, while Kenya remains on UTC+3.

Length of my trip: 6 nights.

Places visited: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Lungern, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lake Thun and Iseltwald.

Getting around: Mostly walking and trains.

Accommodation: I stayed in Interlaken for all six nights and used it as my base for day trips.

Cost: Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries I have travelled to. Accommodation, transportation, food and activities can add up very quickly, so budgeting is essential.

When I Visited Switzerland

I visited Switzerland in August 2025, during summer. I am not a fan of too much heat, and during my trip, it was uncomfortably hot for me. Switzerland was also extremely busy, with lots of tourists, and everything felt even more expensive because I was travelling during a popular season.

If I were travelling to Switzerland again, I would probably avoid the peak summer period. I would consider winter if I specifically wanted snow and winter scenery, or the period just before summer when temperatures may be more comfortable and crowds may be lower. That said, Switzerland is genuinely a year-round destination. Summer is excellent for hiking, lakes and mountain excursions, while winter offers snow, skiing and a completely different Alpine experience.

The best time for your trip depends on what you want to do. If you want to hike, enjoy lake activities and explore mountain villages, summer can be a great choice. If you prefer snow-covered scenery and winter sports, winter may suit you better.

How I Got to Switzerland

My Switzerland trip was part of my 2025 8 week trip European tour, so I did not fly directly from Nairobi to Switzerland. I travelled from Innsbruck, Austria, to Zurich by train, then took another train that continued towards Interlaken via Bern.

I enjoyed travelling by train because it meant I could see more of the scenery along the way. In Switzerland, the train journeys are often part of the experience, especially when you are travelling through mountain and lakeside regions.

If you are travelling from Kenya specifically to Switzerland, you will generally need to book a connecting flight. Possible routes include connections through cities such as Doha with Qatar Airways, Dubai with Emirates, Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and Frankfurt with KLM, depending on the airline and your travel dates.

Switzerland Visa Requirements for Kenyan Passport Holders

Kenyan passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland for a short tourist stay. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, so a valid Schengen visa allowed me to travel to several Europe countries, Switzerland included. I did not apply specifically for a Swiss visa because I had applied for a German Schengen visa in Nairobi and my Euro tour started Germany. However, my visa application stated that Switzerland was one of the countries i woild visit as part of my 8 week Euro tour

There was no routine immigration stop when I crossed from Austria into Switzerland during my journey because both countries are part of the Schengen Area. That made the journey straightforward. However, do not assume that there will never be border checks simply because you are travelling within Schengen. Temporary border controls can be there, and you should always carry your passport and valid travel documents.

Which Country Should You Apply Through?

If you are visiting several Schengen countries, you should generally apply through the country responsible for your main destination or the main purpose of your trip. You should not simply choose the country where you think getting a visa will be easiest.

If Switzerland is your main destination, check the current application procedure with the Swiss Embassy in Nairobi. If Germany is your main destination, you should follow the German visa application process. For my own application, I used the German visa process in Nairobi through TLScontact.

You can find current information through the Swiss Embassy in Kenya and the relevant official visa application centre.

Documents I prepared for my Visa application

• A completed Schengen visa application form.
• A valid passport and a copy of the bio-data page.
• Passport photographs.
• A travel itinerary.
• Flight reservations.
• Accommodation reservations.
• Travel insurance.
• Bank statements and proof of sufficient funds. (3 months)
• Proof of employment or business.
• Business registration documents
• A business permit/ license
• A letter stating my purpose for visiting

Always check the current official checklist before submitting your application because requirements, fees and procedures can change.

One of the biggest things I would emphasise is consistency. Your itinerary, accommodation, finances, employment or business information and other supporting documents should tell the same story. I would also avoid suddenly depositing a large, unexplained amount of money into your account shortly before submitting a visa application. A large unexplained deposit can raise questions about the source of the funds.

It is much better to demonstrate genuine, consistent financial activity over time and provide supporting evidence for significant legitimate transactions.

