Applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa from Kenya requires navigating a fully digital system and a new commercial partner, VFS Global.
The process involves completing a detailed legal form on GOV.UK, paying fees in foreign currency, and attending a biometric appointment in Nairobi or Mombasa. This guide outlines the exact steps for 2025 to help you avoid administrative refusals caused by outdated information.
2026 UK Visa Application through VFS Global in Kenya
The most significant change for Kenyan applicants in 2025 is the switch in commercial partners. The UK Home Office no longer uses TLSContact for visa processing in Kenya. All logistical operations are now handled by VFS Global.
You must ensure you attend the correct location. Many applicants still go to the old Upper Hill offices based on outdated advice, which causes them to miss their appointments.
Visa Application Centres in Kenya
You can attend your biometric appointment at one of two locations:
- Nairobi: The main VFS centre is located in Westlands at the Clock Tower, Park Road.
- Mombasa: A satellite centre serves coastal applicants. Availability here is often lower than in Nairobi.
VFS Global's Role
VFS Global acts strictly as a processing partner. Their staff scan your documents and collect your fingerprints. They do not have the authority to offer immigration advice.
Asking a VFS agent if your bank statement is sufficient is not useful as they are not trained immigration officers. If you need a professional assessment of your evidence before you submit it, our Eligibility Audit provides the feedback you need.
The Visa Application Steps
The visa process follows a strict digital workflow. You cannot complete a physical form or pay cash at the High Commission. You must follow these four steps in order.
1. Online Application
Your journey begins on the official GOV.UK website. You must complete the Standard Visitor form online. This document acts as your legal declaration to the UK government.
Kenyan applicants often make the mistake of treating this form casually. The Entry Clearance Officer compares every answer here to your supporting documents. If you type that you earn KES 100,000 but your bank statement only shows deposits of KES 50,000, you will be refused for deception. Accuracy at this stage is mandatory.
2. Fee Payment
Once you complete the form, the system prompts you to pay the visa fee.
- Current Fee: Approximately £127 for a standard 6-month visitor visa.
- Payment Method: You must pay online using a Visa or Mastercard. You cannot pay via M-Pesa directly on the GOV.UK site. The system charges in USD or GBP.
This fee is non-refundable. If your application is refused, the UK government keeps the money. We advise using our Guided Form Completion service to check your form for errors before you make this payment.
3. Document Upload
After payment, the site redirects you to the VFS Global portal to book your appointment. You must upload your supporting evidence to this portal before you attend the centre.
Scan your documents in clear PDF format. You must categorize them correctly, such as placing bank statements under "Financial Evidence." If you upload a password-protected file, the officer cannot open it, which leads to a refusal for missing evidence.
4. Biometrics Appointment
You must attend the VFS centre in person to provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph. You need to bring your original passport and the appointment confirmation letter with the QR code. The standard processing time is 15 working days from this date.
Document Requirements when Applying for UK Visa in 2026
A valid passport is not enough to secure a visa. You must prove your eligibility through specific evidence. The Home Office expects Kenyan applicants to provide three main categories of documents.
Financial Evidence
You must prove you can afford the trip without working in the UK.
- Bank Statements: Submit statements for the last six months. They should show your monthly income entering the account.
- M-Pesa Statements: If you use mobile money, download the full 6-month statement from Safaricom. You must unlock the PDF password before uploading. Read our guide on M-Pesa Statements for formatting instructions.
Proof of Ties to Kenya
You need to prove you have a reason to return home. The documents required depend on your employment status.
- Employees: A letter from your employer confirming your role, salary, and authorized leave dates.
- Self-Employed: A CR12 form, Certificate of Registration, or recent tax returns. See our Self-Employed Guide for details on proving income without payslips.
Accommodation Details
You must show where you will stay.
- Tourists: Valid hotel bookings matching your travel dates.
- Visiting Family: An invitation letter from your host. This must include their copy of passport or UK status and proof of their address (such as a Council Tax bill).
