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United Kingdom Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a UK Standard Visitor visa before traveling, applied for online and processed through VFS Global in Nairobi — the visa costs GBP 115 for up to 6 months' validity and decisions typically take about 3 weeks.

Guide last updated September 26, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the duration of your stay, ideally with at least 6 months' remaining validity
  • Completed online visa application via gov.uk, plus the printed confirmation sheet
  • A digital photo meeting UK visa specifications, uploaded during the online application
  • Confirmed or provisional flight itinerary
  • Proof of accommodation for the full stay
  • Bank statements for the last 6 months, payslips, or a letter from your employer confirming leave and salary
  • Biometric fingerprints and photo captured in person at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Nairobi
  • Travel health insurance is not mandatory for the Standard Visitor visa but is strongly recommended

Visa types

  • Standard Visitor Visa - covers tourism, family visits, and short business trips; valid for up to 6 months per visit, with 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year long-validity multiple-entry options available at higher fees
  • Marriage Visitor Visa - specifically for travelers intending to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK, valid for 6 months
  • Student Visa - required for courses longer than 6 months, applied for separately with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • Skilled Worker Visa - requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, applied for through a separate route

How to apply

  • Complete the online application form on gov.uk, selecting the Standard Visitor visa category
  • Pay the visa fee online, then book a biometric appointment at VFS Global Nairobi
  • Attend the appointment with your printed application, passport, and all supporting documents; fingerprints and a photo are taken on-site
  • Optional add-on services at VFS include document checking, priority visa (5 working days), and super-priority (next working day) processing
  • Decisions are emailed, and the passport with a vignette (or a decision to issue a digital eVisa, depending on current UK rollout) is returned via VFS courier or collected in person

Fees & processing time

  • Standard Visitor visa fee: GBP 115 (approximately USD 145) for up to 6 months' validity; higher fees apply for 2, 5, or 10-year multiple-entry visas
  • VFS Global service fee: approximately USD 40-60 in addition to the government visa fee
  • Total cost estimate: USD 190-230 for a standard 6-month visa application
  • Standard processing time: around 3 weeks (15 working days), though this can vary with application volume
  • Priority service (5 working days) costs an additional GBP 500 approximately; super-priority (next working day) costs significantly more and is subject to availability

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for standard processing plus any request for further documents
  • Common rejection reasons include unclear or insufficient proof of ties to Kenya (employment, property, family), inconsistent financial documents, and unexplained gaps in bank statements
  • Book your VFS Nairobi biometric appointment as soon as you submit the online form, since slots can fill up quickly
  • Keep your cover letter concise and consistent with your supporting documents — vague or generic letters are a frequent red flag for UK Visas and Immigration
  • If refused, you can reapply addressing the specific reasons given rather than appeal, as Standard Visitor visa refusals generally do not carry a right of appeal

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.