Where to Stay in Switzerland

Where you stay in Switzerland depends on the places you want to visit and how you plan to get around. For this particular trip, I based myself in Interlaken for all six nights and used it as my base for day trips around the region.

This worked extremely well because I wanted to explore several destinations without constantly changing hotels. Hotels in interlaken I would recommend:

3 star hotel –  Hotel Merkur Interlaken

4 star hotel – The Hey Hotel

5 star hotel – Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel Spa

Interlaken

Interlaken is a resort town in the Bernese Oberland region, situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with mountains surrounding it. From Interlaken, I was able to take day trips to places such as Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Lake Thun and Iseltwald while returning to the same accommodation every evening. It was a packed , exhausting itinerary yet worth it. If you copy my itinerary, plan to stay for longer number of nights to allow rest days and enough time to enjoy each destination.

Getting Around Switzerland

Switzerland has an excellent public transportation network, and I mostly walked and used trains during my trip.This was my second time travelling around Europe, so by this point I was very comfortable using European train systems and navigating with Google Maps.

Trains, buses and boats connect many major destinations efficiently. One of the best things about using public transportation in Switzerland is that you can enjoy the scenery without having to concentrate on driving.

However, there are a few important things I learnt during my trip.

• Pay Attention When Boarding Trains – You need to pay attention when boarding Swiss trains. Some trains can be divided into different sections that eventually travel to different destinations. Two sections may initially depart in the same direction before splitting later in the journey. Do not just get onto a train because the destination on the platform looks correct. Check the train number, destination and section carefully before boarding.
• Check Your Travel Class – You also need to pay attention to your ticket class. If you have a second-class ticket, sit in second class. If you have a first-class ticket, use first class. Ticket inspections do happen, and I learnt this the hard way after being fined for sitting in the wrong class. It is a mistake I would not want another traveller to make.
• Download the SBB App – Google Maps was extremely useful for checking routes and connections, but I would also recommend downloading the SBB Mobile app, which provides detailed Swiss train information. Use it to check departure times, connections, platforms and journey details before leaving your accommodation.

Renting a car is another option, particularly if you are travelling as a group and can split the cost. Swiss roads are generally excellent, and vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.

However, one major advantage of trains is that you do not have to deal with parking. Some train journeys are also part of the experience because of the mountain and lake scenery. For my trip, using trains was convenient, and I was able to visit several destinations without renting a car.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?

I explored Switzerland independently using public transportation. Did I mention that Switzerland is expensive? Well, let me introduce you to the train fares. If you’re planning to follow my itinerary, I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a one-way train tickets every time you visit a new location, as the costs will quickly add up. If you’re going to be moving around Switzerland frequently, it’s worth looking into a Swiss Travel Pass or other travel pass options to see which offers the best value for your itinerary. I bought a four-day Swiss Travel Pass during my trip.

The pass offered me unlimited travel access across Switzerland’s public transportation network, including eligible trains, buses and boats, as well as public transportation in many towns and cities. It also included some museum admission benefits and discounts on selected mountain excursions.

However, if this is too much of a hassle for you, you can always book organized tours in advance via Get your Guide.

Places I Visited

I spent six nights based in Interlaken and used it as my base for exploring the surrounding areas.

My trip included:

• Interlaken
• Grindelwald
• Lauterbrunnen Valley
• Lungern
• Lausanne
• Lucerne
• Lake Thun
• Iseltwald

Here is a closer look at the places I visited.

Interlaken — 6 Nights

Interlaken was my base for the entire trip. The first day was mostly a rest day because I had travelled a long way to get there. Interlaken is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Bernese Oberland, with Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on either side and the Alps surrounding the region.

It is also a popular base for adventure activities, hiking and mountain excursions. I did paragliding early in the morning during my stay, and this was one of the activities that made the trip particularly memorable. If you want to explore the surrounding region without changing hotels every few nights, Interlaken makes a lot of sense.

