Everything Kenya citizens need to know about applying for a United Kingdom visa. Updated April 2026.
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| Visa Type | Standard Visitor Visa |
| Application Fee | GBP 135 (6 months) — 8 April 2026 Home Office schedule |
| Processing Time | ~3 weeks (15 working days); longer in peak season (Jun-Sep) |
| Maximum Stay | 6 months per visit |
| Official Portal | Official application site |
Apply online at gov.uk, then biometrics at VFS Global (Nairobi, Mombasa)
TB test for visas over 6 months at IOM Nairobi or Mombasa (~KES 16,000)
Immigration Health Surcharge for visas over 6 months
Priority service (5 working days) available for an extra fee
eVisa — no physical BRP or visa sticker for new grants
Kenya sits above the global average for UK refusals — lead with a consistent 6-month financial history and documented ties to Kenya, not a last-minute lump-sum deposit.
Complete 2026 Guide
Kenya to United Kingdom Visa: Full Application Walkthrough
Step-by-step process, required documents, financial requirements, and strategy tips
Yes. Kenya citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa to visit United Kingdom. The application fee is GBP 135 (6 months) — 8 April 2026 Home Office schedule and standard processing takes ~3 weeks (15 working days); longer in peak season (Jun-Sep).
The Standard Visitor Visa application fee is GBP 135 (6 months) — 8 April 2026 Home Office schedule. Immigration Health Surcharge for visas over 6 months Priority service (5 working days) available for an extra fee Budget for the total cost including biometrics, service centre fees, and any required medical examinations.
Standard processing for Kenya citizens applying for a United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa takes ~3 weeks (15 working days); longer in peak season (Jun-Sep). Priority service (5 working days) available for an extra fee
Beyond standard documents (valid passport, photos, financial proof), Kenya citizens must meet these corridor-specific requirements: Apply online at gov.uk, then biometrics at VFS Global (Nairobi, Mombasa). TB test for visas over 6 months at IOM Nairobi or Mombasa (~KES 16,000). Immigration Health Surcharge for visas over 6 months. eVisa — no physical BRP or visa sticker for new grants. TravelReady generates a personalised checklist for the Kenya-United Kingdom corridor.
Kenya sits above the global average for UK refusals — lead with a consistent 6-month financial history and documented ties to Kenya, not a last-minute lump-sum deposit. The most common rejection causes for this corridor are incomplete documentation, insufficient financial evidence, and weak ties to Kenya. TravelReady's Expert Document Validation checks your documents against embassy rules specific to the Kenya-United Kingdom route before you submit.
Data sources: Requirements sourced from official embassy and consulate websites, IATA travel regulations, and government immigration portals.
Update policy: Requirements are reviewed continuously and updated within 24 hours when policy changes are announced. Last reviewed: April 2026
TravelReady is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Always verify requirements with the official consulate for your destination.