What is a Business Visitor Visa?
The UK Business Visitor Visa is part of the Standard Visitor Visa category. It allows Kenyan business professionals to visit the UK for business-related activities that do not involve paid work. If you're traveling purely for tourism, see our Tourist Visa guide instead.
What You CAN Do on a Business Visitor Visa
- Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, and interviews
- Negotiate and sign contracts or deals
- Attend trade fairs and exhibitions
- Receive training from a UK company (if related to your job in Kenya)
- Make site visits or inspect goods/equipment
- Give a presentation or lecture (if not paid by a UK organization)
What You CANNOT Do
- Work for a UK employer – even temporarily
- Receive salary from a UK company
- Provide services to UK clients for payment
- Take employment – this requires a work visa
If you need to work in the UK, you must apply for a Skilled Worker Visa instead.
Not sure if your activities qualify as business visitor? We can assess your situation and recommend the right visa category. Book a consultation →
Supporting Documents for Business Visitors
Your application should clearly show the business purpose of your trip:
From Your Kenyan Employer
- Employment letter confirming your job, salary, and purpose of travel
- Statement that the company is funding your trip (if applicable)
- Company registration documents (CR12) if you own a business
From the UK Host Organization
- Invitation letter explaining the business activities
- Conference registration or event details
- Agenda or itinerary of meetings
- Statement that you will not be paid for any work
Your Financial Evidence
- Bank statements showing funds for the trip
- Company sponsorship letter if the business is paying
- Proof of booked flights and accommodation
Common Business Visitor Scenarios for Kenyans
- Tech professionals: Attending training at a UK partner company
- NGO workers: Participating in workshops or program reviews
- Business owners: Meeting potential UK partners or suppliers
- Academics: Presenting at conferences (unpaid)
- Sales teams: Attending trade shows or product launches
Proving Your Ties to Kenya
Business visitors must demonstrate strong reasons to return:
- Ongoing employment: Your job waiting for you
- Business operations: Your company needs you back
- Family: Spouse, children in Kenya
- Property and assets: Evidence of roots in Kenya
Need help preparing your business visa documents? We review invitation letters, employment letters, and financial evidence. Get expert guidance →
Application Tips for Kenyan Business Travelers
- Be specific about your business activities – vague answers raise suspicion
- Ensure the invitation letter matches your application form details
- If the UK company is paying expenses, get this in writing
- Don't request more time than you need – a 2-week trip doesn't need 6 months
- Have a clear return date and show your ongoing commitments in Kenya
Looking for healthcare work in the UK? Check our Health and Care Worker Visa guide for nurses and doctors.