UK Visa Requirements for Kenyan Citizens 2023

Please watch this video before submitting your UK visa application:

Dreaming of visiting England, the United Kingdom, Britain, the UK on a Kenyan passport?

Yes, it has that many names.

Basi take a seat and be my guest. This comprehensive post guides shows you how to make your UK tourist or visitor’s visa application as a Kenyan national.

Like any tourist or visitor’s visa application for a Kenyan passport holder, the process of applying for a UK visa can either be difficult or hassle-free depending on how prepared or not, you are.

I hope that this guide will ensure that your British tourist visitor’s  visa application to visit the UK, Great Britain, England, on a Kenyan passport is a breeze.

But first, a disclaimer:

I CANNOT guarantee that your UK visa application will be approved by following all requirements to a T. Getting a visa or not is at the sole discretion of the UK consulate officer who will attend to your documents.

All I am offering here is a comprehensive guide with actionable tips to increase your odds of getting the UK visa from here in Kenya.

Secondly,  always consult with the British High Commisson or their website for any updates or changes through email at :Nairobi.Enquiries@fco.gov.uk; on Phone at 020 287 3000 / 020 2844 000; or in person at:

Upper Hill Road
P.O. Box 30465-00100, Nairobi
Nairobi
Kenya

Okay, since we’ve taken that our of the way, let’s move on…

STEP 1: FIND OUT THE TYPE OF UK VISA YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR

There are various types of UK visas that one can apply for: study visa, business visa, as spouse of a British national,etc. 

However, since I only have experience with the UK visa requirements and process for Kenyan citizens – i.e. for a short stay 6 month multiple entry and 2 year multiple entry – that’s what I’ll focus on in this guide.

For all your other non-tourist UK visa application from Kenya requirements, kindly contact the British High Commission office in Kenya directly for the requirements.

STEP 2: PREPARE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR VISA APPLICATION

First find out what kind of UK visit visa to apply for and check the required supporting documents for your visa application.