Things to Do in or from Interlaken

If you want to avoid the hassle of exploring independently with trains, you can book tours via get your guide in advance. Click on each activity to access exact tours to book.

1. Paragliding — 10/10 experience! Enjoy an aerial view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Not recommended if you are afraid of heights.
2. Guided day trip to Grindelwald  I enjoyed exploring Grindelwald and taking in the incredible mountain views via cable cars. The scenery was breathtaking, and it was one of those places where I kept stopping to take photos.
3. Guided Launterbrunnen tour Lauterbrunnen’s picturesque landscspe is something out of this world
4. Guided sunset sledding and Swiss cheese fondue
5. Swiss Travel Pass — for travelers that prefer independent bus and train travel over group tours

Grindelwald

I took the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald for a day trip. Grindelwald is a mountain village surrounded by the Swiss Alps and is particularly popular for its spectacular mountain scenery, hiking and cable-car experiences. I explored the village and then took a cable car up into the mountains.

The scenery was incredible, and this was one of those places where the journey itself felt like part of the experience. I returned to Interlaken afterwards. If you love mountain scenery, Grindelwald is worth including in your itinerary. You can explore the village, enjoy the views and consider one of the mountain excursions available in the region.

Things to Do in Grindelwald

1. Grindelwald day trip
2. Cable car and mountain excursion — Take in the scenery from higher up in the mountains.
3. Grindelwald First — Explore the activities and mountain experiences available in this area.
4. Hiking experiences — If you enjoy walking in nature, look into routes suitable for your fitness and experience level.

Lauterbrunnen Valley

Another day was spent in Lauterbrunnen Valley. Lauterbrunnen is famous for its dramatic valley surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls. It is one of the most visually striking areas around Interlaken and is particularly beautiful if you enjoy mountains and nature.

The valley has a completely different feel from the larger cities you may associate with European travel. This was one of my favourite types of Swiss experience because you are surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and traditional Alpine scenery.

If you are staying in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen is a destination worth considering for a day trip.

Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen

Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen day tour

1. Lauterbrunnen Valley experience — Explore the valley and enjoy its dramatic mountain scenery. [Affiliate link]
2. Waterfalls and valley tour — Consider a guided experience if you want to learn more about the area. [Affiliate link]
3. Mountain excursion — Explore nearby mountain destinations, depending on the season and available transport. [Affiliate link]

Lungern

Lungern was one of the places that stood out most to me. It is a small Alpine village surrounded by mountains and the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Lungern. I genuinely consider Lungern one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.

It is much quieter and less urban than places such as Zurich or Geneva, and that is exactly what made it special to me. If you love mountains, lakes and small villages, this is the kind of destination I would add to a Switzerland itinerary. I would recommend allowing time to enjoy the scenery rather than treating it as just another quick stop on a busy day.

Things to Do in Lungern

Interterlaken to Lungern day trip

1. Lungern village and lake experience — Enjoy the lakeside scenery and explore the village.
2. Scenic day trip — Plan a visit to take in the surrounding mountains and lake views.

Lausanne

I also visited Lausanne as a day trip. Lausanne is located on Lake Geneva and has a very different atmosphere from the Alpine towns around Interlaken. It is a more urban destination, with a historic old town, lake views and a strong cultural and international character.

Lausanne is also home to the Olympic Museum. If you are interested in combining Switzerland’s natural scenery with a city experience, Lausanne is worth considering. It offers a different perspective from the small villages and mountain destinations around Interlaken.

Things to Do in Lausanne

1. Lausanne sightseeing tour — Explore the city and its main attractions.
2. Olympic Museum — Consider a visit if you are interested in sport and Olympic history.
3. Lake Geneva experience — Enjoy the lake and explore the surrounding area.

Lucerne

I also did a day trip to Lucerne. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations, and it combines a beautiful historic centre with Lake Lucerne and mountain scenery. The city is known for landmarks such as Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, while the surrounding region provides access to mountain excursions.

