The cost of a UK visa from Kenya in 2026 involves more than just the official application fee. Many applicants budget for the standard visa cost but overlook additional charges.
You must account for VFS Global service fees, exchange rate differences, and potential priority upgrades. This guide provides a full breakdown of the expenses involved, helping you budget accurately for your UK visit.
Standard Visitor UK Visa Fees from Kenya
The core expense is the application fee paid to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This fee is set in British Pounds (GBP) but is processed in United States Dollars (USD) through the online payment gateway.
Official UKVI Fee for 2026
The official fee for a Standard Visitor Visa (valid for up to 6 months) is currently £127. This amount is subject to change. The UK Home Office reviews visa fees annually, usually in April.
You pay this fee directly on the GOV.UK website. The application system will convert the GBP amount to USD based on the current official exchange rate. Your Kenyan bank then applies its own exchange rate when deducting from your KES account.
Estimating the Visa Fees in Kenya Shillings
You can expect the £127 fee to translate to approximately KES 22,000 to KES 24,000. This figure varies based on the daily exchange rate your bank uses. It also depends on any foreign transaction fees your bank might charge.
We advise checking the current USD to KES exchange rate with your bank on the day you plan to pay.
Non-Refundable Payments
All UKVI application fees are non-refundable. If your visa is refused, you do not get your money back. This highlights the importance of submitting a strong, error-free application.
Many applicants find that investing in an Eligibility Audit upfront saves money in the long run by preventing unnecessary refusals.
Costs for Priority UK Visa Services
You can purchase faster processing times if you need to travel urgently. These options reduce the wait time from the standard 15 working days to 5 working days or 24 hours.
Priority Service
The Priority Visa service aims to provide a decision within 5 working days. This option costs an additional £500. This is approximately KES 90,000.
You pay this fee in addition to the standard visa cost. You must select and pay for this option online before you close your application. You cannot upgrade to priority service after you submit your biometrics.
Super Priority Service
The Super Priority service offers a decision by the end of the next working day. This option costs an extra £1,000. This is approximately KES 180,000.
Availability for this service at the Nairobi VFS centre is often limited. Check the booking portal to confirm it is available before you plan your travel.
VFS Global Service Charges When Applying for UK Visa from Kenya
VFS Global offers optional services at the Nairobi and Mombasa centres. These extras can make the process more convenient but they increase your total cost.
Assisted Scanning
VFS staff can scan your physical documents for you at the appointment. This service costs between KES 2,500 and KES 3,000. You can avoid this fee by scanning and uploading your documents as clear PDF files to the website at least 24 hours before your visit.
Keep My Passport
This service allows you to keep your passport while your visa is being processed. It is useful if you need to travel to neighboring countries like Uganda or Tanzania during the 3-week waiting period. You show your passport at the appointment for checking and take it home with you. You return it to VFS only after the decision is made. This service costs approximately KES 10,000.
Prime Time Appointments
Standard appointment slots are free. These usually run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments outside these hours are called Prime Time slots. Booking early morning or late afternoon times costs an additional fee of around KES 12,000. Ensure you select a standard slot if you want to avoid this extra charge.
Bank Charges and Exchange Rates
The advertised visa fee is only the starting point. The amount that leaves your Kenyan bank account will be higher due to currency conversion rates and bank fees.
The Exchange Rate Markup
The UK Home Office charges visa fees in British Pounds (GBP) or US Dollars (USD). When you pay with a Kenyan Shilling (KES) debit or credit card, your local bank performs a currency exchange.
Banks typically apply a markup of 3% to 5% above the official central bank rate. This means if the official rate is KES 170 to the Pound, your bank might charge you KES 178. You should budget for this extra cost.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Most Kenyan banks charge a "Foreign Transaction Fee" for international online payments. This is usually a flat fee or a percentage of the transaction. Check your bank's tariff guide before paying to avoid surprises.
If you have a USD or GBP account, paying directly from that card can save you these conversion costs.
Payment Methods
The payment system on the GOV.UK website is strict. You cannot transfer money directly from a local bank account or use a Paybill number.
Accepted Cards
You must use a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. This can be a debit card or a credit card. The card does not need to be in your name. You can use a friend or relative's card to make the payment as long as you have their permission.
Using M-Pesa GlobalPay
You cannot use standard M-Pesa Paybill to pay for the main visa fee. However, you can use the M-Pesa GlobalPay virtual card. This service generates a virtual Visa card linked to your M-Pesa wallet.
You enter the virtual card details on the UK visa website just like a physical bank card. Ensure your M-Pesa balance covers the fee plus the exchange rate buffer before attempting the transaction.
Refund Policy
You need to understand the refund rules before you click pay. The UK Home Office has strict criteria for returning funds.
Refusals
The visa fee covers the cost of processing your application. It is not a fee for the visa itself. If your application is refused, you do not receive a refund. The money pays for the Entry Clearance Officer's time to assess your case.
Withdrawals
You can get a full refund if you withdraw your application before you provide your biometrics. If you cancel your appointment and withdraw the application online, the fee is usually returned to your card within 28 days. However, once you attend the VFS centre and scan your fingerprints, the processing has officially started. You cannot get a refund after this point, even if you withdraw the application the next day.
Total Budget Summary for UK Visa Application
To help you plan, here is a realistic budget for a single applicant applying for a Standard Visitor Visa in Nairobi, Kenya. These figures are estimates based on 2026 rates.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | 23,000 - 25,000 | Mandatory. Varies by exchange rate. |
| Bank/Forex Charges | 1,000 - 1,500 | Charged by your local bank. |
| Transport to Westlands | 500 - 2,000 | Uber/Taxi to VFS Centre. |
| Optional: Assisted Scanning | 2,500 | Save this by uploading yourself. |
| Optional: SMS Updates | 300 | Optional notification service. |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET | KES 27,000 - 31,000 | Per person. |
Planning your budget is the first step. Ensuring your application is strong enough to avoid losing that money is the second. Our Eligibility Audit helps you verify your documents before you pay the non-refundable fees.