The logistics of submitting a UK visa application involve strict procedural timelines and financial rules. The VFS Global Kenya walk-in fee acts as a mandatory charge for applicants who submit biometric data outside of their scheduled appointment or after a significant delay.
VFS Global Walk-In Appointment Policy
Strict protocols govern entry into the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Security personnel only permit entry to applicants who hold a valid Appointment Confirmation receipt that matches the current date and time slot.
Walk-in submissions without a prior booking are generally rejected at the initial security checkpoint. The only exception is for applicants who purchase the "Walk-In Without Appointment" service, subject to capacity within the centre.
This premium service allows submission for individuals who missed their original slot or need urgent processing outside of standard availability.
VFS Global Lateness Policy for Appointments
Punctuality is a key requirement for entry. VFS Global enforces a rigid 15-minute tolerance window for all scheduled appointments. If an applicant arrives more than 15 minutes after their designated time, the entry system will invalidate their access code.
Security staff do not have the authority to override this system block. Latecomers are required to either reschedule the appointment for a future date or upgrade to a Premium Lounge or Walk-in service, which involves immediate additional costs.
VFS Global Appointment Rescheduling and Cancellation
Applicants can modify appointment details through the online portal up to 24 hours before the scheduled visit. The system allows a limited number of rescheduling attempts before it locks the application reference number.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment mean any pre-paid service fees are usually non-refundable. Refunds for mandatory user-pay fees need a formal request through the specific refund portal, a process that can take up to 90 days.
VFS Global No-Show Policy and Its Consequences
Failing to attend a booked appointment assigns a "No-Show" status to the application in the UKVI and VFS digital systems. This status prevents the biometric enrolment station from retrieving the applicant's data during any subsequent unauthorised entry attempt.
The system automatically blocks processing for applicants who try to enter 24 hours after a missed slot without rebooking. The software will not accept the biometric data, and appealing to counter staff will not change this. The only solutions are to book a new slot or pay the walk-in fee.
VFS Global Kenya Walk-In Fee Structure and Payment
Using the walk-in service costs significantly more than standard processing. This fee is for applicants who missed their appointment or want to submit on a different day without a prior booking.
The "Walk-In Without Appointment" service has a fee of approximately £89, payable in the KES equivalent. Applicants must pay this amount at the centre before biometric data collection can proceed.
| Service Type | Approximate Fee (GBP) | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Appointment | £0 (Free) | Must arrive within the 15-minute window. |
| Walk-In Without Appointment | ~£89.00 | For late arrivals or unscheduled entry. |
| Premium Lounge Upgrade | ~£89.00 - £100.00 | Includes walk-in access and lounge facilities. |
Key Documents for Your VFS Global Appointment in Kenya
Documentation errors are a common cause of delays at the VAC intake desk. Applicants must present printed copies of specific identification and confirmation documents to pass the initial checks.
Ensure the following items are accessible upon arrival:
- Valid Passport: The original document containing at least one blank page (both front and back).
- Appointment Confirmation: A printed hard copy of the confirmation email showing the date, time, and GWF number.
- Document Checklist: The first page of the UKVI checklist, if one is required for the visa category.
Practical Advice for Your VFS Global Appointment
Plan to arrive exactly 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Arriving earlier will result in being denied entry and having to wait outside. Arriving late will trigger the fee penalties.
All electronic devices must be switched off or set to silent mode before you enter the security screening area.
Photography and video recording are strictly forbidden inside the VAC, as they violate privacy regulations. Such actions may lead to immediate expulsion and the cancellation of your application.
The VFS Global Online Appointment Booking Process
Booking a slot involves using the VFS Global website, which is linked from the GOV.UK application form. The system shows available slots based on the specific visa category and whether the VAC is a "User Pay" centre.
Steps to Book Your VFS Global Slot
- Complete your visa application on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee.
- You will be redirected to the VFS Global commercial partner site.
- Create a unique login for the VFS portal, which is separate from your UKVI login.
- Select the Nairobi or Mombasa VAC location.
