UK Visa Application Help for Kenyans: Documents & Requirements
Applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa from Kenya requires careful preparation. The Entry Clearance Officer at UK Visas and Immigration reviews your application based on the evidence you submit through the GOV.UK portal and VFS Global. We help Kenyan applicants organize their documents and complete the online form correctly.
Financial Evidence
You must prove you can afford the trip. We help you organize bank statements, M-Pesa statements, payslips, and tax returns. The Officer checks if the funds match your declared income. Unexplained deposits often trigger a visa refusal. Book an eligibility audit to ensure your financial evidence is presented correctly.
Ties to Kenya
You need to prove you have reasons to return home. Strong evidence includes employment letters, business registration (CR12), land title deeds, or evidence of family responsibilities.
Travel Documents
You need a valid passport, a clear travel itinerary, and hotel bookings. If you are staying with friends or family, you need an invitation letter from your UK host with their proof of address and immigration status.
UK Visa Application Process: From GOV.UK to VFS Global Nairobi
The UK visa application process involves several steps. Many applicants get confused about visa fees, biometrics appointments, and document uploads. Our team helps you navigate each stage.
1. Online Application
Complete the visa application form on the official UK government website. Every answer matters. The Officer compares your form responses to your supporting documents to check for consistency. We guide you through each question via screen-share to ensure accuracy.
2. Visa Fee Payment
Pay the visa fee directly to UK Visas and Immigration via the GOV.UK portal. The current fee for a 6-month Standard Visitor Visa is approximately £127.
3. Biometrics at VFS Global
Book your appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi or Mombasa. The current commercial partner is VFS Global. You will provide fingerprints and a photograph at their centre. Remember to bring your original passport.
4. Decision & Collection
Standard processing takes about 3 to 4 weeks. You will receive an email to collect your passport from the VFS Centre. If approved, you will find a vignette visa sticker inside your passport.
UK Visa Refused? Understanding Your Decision Letter
If your UK visa application was refused, you will receive a decision letter from the Home Office. This letter explains exactly why the Entry Clearance Officer was not satisfied. Common refusal reasons for Kenyan applicants include:
- Not a genuine visitor — Your stated purpose of visit did not match your evidence
- Intent to leave the UK — You have weak ties to Kenya, such as no job or property
- Funds parking — Large amounts of money appeared in your account shortly before applying
- Income discrepancy — Your declared salary does not match your bank deposits
- Insufficient funds — Your bank balance is too low to support your travel plans
A refusal is not a ban. You can reapply immediately with stronger evidence. However, submitting the same documents usually results in another refusal. We analyze your decision letter and create a strategy to address each concern raised by the Officer. Book an eligibility audit to get expert guidance on your reapplication.
Refusal Analysis
We review your decision letter line by line. We determine exactly what went wrong and whether your case is salvageable.
Evidence Strategy
We identify what documents were missing or unclear. We advise on how to obtain stronger proof of finances and ties.
Cover Letter Support
We help you write a cover letter that acknowledges the previous refusal. This letter directs the Officer to your new evidence.
How Our Support Works
We provide assistance differently from traditional agents. You stay in complete control of your application:
- We never ask for your passwords — You log into GOV.UK yourself
- We never handle your visa fees — You pay directly to the UK government
- We provide expert guidance — In-person at our Nairobi CBD office or remotely via phone/video call
- We correct errors before submission — We catch mistakes before they become refusal reasons
This approach is ideal for Kenyan applicants who want professional help but prefer to handle their own sensitive data. You drive and we navigate.
Common Questions from Kenyan Applicants
How long does UK visa processing take?
Standard processing from Nairobi takes 3 to 4 weeks after your biometrics appointment at VFS Global. Priority services are available for faster decisions.
What documents do I need for a UK visa?
You need 6 months of bank statements, an employment letter, a travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and evidence of ties to Kenya. Requirements vary by purpose of visit.
Can I reapply after a refusal?
Yes. You can reapply immediately. There is no waiting period. However, you must address every concern in your decision letter with new evidence.
What is the UK visa fee for Kenyans?
The Standard Visitor Visa currently costs approximately £127. Longer visas cost more. You pay this directly to the UK government. Our service fees are separate.
Need help with your application? Book an Eligibility Audit and let our team guide you through the process. We provide the support you need to submit a strong application whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying after a refusal.