Visiting Family or Friends in the UK
This is one of the most common visa types for Kenyans due to the large Kenyan diaspora in the UK. Whether you're visiting a sibling in London, attending a wedding, or meeting friends, you still apply for the Standard Visitor Visa – but the evidence requirements differ from a tourist visa application.
The key difference is the invitation letter from your UK host and proof that they can accommodate you.
The Invitation Letter
Your UK-based family member or friend must provide a letter inviting you. This letter should include:
- Their full name and UK address
- Your full name and relationship to them
- Dates of your planned visit
- Statement that they will accommodate you (if staying with them)
- Their contact details (phone, email)
- Their signature and date
Important: The letter alone is not enough. Your host must also provide supporting documents.
Need help with invitation letter format? We can review your host's documents and ensure they meet Home Office requirements. Book a consultation →
Host's Supporting Documents
Your UK host should provide:
- Proof of Immigration Status: Copy of their UK passport, BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), or visa
- Proof of Address: Utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement showing their UK address
- Proof of Relationship: If family, documents showing how you're related (birth certificates, etc.)
If your host is sponsoring your trip financially, they should also include their bank statements and employment letter.
Your Own Financial Evidence
Even if your host is paying for your trip, you should still show that you have:
- Some personal funds for emergencies and pocket money
- A stable income source in Kenya (to prove you'll return)
- Clear bank statements without suspicious large deposits
If you're fully sponsored, include a sponsorship letter from your host explaining they will cover flights, accommodation, and expenses.
Proving Your Ties to Kenya
This is critical. The officer wants to know you will return home after your visit. Strong evidence includes:
- Employment: Letter from employer confirming your job and approved leave
- Business: Business registration, recent contracts, evidence of ongoing operations
- Property: Title deeds, rental agreements
- Family in Kenya: Spouse, children, dependents who remain in Kenya
Visiting family is sometimes seen as higher risk because the temptation to overstay with relatives is perceived to be higher. Your ties to Kenya must be very strong.
Common Mistakes Kenyans Make
- Weak invitation letter: Missing details or no supporting documents from host
- Host's immigration status not proven: No copy of their passport or BRP
- Inconsistent relationship: Claiming to visit a "friend" but evidence suggests otherwise
- No return ties: Young, unemployed applicants with no reason to come back
- Overly long stays: Requesting 6 months when you only have 2 weeks leave
Worried about your ties to Kenya? Our experts can assess your profile and advise on how to strengthen your application. Get expert advice →
Accommodation: Staying with Host vs. Hotel
If staying with your host, clearly state this in your application and ensure their address matches the invitation letter.
If your host's accommodation is small or you prefer privacy, you can book a hotel. In that case, provide hotel bookings as you would for a tourist application.
Application Process from Kenya
- Gather host documents: Have your UK family/friend send their documents
- Complete online form: Apply at GOV.UK
- Pay visa fee: £115 for 6-month visa
- Book biometrics: VFS Global Nairobi or Mombasa
- Upload documents: Your documents + host's invitation package
- Attend appointment: Fingerprints and photo
- Await decision: 3-4 weeks standard processing
Looking to permanently join your spouse or partner in the UK? That requires a different visa – see our Spouse/Partner Visa guide.