UK Visa Requirements for Kenya Citizens 2019

1. Valid e-mail address that you can access. This enables you to save your answers on the online application form and gives access to a unique link to let you log back in to your application at a later time, if need be.
2. Valid Kenyan Passport. Submit both the original passport as well as clear copies of the same, especially the first two front page and the last two pages – biodata pages. Validity simply means that the passport expires at least 6 months after your intended travel date, you have signed it, and it has at least two (2) blank pages – this is needed for affixing the visa as well as for stamping the passport upon entry and departure into the UK or wherever else you intend to visit.
3. Details of previous countries visited in the last 10 years. This includes month and year visited. But again, check on the embassy website in case of changes. Things change from time to time
4. Your national ID card – if you have one.
5. A duly filled, dated and signed by applicant UK Visa Application Form.
   • This is filled online at the UK visas and immigration website. In a bit I show you how to go about it.
6. 2 passport size colored photos (white background)
   • Your head should be uncovered and no spectacles/glasses accepted
   • Your face should cover 2/3 of the photo. 
   • Just go to any studio (I have always used Maridadi Pix located at Uchumi House on Aga Khan Walk because they’re fast, affordable, and high quality. Plus the customer service is top notch). Just ask for a UK visa photo and they will sort you out. Plus they also can save the picture for you in soft copy.
7. Return Air Ticket.  You will need to print out the ticket. My personal advice is that you don’t go for a fully paid flight ticket before your visa is approved to avoid issues of sunk costs in case your UK visa application from Kenya is denied. Or the visa approval process takes longer than anticipated and the visa is approved beyond your purchased ticket dates. Click here for more information on different ways you can make a flight reservation or book a confirmed ticket reservation for your UK visa application in Kenya without paying for an actual flight ticket.
   • The ticket must be round-trip
   • It must indicate your full names as in passport
   • 
8. Letter from the employer or company (located in Kenya). At bare minimum, it is important that the letter include the following information:
   • Your full names and passport number as reference
   • Your title
   • Period you have been employed with the organization
   • Your salary details
   • Employment status – permanent jobs have more weight, I think
   • That you will be on approved leave during the travel period and that you intend to come back and work for the organization
   • Sign off by your HR/Admin person.
   • any other relevant information
9. Pay slips for the last 3 months. Photocopies certified by your finance/HR/Admin officer should suffice. No need for originals.
   • For self-employed / business people.
     • If you’re a hustler – like I am right now, it is important to register your business to get a Certificate of Registration. With e-citizen, this whole process is such a breeze. Use the The Attorney General and Department.The entire process takes kedo 8 minutes only. But If you’d rather do things manually, just head over to any Huduma center and register hata kama its as a sole proprietor. With your business name, you can also make other branding items like business cards, a website, etc that come handy especially at immigration when the officers ask for evidence of what you do for a living.
   • For unemployed persons.
     • Based on how the UK embassy visa application requirements are structured, I’d suggest you just look for a guarantor or sponsor if you’re not employed or have no business to your name.
     • If you savings are your only source of income, you MUST send in proof as part of your supporting documents.
10. Means of funding your stay in the UK:
    • Usually they ask for the last 3 months’ certified personal bank statements. Please note that the embassy doesn’t accept company bank statements for tourist visa applications.
    • Ask your bank to certify the bank statements.
    • I am not aware of any standard minimum required amounts to have in the bank statement used to apply for the UK visa. However, I usually work with a ballpark figure of £150(approximately KES 15,000) per day of intended stay in the UK. The more the merrier, though.
11. Your total monthly expenditure figure. This figure should include your living costs, any money given to dependents, your rent or mortgage, and any other bills or costs.
12. Medical Travel insurance Letter/Certificate.
    • While this is not a mandatory requirement, I highly encourage you to insure your travels. While it’s only fair to that we hope for the best, we must also prepare for the worst. Anything could go wrong when in that foreign country. You could fall sick or get an accident. You can buy coverage through any of the travel insurance provider companies in Kenya e.g. Jubilee, APA, etc. Personally I prefer to make my plans as stress free as possible. So I use usually purchase travel insurance directly from World Nomads online via credit/debit card. I like to be in control while outside Kenya.
13. Hotel Reservation. 
    • While it is not mandatory that you have your accommodation booked by the time you make your application, in my opinion, it’s to your advantage that you make a reservation in good time so you don’t miss out on the good deals. You can reserve your accommodation directly via the hotel of choice.
    • Alternatively, do it online via aggregation sites e.g. Booking.com.
    • I love Booking.com as it has very many hotel selections that allow for allow free cancellations before a certain date and don’t ask for pre-payment.
    • This works especially in the unfortunate event that a visa is denied. Its also advantageous in that the visa may be granted all the same, but your circumstances change and you want to change hotels without cost implications.
    • I also use Booking.com to compare prices then head over to the hotel website to check if there’s a cheaper option before finalizing the booking.
    • If you are invited by a friend or a relative, you will need to have their full residential address.
    • If invited by a relative, you need to show documentary proof of the relationship between the two of you. I’m guessing a birth certificate or marriage certificate. Not sure.

Booking.com

» TRAVEL TIP: You must bring the original and a photocopy (preferably on A4 paper) of all the supporting documents you need for your visa.

STEP 3: FILL OUT YOUR UK VISA APPLICATION, PAY THE APPLICATION FEE & BOOK INTERVIEW DATE

FILLING OUT THE UK VISA APPLICATION

The length of time it takes you to complete the application is dependent on your individual circumstance. On average though, it takes about 25 minutes more or less, if you carefully followed STEP 1 above. There is however the option to save your application and return to it another time by clicking on the ‘Return to this application later’ button.