UK Visa Fees in Kenya
You must pay the visa fee online before you can book your appointment. The UK Home Office sets these fees in GBP, but the system often charges in USD. Your Kenyan bank will apply its own exchange rate, so the final amount deducted from your account will vary slightly based on the day's currency rate.
Standard vs. Priority Services
You can choose between different service speeds depending on your urgency.
- Standard Service: The fee is approximately £127. Decisions typically take 15 working days (3 weeks) from the appointment date.
- Priority Service: This costs an additional £500 (approximate). It reduces the processing time to 5 working days. You must select and pay for this online; you cannot upgrade to priority at the VFS centre on the day of your appointment.
No Cash Payments at VFS Global Kenya
Do not bring cash to the VFS centre to pay for your visa. The main application fee is strictly online. However, VFS offers optional paid services at the centre, such as document scanning or SMS notifications. If you choose these extras, you can pay via M-Pesa or card at their counter.
Mistakes at the VFS Centre
The Nairobi application centre operates with strict security and scheduling protocols. Small logistical errors can cause you to miss your slot, forcing you to rebook and delay your travel.
Arriving Late
You should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Security will not let you in earlier than that. If you arrive late, you will likely be turned away.
Nairobi traffic, especially around Westlands, is unpredictable. Plan your route to ensure you are at the Park Road entrance on time.
Prohibited Items
Security measures restrict what you can bring inside. Laptops and large bags are generally not allowed in the waiting area.
There is no guaranteed storage facility at the centre. You should leave electronic devices and large bags at home or in your vehicle. You only need your passport, your appointment confirmation letter, and your document checklist.
Summary Checklist When Making your Visa Application
Before you submit your application, verify that you have completed these essential tasks:
- Form: You have completed the GOV.UK form and your answers match your documents.
- Payment: You have paid the fee online and received a payment confirmation email.
- Upload: You have uploaded all your evidence to the VFS portal, including unlocked M-Pesa statements.
- Appointment: You have printed your appointment confirmation letter with the QR code.
- Location: You know the correct VFS location (Westlands for Nairobi applicants).
Applying for a UK visa is a systematic process. If you follow the rules and provide clear evidence, you maximize your chances of success. If you want a professional to review your documents before you upload them, book our Comprehensive Application Coaching service today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants often have specific concerns that are not covered in the standard procedure. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive from Kenyan applicants.
Do I Need a Physical BRP or an eVisa?
The UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system. Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out. If you are applying for a long-term visa (like a Student or Spouse visa), you will likely receive an eVisa (digital status) instead of a physical card.
However, for a Standard Visitor Visa, you will still receive a physical vignette (sticker) in your passport. You must carry your passport with this sticker to travel. Do not try to travel using only a digital confirmation email unless instructed otherwise.
Do Traffic Fines Count as Criminal Records?
The application form asks if you have any "criminal convictions" or "civil penalties." Many Kenyans worry that an NTSA fine or a minor speeding ticket will ruin their application.
Generally, minor traffic fines where you paid a fixed penalty and did not go to court are not considered criminal convictions. However, honesty is vital. It is safer to declare them in the "Additional Information" section (e.g., "Paid minor speeding fine in 2023"). Declaring it shows integrity. Hiding it can look like deception if the Home Office finds it on a background check.
Can I Keep My Passport While My Visa is Processed?
Yes, but it costs extra. VFS Global offers a "Keep My Passport" service for an additional fee. This allows you to submit your passport for checking on the day of the appointment and then take it home with you.
You will only need to return the passport to the centre once a decision has been made. This is useful if you need to travel to another country (like Uganda or Tanzania) while waiting for your UK visa decision.
What Happens if I Miss My Appointment?
If you miss your VFS appointment, you cannot simply turn up later in the day. You must log back into the VFS portal and rebook. You may have to wait several days for the next available slot. If you know you will be late due to an emergency, try to cancel and reschedule online at least 24 hours in advance to avoid losing your booking fee.