- Choose a "Standard" (free) or "Prime Time" (paid) slot from the calendar.
- Confirm the booking and print the PDF receipt.
Information Required for VFS Global Booking
The booking portal requires data that exactly matches your passport. Any discrepancies between the booking information and the passport presented at security will result in being denied entry.
Required data fields include:
- GWF Number: The unique reference number from your UKVI application.
- Passport Number: This must match the travel document you will present.
- Email Address: The confirmation receipt will be sent to this address.
Document Preparation Guidelines for VFS Global Submissions
The quality and organisation of your supporting documents affect the submission process. All documents must be prepared correctly for scanning.
General Document Guidelines for VFS Global
The scanning hubs require all documents to be on A4 size paper. Applicants must remove all staples, paper clips, and binders before reaching the counter to help speed up the scanning process.
Illegible copies or receipts printed on thermal paper, which can fade, are often rejected. Photocopies of bank statements and official records must be clear, high-contrast, and complete.
Visa Specific Document Requirements
Different visa routes necessitate distinct evidence packs. Student visa applicants should prioritise their CAS statement and financial evidence. Visitor visa applicants must concentrate on showing ties to their home country and providing proof of accommodation.
Settlement applications require much larger document bundles. Organising these documents into logical sections (e.g., "Financial," "Relationship," "Accommodation") helps the scanning officer and ensures no evidence is overlooked.
VFS Global Payment Methods and Service Charges in Kenya
Most transactions at VFS Global centres are cashless. Applicants should have electronic payment methods ready for any additional services or penalty fees they may incur on-site.
Accepted Payment Options for VFS Global Fees
The Nairobi and Mombasa centres accept major credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. M-Pesa is also a primary payment method for local applicants, providing fast transaction confirmation.
Cash payments are not typically accepted due to security and accounting policies. It is advisable to have sufficient funds available on a digital payment method before entering the centre.
Breakdown of VFS Global Service Fees
Service fees are divided into mandatory User Pay fees for using certain centres and optional Added Value Services. The User Pay fee covers the administrative cost of the appointment itself if the centre is not free to use.
Optional Premium Services at VFS Global Kenya
Applicants can buy extra services to speed up parts of the process or add convenience. Common options include:
- Keep My Passport: This allows an applicant to hold on to their passport while a decision is being made.
- Courier Service: Provides secure delivery of the passport to a home or office address after the decision.
- SMS Updates: Sends automated text messages about changes in the application status.
VFS Global Kenya Application Centre Locations and Hours
Kenya has specific UKVI-designated processing centres. Applicants must go to the location they selected during the online booking process.
Nairobi VFS Global Centre Details
The main VAC in Nairobi processes the highest volume of applications. It is located at the Park Field Building, Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Westlands. This location has both Standard and Premium Lounge facilities.
Operating Hours and Public Holidays for VFS Global Kenya
Standard submission hours are generally from 08:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. Passport collection times are different, usually limited to an afternoon period (e.g., 14:00 to 16:00).
The VAC closes for both Kenyan National Holidays and certain non-working days observed by the British High Commission. Check the VFS website for the holiday calendar before scheduling a visit.
Contacting VFS Global Customer Support in Kenya
Direct communication with staff at local VACs is limited. For security reasons, direct telephone numbers for the Westlands or Mombasa centres are not published.
VFS Global Helpline and Email Support
UKVI and VFS Global use a centralised, paid inquiry service. Telephone calls are charged by the minute, and email inquiries require a fixed fee payment by credit card before you can submit your question.
Online Inquiry System for VFS Global
The "Contact Us" page on the VFS Global website has a web form for procedural complaints or feedback. This channel cannot be used to inquire about the status of a visa decision or to request faster processing.
Summary of VFS Global Appointment Rules and Fees in Kenya
A smooth experience at the VFS Global centre depends on precision and punctuality. The walk-in fee of approximately £89 is a costly consequence of lateness.
Adhering to the 15-minute arrival window is necessary to avoid this charge. All documents should be prepared to A4 specifications and payment methods must be ready to ensure a straightforward submission process.