Kenyan citizens and residents must apply for a UK visa before traveling to London or any other part the United Kingdom. The process is completed online, with biometrics and document submission at the UK Visa Application Centres (VCAS) in Nairobi and Mombasa. The Visa type depends on your purpose of travel such as tourism, work, study, business, or family visit.
UNITED KINGDOM (UK) VISA REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION PROCESS FROM KENYA
Table of Content
UK VISA APPLICATION PROCESS IN KENYA
What steps are involved when applying for UK Visa in Kenya?
- Determine the correct visa type.
- Prepare the necessary Supporting documents
- Complete the online application
- Pay the Visa Fees
- Book biometric appointment
- Prepare/Upload required supporting documents
- Attend appointment & submit application
- Visa processing
- Passport collection
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR UK VISA APPLICATION
Requirements vary for each visa type. Most visa types require:
- Original passport – Must be valid for the duration of the trip.
- Proof of sufficient financial means – 6 months Certified bank statements
- Travel Itinerary – Detailed list of activities for full duration of the trip.
- Proof of employment – 6 months certified payslips, employment contract, leave letter or introductory letter from employer.
- Proof of social ties to home country – Dependants details
- TB test certificate (For stays longer than 180 days )
- Proof of travel history – Visa scans, entry and exit stamps.
UK VISA CATEGORIES
Depending on the purpose of your travel, the UK offers several visa categories:
- UK Standard Visitor Visa
- For tourism, transiting through the UK, visiting family or friends, business meetings, or short study courses (up to 6 months).
- UK Student Visa (Tier 4)
- For those enrolled in long-term courses at UK educational institutions.
- UK Work Visas
- Includes Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, and Temporary Worker Visas.
- UK Family Visa
- For joining a spouse, partner, or family member who is a UK citizen or settled person.
- UK Transit Visa
- For passing through the UK on your way to another destination.
- Other UK Visa Categories
- Innovator Founder Visa, Graduate Visa, Start-up Visa, and others depending on your situation.
UK VISA FEES
UK visa fees in Kenya vary depending on the visa type, the length of stay, and whether you choose a faster processing service like priority or super-priority.
| Visa Type | Visa Application Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Short-term (up to 6 months, multiple entry) | 175 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 656 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 1,172 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 1,463 |
| Visiting academic – more than 6 months up to 12 months | 304 |
| Marriage visitor visa | 175 |
| Private medical treatment – more than 6 months up to 11 months | 304 |
| Temporary Worker – Seasonal Work | 441 |
*The Above fees must be paid online using credit or debit card – Mpesa or bank transfer payments are not accepted.
*For updated visa fees please visit the official UKVI website
Additional costs to consider:
Biometric Appointment Fee (MUP) – Mombasa Centre attracts an additional fee of GBP 76.50 to use it.
Additional Services: Document Upload, Keep My Passport, Premium Lounge, passport delivery
Priority Processing Fees:
GBP 500 – Priority Service
GBP 1,000 – Super Priority Service
UK VISA PROCESSING TIME IN KENYA
Knowing how long a UK visa takes to process helps you plan your travel, work start date, or studies more effectively. Processing times depend on:
Visa type (visit, work, study, family, settlement, transit etc.
Seasonal demand (peak travel periods often take longer)
Whether you use priority services
Below is a breakdown of the average UK visa processing times in 2025.
Visa Type | Standard Processing Time | Priority Service Time | Super Priority Service Time |
Standard Visitor Visa | 15 working days | 5 working days | 24 Hrs |
Short-term Study Visa (up to 6 months) | 15 working days | 5 working days | 24 Hrs |
Student Visa | 15 working days | 5 working days | 24 Hrs |
Skilled Worker Visa | 15 working days | 5 working days | 24 Hrs |
Family Visa (joining partner, parent, or child) | Up to 12 weeks | Up to 4 weeks | Not available |
Transit Visa | 15 working days | 5 working days | 24 Hrs |
UK VISA APPLICATION ASSISTANCE IN KENYA
Looking for an affordable, reliable and professional UK visa consultants in Mombasa, Kenya?
Greentod Visa Solutions offers professional, paid assistance for the UK visa application process, including expert guidance on required documents and application requirements.
- Online form filling assistance
- Risk assesment to discover chances of being accepted for the UK Visa
- We will book an appointmnet at the UK Visa Application Centre.
- We will share full list of required documents
- We will organize and upload all your supporting documents to The UK Embassy
Let us handle your UK Visa application whether its a fresh submission or reapplication after a refusal , we can help you every step of the way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - UK VISA FROM KENYA
Can you help if I've overstayed or have visa issues in the UK?
Yes. We can advise on the best course of action and guide you through resolving your immigration status.
Do I need an interview for my UK visa?
Not always. Some applications require interviews, while others are decided based on submitted documents. If an interview is required, it will take place over the phone or through Microsoft Teams and often last about an hour
Can I apply again if my UK visa was refused?
Before reapplying, check if your visa type allows an Administrative Review (for UKVI errors) or an Appeal (mainly for human rights or family cases). While there’s no mandatory waiting period after a refusal(you can re-apply immediately), it’s best to address all refusal reasons first. If the refusal involved false documents or deception, you must wait until the ban expires.
What documents do I need for a UK visa application?
Generally, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of funds, evidence of your reason for travel (such as an invitation letter, work contract, or CAS for students), and any additional supporting documents specific to your visa type.