It was a good contrast to the smaller Alpine villages I had been visiting around Interlaken. If you enjoy combining city sightseeing with lakes and mountain views, Lucerne is worth considering for your itinerary.

Things to Do in Lucerne

1. Lucerne city walking tour — Explore the historic centre and its landmarks.
2. Lake Lucerne cruise — Enjoy the scenery from the water.
3. Mount Rigi experience — Explore an excursion into the surrounding mountains.
4. Mount Pilatus experience — Consider a mountain excursion if it fits your itinerary and budget.

Lake Thun

Lake Thun was another destination I visited while based in Interlaken.

The lake is surrounded by mountains and picturesque towns and villages, making it ideal for a slower day of sightseeing. One of the advantages of staying in Interlaken is that you can explore the Lake Thun region without having to change hotels. If you enjoy lakeside scenery, you can consider a boat trip or spend time exploring the towns around the lake.

Things to Do Around Lake Thun

1. Lake Thun cruise — Enjoy the surrounding mountain and lakeside scenery from the water.
2. Lake Thun sightseeing — Explore the area and its picturesque surroundings.

Iseltwald

Iseltwald was another day trip from my Interlaken base.

It is a small lakeside village on Lake Brienz, surrounded by mountains and known for its beautiful waterfront scenery. It is much quieter and smaller than the major Swiss tourist destinations, and it gives you that classic Swiss village-and-lake experience. If you want to see a quieter side of Switzerland, I would consider adding Iseltwald to your itinerary.

Things to Do in Iseltwald

1. Iseltwald village experience — Explore the village and enjoy the lakeside views.
2. Lake Brienz cruise — Consider a boat trip to appreciate the scenery around the lake.

Safety in Switzerland

I did not have any major safety problems while travelling around Switzerland. Overall, I felt comfortable moving around by myself, including using trains and walking around different towns. My biggest challenge was not safety. It was the cost and, personally, the fact that travelling alone sometimes felt lonely.

In terms of communication, you will meet plenty of people who speak English, particularly in hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and other service environments. My personal experience was that Swiss people were generally quite reserved. I did not find people as openly social or chatty as I am used to in some other destinations. Most people kept to themselves.

My Personal Experience as a Kenyan Passport Holder

I had a very positive experience travelling around Switzerland. The scenery was incredible, and I enjoyed being able to visit several destinations without constantly changing accommodation.

I found Switzerland great as a solo traveller, particularly because the public transportation system is efficient and the places I visited were well connected. I felt comfortable travelling by train and walking around different towns.

However, the cost was a major factor. When you travel alone, you cover the accommodation and other expenses yourself, and Switzerland is expensive. I also found that traveling alone sometimes felt lonely unless you interact with other tourists.

If you are planning a couples’ holiday, I would recommend thinking about your preferred travel style and budget before booking. The country has plenty to offer, but the costs can add up quickly.

Switzerland can also be a great destination for families and groups, particularly if you enjoy outdoor activities and scenic destinations.

For groups, sharing accommodation or renting a car together may help manage costs.

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. As someone who would choose mountains and nature over a beach almost any day, I was genuinely in my element. The landscapes are incredible. You have mountains, lakes, waterfalls, small Alpine villages and some of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.

Interlaken gave me the perfect base for exploring the region without constantly changing hotels.

Grindelwald gave me the mountain and cable-car experience. Lauterbrunnen gave me dramatic valley scenery and waterfalls. Lungern was probably the highlight for me. I genuinely think it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

Lausanne and Lucerne provided a different side of Switzerland, with more city, history, culture and lakeside experiences. Lake Thun and Iseltwald gave me more of the quiet lakeside scenery that I loved about Switzerland.

The next time I visit, I will definitely stay longer. There is so much of Switzerland that I did not get to see, and six nights was nowhere near enough to experience the entire country.

Planning Your Own Switzerland Trip?

If you’d rather have someone help you plan your trip from start to finish, The JustRioba Way offers personalised travel planning and travel consultations to help you create an itinerary suited to your travel style, interests and budget.

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