To prepare for a VFS Kenya biometric appointment for your UK visa, you must book a slot and attend a VFS Global centre in either Nairobi (Westlands) or Mombasa. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires all applicants in Kenya to provide their biometrics after submitting their online visa form and paying all associated fees.
The British High Commission does not handle these appointments. A correctly completed biometric submission is a mandatory step that starts the processing clock on your UK visa application. This guide details the end-to-end process to ensure your appointment is successful.
Understanding Your Biometrics Location in Kenya
As of 2026, VFS Global is the official UKVI commercial partner managing UK visa applications in Kenya. Applicants must provide fingerprints and a photograph at a designated VFS Visa Application Centre (VAC). Appointments for standard applications do not take place at the British High Commission in Nairobi.
Your attendance is mandatory at either the VFS Global centre in Westlands, Nairobi, or the centre in Mombasa. The address of your chosen centre is printed on your appointment confirmation letter. You should verify the centre's current address and operating hours on the official VFS Global Kenya website before you travel.
Booking Your VFS Biometric Appointment
You must complete two steps on the GOV.UK website before you can book a VFS biometric appointment. First, complete the online UK visa application form for your visa route. Second, pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if it applies.
After UKVI confirms your payment, the system redirects you to the VFS Global website to book your appointment. On the VFS portal, you create an account, select a location (Nairobi or Mombasa), and choose an available date and time. Standard appointments have no extra charge, but paid services for different time slots may be offered.
After confirming your booking, you must print the appointment confirmation letter. The VFS centre requires this document for entry.
Required Documents for Your VFS Appointment
Arriving without the correct documents can cause delays or result in VFS staff denying you entry. You must bring a specific set of documents to present to staff. The mandatory documents are:
- Current and Valid Passport: Your passport or travel document must have at least one page that is blank on both sides. VFS staff will not proceed with the appointment if you do not have your passport.
- Printed Appointment Confirmation Letter: The confirmation letter is proof of your booking and is required for entry into the Visa Application Centre.
- Supporting Documents Checklist: The GOV.UK portal generates this checklist after you submit your application form. The checklist details the evidence you intend to provide.
- Supporting Documents (If Applicable): Most applicants upload supporting documents online before the appointment. However, you must follow the instructions from your GOV.UK application. Bring organised physical documents if you are instructed to use the in-person scanning service.
Biometric Photo and Fingerprint Capture
The main purpose of the VFS appointment is to provide your biometric information, which includes a digital photograph and fingerprint scans. You do not need to bring your own passport photos. VFS staff capture your photograph at the centre using equipment that meets UKVI digital standards.
Photograph Requirements
For the photograph, your face must be fully visible. Hair should not obstruct your eyes, and you will need to remove glasses or non-religious head coverings. For religious or medical head coverings, your face must be visible from your chin to your forehead.
Fingerprint Scanning Process
After the photograph, VFS staff will scan all ten of your fingerprints using a digital scanner. Your fingertips must be clean and free from temporary markings like henna, as this can affect the quality of the scan. Staff will guide you through this process.
Optional Paid Services at VFS Global
VFS Global provides optional paid services for added convenience. These services are separate from UKVI visa fees and do not influence the visa decision. UKVI officials make all visa decisions. Applicants pay VFS Global directly for any optional services.
Available services can include a Premium Lounge, Priority Visa processing (if offered by UKVI for your route), and Assisted Document Scanning. Other options may include SMS progress updates and courier passport return. You must check the VFS Global Kenya website for a current list of services and fees.
Your VFS Biometric Appointment Day Flow
You should arrive at the VFS Global centre in Nairobi or Mombasa about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Arriving too early may mean waiting outside, and arriving late could result in the cancellation of your appointment.
Arrival and Security Screening
You will pass through a security check upon arrival. Prohibited items typically include large bags, most electronic devices, and food. You will likely be required to switch off your mobile phone.
Check-in and Document Verification
Inside the centre, you will present your appointment letter and passport to the reception staff to receive a token number. When your number is called, you will go to a counter to submit your passport and have your documents checked.
Biometrics Enrolment
After document verification, you will proceed to a biometrics booth. A staff member will capture your photograph and scan your fingerprints. Once your data is captured, you will receive a receipt. The appointment is then complete, and you can leave.
Key Information for Your VFS Biometric Appointment
| Item | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | Nairobi or Mombasa | Check VFS Global Kenya for the current address. |
| Core Documents | Passport & Appointment Letter | Entry is not permitted without these two items. |
| Arrival Time | 15 minutes prior | Late arrival may lead to cancellation. |
| Biometrics | Photo & Fingerprints | Captured by VFS staff at the centre. |
After Your Biometric Appointment
Submitting your biometrics at the VFS centre officially starts the UKVI processing period for your visa application. The published processing time for your visa route begins on the next working day after your appointment. VFS electronically forwards your application, biometrics, and documents to a UKVI decision-making centre.
You can track your application status on the VFS Global website using the reference number from your receipt. After UKVI makes a visa decision, your passport is returned to the VFS centre for collection. VFS will notify you by email or SMS when your passport is ready.
If you paid for the courier service, your passport will be sent to your chosen address. VFS staff are not aware of the visa decision. You will learn the outcome from the decision letter returned with your passport.