What documents do I need for my a UK visa appointment?
You will need:
A valid passport or travel document
Your Document Checklist and appointment confirmation
Proof of payment for the visa fee and other services
Supporting documents relevant to your visa type (e.g., bank statements, invitation letters, work contracts, or CAS for students)
How early can I apply for a UK visa?
You must not apply more than 3 months before your intended travel date
Do I need travel insurance for a UK visa?
It is not mandatory, but having travel insurance is strongly recommended for your safety and peace of mind.
Where can I get help filling out my UK visa application form?
You can get help from reputable immigration advisers or visa consultants from Greentod Visa Solutions . Our team will guide you through the form, ensure all sections are completed accurately, and help you gather the correct supporting documents to avoid delays or refusals. Get help with my visa application.
Where do I go for my UK visa biometric appointment?
In Kenya, UK visa biometric appointments are handled at Visa and Citizenship Application Services (VCAS) centres operated by VFSglobal. There are two locations available:
Nairobi
Mombasa
You can choose your preferred centre when booking your appointment, and the full address will be provided in your confirmation.
Do I need to book travel before applying for a UK visa?
No. You do not need to pay for flights or accommodation before applying. However, you may need to provide an intended travel itinerary.
Can I apply for a UK visa while in another country?
Yes, you can apply from most countries where you are legally residing on a long-term visa. However, you must attend a biometric appointment in that country. You cannot usually apply from a country where you are only on a short-term or visitor visa.
How long is my UK visa valid for?
The validity period depends on your visa type. For example, a standard visitor visa can be valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years.
How do I know if my UK visa has been approved?
You will receive an email from UKVI or the Visa Application Centre once a decision is made. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa vignette inside.
Will my visa fee be refunded if my application is refused?
No, UK visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
What should I wear to my UK visa appointment?
There is no strict dress code, but dressing neatly is recommended, especially if an interview is involved.
Can I apply for a UK visa urgently?
Yes, priority and super-priority services are available in Kenya. Super-priority service is offered only in Nairobi and must be submitted before 11:00 a.m.
How long is my UK visa valid for, and how long can I stay in the UK?
The validity of your UK visa depends on the type of visa issued. For example, standard visitor visas may be valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. However, you can only stay in the UK within the dates stated on your visa and must leave before it expires, even if the visa itself is valid for a longer period.
How soon can I apply after visa has been refused?
The validity of your UK visa depends on the type of visa issued. For example, standard visitor visas may be valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. However, you can only stay in the UK within the dates stated on your visa and must leave before it expires, even if the visa itself is valid for a longer period.
HOW DO I TRACK MY UK VISA APPLICATION?
Here are the steps to follow when checking the status of your application:
Complete your application through the UK Government visa portal and pay the applicable fees.
Submit your biometrics and required documents at the designated VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Visit the official VFS Global tracking page tracking page.
Enter your GWF reference number and the email address used for your application.
Once logged in, select “Track Application/Passport”.
The current progress of your application will be displayed on the screen.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Application submitted to UKVI | Sent to UKVI for processing. |
| Decision received from UKVI | UKVI has made a decision. |
| Passport ready for collection/courier | Passport is back at VAC or with courier. |
| Passport delivered | Passport has been handed to you. |
Expert Tips:
VFS Global cannot make visa decisions – they are only middlemen between you and UKVI. So, if your status is “In Processing” for a while, it means the decision is still with UKVI, not the VAC. Contact UK Visas and Immigration to check the status
WHERE DO I SUBMIT MY UK VISA APPLICATION IN KENYA
All UK visa applications in Kenya are handled by VFS Global (effective November 2024), the official UK Visa Application Centre partner, where applicants must submit their biometrics and supporting documents.
Visa Application Centre – Nairobi
Address: 1st Floor, Principle place, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya.
Take me to the address
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) – 08:00 to 17:00
SPV Application Submission:
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) – 08:00 to 11:00
Passport Collection:
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) – 14:00 to 17:00
Passport Collection Outside Hours (service fee applies):
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) – 09:00 to 13:30
Visa Application Centre – Mombasa
Address: 8th Floor, Imaara- The new address, Dedan Kimathi Avenue, Kizingo, Mombasa, Kenya. Take me to the address
Business Hours:
Tuesday (excluding public holidays) – 08:00 to 17:00
Passport Collection:
Tuesday (excluding public holidays) – 12:00 to 15:00
Passport Collection Outside Hours (service fee applies):
Tuesday (excluding public holidays) – 09:00 to 12:00
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR UK VISA APPOINTMENT.
When attending your biometrics appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre, make sure you have the following:
Appointment Confirmation Letter – Printed copy received from VFS Global.
Valid Passport or travel document – With at least 1 page that is blank. (If you are applying for a visa category where you will receive an eVisa only, your passport does not have to contain a blank page.)
A printout of your document checklist – As part of your completed online application.
Visa Payment Receipt – Printed from the UK Government visa portal.
Supporting Documents – As listed in your document checklist (e.g., bank statements, employment letters, invitation letters).
Priority Service Receipt – If you paid for priority or super-priority processing.
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| Disclaimer
Greentod Visa Solutions is a Kenyan-based visas and travel consultancy agency dedicated to supporting clients through every step of their visa application journey. While we work independently and are not affiliated with any embassy, our role is to provide guidance, document support, and application assistance. Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the relevant embassy or immigration authority, and we do not guarantee approval or denial of any application.