How long does UK visa processing take from Kenya?

Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks. Priority service (5 working days) costs GBP 500 extra, Super Priority (next working day) costs GBP 1,000.

Can I apply for a UK visa from outside Kenya?

Yes. You can apply from any country where you are legally present via the nearest VFS Global centre.

How much money do I need in my bank account?

No fixed minimum, but guideline is GBP 100-150 per day plus accommodation. Show consistent funds over 6 months.

What happens if my UK visa is refused?

You receive a refusal letter with reasons. No right of appeal for visitor visas. You can reapply immediately addressing the concerns.

UK Visa from Kenya 2026

Kenyan citizens need a visa to visit the United Kingdom. Applications are made online via the UK government website and biometrics are submitted at VFS Global centres in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Apply Online

All UK visa applications start at gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk. You cannot apply at the British High Commission directly.

UK Visa Types for Kenyan Applicants

Visa Type	Duration	Fee (GBP)	Fee (KES approx.)	Purpose
Standard Visitor	6 months	£115	~KSH 19,500	Tourism, family visit, business meetings
Long-term Visitor (2 year)	2 years	£400	~KSH 68,000	Frequent visitors, multiple entry
Long-term Visitor (5 year)	5 years	£771	~KSH 131,000	Frequent visitors, multiple entry
Long-term Visitor (10 year)	10 years	£963	~KSH 163,700	Frequent visitors, multiple entry
Student Visa	Course length	£490	~KSH 83,300	Study at a UK institution (6+ months)
Short-term Student	Up to 11 months	£200	~KSH 34,000	English language courses, short courses
Skilled Worker	Up to 5 years	£719+	~KSH 122,200+	Sponsored employment in the UK
Family Visa (Spouse)	2.5 years initially	£1,846	~KSH 313,800	Join a British citizen or settled partner
Transit Visa	48 hours	£64	~KSH 10,900	Airside or landside transit through UK

KES conversions are approximate at 1 GBP = KSH 170. Check current exchange rates.

How to Apply - Step by Step

Choose Your Visa Type
Visit gov.uk/check-uk-visa to find the right visa for your trip.
Complete the Online Application
Fill in the form on gov.uk. You will need passport details, travel dates, accommodation plans, and financial information.
Pay the Visa Fee Online
Pay by debit/credit card. You will also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if applying for a visa longer than 6 months.
Book a VFS Global Appointment
Book your biometrics appointment at VFS Global Nairobi or Mombasa via vfsglobal.co.uk/ke.
Attend VFS Appointment
Bring your passport, printed application confirmation, and supporting documents. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be captured.
Wait for Decision
Standard processing: 3-4 weeks. Priority (extra fee): 5 working days. Super Priority (extra fee): next working day.
Collect Passport
Collect from VFS Global or opt for courier delivery. Your visa vignette will be placed in your passport.

VFS Global Visa Application Centres in Kenya

Nairobi

VFS Global
Parklands Plaza, 2nd Floor
Muthithi Road, Westlands
Nairobi

Mon-Fri: 07:30 - 14:30
+254 20 425 0000

Mombasa

VFS Global
Jubilee Insurance Building, 1st Floor
Moi Avenue
Mombasa

Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 14:00
+254 41 231 5000

Required Documents (Standard Visitor Visa)

Valid Kenyan passport (at least 6 months validity beyond planned stay)
Completed online application form (printed)
Appointment confirmation letter
Bank statements (last 6 months)
Employment letter or business registration
Accommodation proof (hotel booking or host invitation letter)
Flight itinerary (do not buy tickets before visa is approved)
Travel insurance covering the UK
Previous UK or Schengen visas (if applicable)
Sponsor/host documents (if being sponsored - their UK bank statements, payslips, invitation)

Tips for a Successful Application

Show strong ties to Kenya: Property ownership, employment, family, and business ties demonstrate you will return.
Sufficient funds: Show enough money to cover your stay without working. GBP 100-150 per day is a guideline.
Genuine purpose: Be specific about what you will do in the UK and for how long.
Travel history: Previous travel to the UK, Europe, or other countries strengthens your application.
Do not buy tickets first: Only buy flights and non-refundable bookings after the visa is approved.
Consistent information: Ensure all documents match (dates, names, amounts).

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment. Priority service (5 working days) costs an additional GBP 500, and Super Priority (next working day) costs GBP 1,000. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.

Yes. You can apply for a UK visa from any country where you are legally present. Submit biometrics at the nearest VFS Global centre in that country. However, your application may be assessed by the UK visa hub serving that region.

There is no fixed minimum, but you must show sufficient funds for your entire stay. As a guideline, GBP 100-150 per day plus accommodation costs. The funds should be in your account consistently, not recently deposited. Bank statements for the last 6 months are required.

You will receive a refusal letter stating the reasons. For visitor visas, there is no right of appeal. You can reapply addressing the issues raised in the refusal. There is no waiting period to reapply, but make sure you address all concerns before resubmitting.