1. Head over to the UK visas and immigration website.
   1. Select your language and click Next
   2. Select ‘visa or transit’ as your visa type and click Next
   3. Enter ‘Kenya’ as the country in which you’re making the application from and click Next
   4. Select ‘I can go to an appointment at one of these visa application centres’ and click Next
   5. Read through this page then Scroll down to the end of the page and click on the green ‘Start Now’ button.
   6. Click on the ‘Start a New Application’ button which is on the left.
2.  Register your e-mail address and create a password. The password must be at least 8 characters or longer and include a letter and a number or symbol.
3. Enter your names your name, as shown in your current passport or travel document. Given names simply is your first name e.g. Abner Armani. Family Name in most cases is your father’s name. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’. To return to the application later, simply log into the e-mail account you provided in #2 above, and click on the link provided by the embassy. It will take you back to the next section to be completed.
4. If applicable to you, enter any other names have you ever used in the past including your maiden name – for those who got married and adopted le hubby’s name :). Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
5. Enter your home address e.g. 9 riverside drive, House #9, Kiunga Drive, Nairobi City, Kenya, . This is different from P.O. Box. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
6. Enter your phone number, starting with 254 in the first box- country code for Kenya – then your number in the next. If you like you can add another telephone number by clicking on that button. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
7. Enter the number of days, week, months or years you have stayed at the address you entered in #6 above; and also the ownership status of the house (e.g. do you rent it, own it, share it with family, etc.) Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
8. Select your gender (male, femal, or unspecified), as shown in your passport or travel. document. Then select your relationship status from the drop down box (whether single, divorced, widowed, etc.) Click ‘Save and Continue’ or ‘Return to this application later’.
9. Enter all the nationalities you hold, your date of birth, country of birth, and place of birth as shown in your passport or travel document. As you start typing the country, it will auto-fill. Just select it to populate the form. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
10. Accurately enter your passport details – i.e. Passport number or travel document reference number, Place of issue, Issue date, and Expiry date. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
11. Respond with a Yes or No depending on whether you have another passport or travel document that is either: 1) issued by another country, or 2) is older or has expired but which contains additional information about your travel history – see STEP 2 #3 above. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
12. Respond with a Yes or No depending on whether you have a national ID card. If yes, enter the number on the next page. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
13. Select your employment status as appropriate. You can select more than one. i.e. employed, self-employed, student, retired, etc. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
14. Enter your employment details depending on your selection in #13 above. Click ‘Save and Continue’ or ‘Return to this application later’.
    1. If employed, you need the following details: Employer’s name, Employer’s address, Town/City, Province/State, Country, Employer’s telephone number, and the date you started working for this employer.
    2. If self-employed, you need the following details: the nature of your job, and the amount you earn from this job in a year.
    3. If you’re a student,retired, or unemployed, clicking on  ‘Save and Continue’ leads you to the ‘income and savings’ page.
15. As appropriate, select whether you have other income or savings, their nature/source, and the amount in KES or GBP you get in a year. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
    1. If you have savings, please indicate the amount in GBP. Simply go to Google and type ‘convert KES xxx to GBP’ for a quick conversion.
    2. Kindly note that if you savings are your only source of income, you MUST send in proof as part of your supporting documents.
16. Indicate the total amount of money you intend to spend (in KES or GBP) on your visit to the UK. This is basically an estimate the amount that should include flights, accommodation and upkeep expenses. I usually work with a ballpark figure of £150(approximately KES 15,000) per day. But it pretty much depends on you and your travel style; luxury, budget, backpacker, etc. Click on the left box to choose currency, then enter the amount in the box on the right hand side. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
17. Indicate your total monthly expenditure. This figure should include your living costs, any money given to dependents, your rent or mortgage, and any other bills or costs.  Click on the left box to choose currency, then enter the amount in the box on the right hand side. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
18. Select Yes or No depending on whether anyone will be paying the cost of your visit to the UK.
    This could either be your employer, another organization, a friend, or anyone else sponsoring your trip. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
    1. If your answer to #18 above was a Yes, select who is paying towards the cost of your trip and the amount of money they are contributing towards the visit. 
19. Enter your planned arrival and departure dates to the UK. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
20. Enter a preferred language of communication should the embassy need to communicate with you concerning your application. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
21. Select ‘Tourism including visiting family and friends’ as the main reason for your visit. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
22. Select the main reason for your holiday visit to the UK (i.e. tourist, visit family, or visit friends.) Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
23. Give details of the main purpose of your visit and anything else you plan to do on your trip. Here I usually just enter my day to day itinerary, starting with arrival to London, and ending with a departure to Nairobi. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
24. Select Yes or No depending on whether you have any people that depend on you for financial support e.g. children under 18, children over 18 who live with you in your house, children who you look after all the time, older relatives who need you for accommodation, etc. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
25. If you answered Yes to #24 above, enter your dependents’ information (i.e. names, date of birth, whether they currently live with you or not, and whether they will be accompanying you to the UK). Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
    1. If the dependent doesn’t currently live with you, enter their address.
    2. If the dependent will be travelling with you to the UK, enter their passport information.
26. Enter details of your parents i.e. their full names, date of birth, current nationality, and whether they’ve always had that nationality. If you don’t have any of the above information, select the ‘what if I don’t have my parent’s details’ link then select the ‘I do not have my parent’s details’ box.Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
27. Select Yes or No depending on whether you have you have any family in the UK. That is:
    • immediate family – such as spouse, civil partner, parents or children
    • grandparents or grandchildren
    • your spouse or civil partner’s family
    • your child’s spouse, civil partner or partner, and/or
    • your partner, if you have lived with them for 2 out of the last 3 years

    Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.

28. If you answered No to #27 above, move on to #29. If you answered Yes to #27 above, indicate your relative’s details. i.e. their relationship to you, their full names, their nationality, what permission they have to be in the UK (choose between a temporary visa, UK permanent residents, they do not have a visa and are not in the UK permanently, or that you cannot contact the relative). Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
29. Indicate whether you will be travelling to the UK as part of an organised group or not.
    This include travel companies or sports, work, or study groups.
    1. If Yes, enter name of the group or company. Then Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
    2. If No, Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
30. Indicate whether you will be travelling to the UK with someone who is not your partner, spouse, or dependent?
    1. If Yes, give details of the person, their relationship to you, and their nationality. List one person’s details at a time if you’ll be travelling with more than one person. Then Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
    2. If No, Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
31. Indicate with a Yes or No whether you have already made arrangements for where you are going to stay in the UK. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
    1. If Yes, enter address of where you plan to stay in the UK, when you plan to arrive, and when you plan to leave. If you are staying with family or friends, or in another person’s home, enter the person’s full name.
    2. If you have not made any arrangements, give as much detail as you can about your UK accommodation plans – e.g. in a hotel, with friends or in private housing – in the space provided.
32. Select the number of times you have traveled to the UK in the last 10 years. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
33. Select your reason for visiting the UK, dates you visited, and for how long. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
34. Indicate whether you have ever  been given medical treatment in the UK. Apparently, even a visit to a doctor or treatment at a hospital counts as having medical treatment. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
35. If yes, give details of your visit. Where you went for your previous medical treatment in the UK, Name of hospital or doctor’s surgery, address of the hospital, Date of medical treatment, and whether or not you were told that you had to pay for your medical treatment (if yes, say whether you paid the full amount or not). Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
36. Indicate whether or not you have ever applied for leave to remain in the UK in the past 10 years. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
    1. If Yes, indicate date of application and whether your application was approved or refused.
37. Indicate the number of times you have visited any of the following countries in the last 10 years: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, or the Schengen area. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
38. If once or more than once, select the country you visited, reason for visit, date of visit, and the length of your visit.
39. Indicate with a Yes or No whether you have ever visited any other countries other than those listed in #37 above.Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
40. If your answer is Yes, select the country you visited, reason for visit, date of visit, and the length of your visit. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
41. Indicate with a Yes or No whether you ever been:
    • refused a visa for the UK
    • deported from the UK
    • removed from the UK
    • required to leave the UK
    • refused entry at the UK border
42. If Yes, give details of what happened by selecting one of the given options, the date, and any other details e.g. incident reference number. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
43. Indicate with a Yes or No whether you have ever been:
    • refused a visa for any country other than the UK
    • deported from any country other than the UK
    • removed from any country other than the UK
    • required to leave any country other than the UK
    • refused entry at the border of any country other than the UK
    • whether you ever been:
44. If Yes, give details of what happened by selecting one of the given options, the date, and any other details e.g. incident reference number. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
45. Indicate whether at any time you have ever had any convictions or penalties, in the UK or in another country. If yes, give details of the conviction or penalty – its nature, dates, and country of conviction. If no, select the last option, ‘No I have never had any of these’. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
46. Indicate with a Yes or No at the bottom of the page whether you have ever been involved in, or suspected of involvement in, war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide. If yes, give more details about your involvement. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
47. Indicate with a Yes or No whether you have ever been involved in, supported or encouraged terrorist activities in any country. If yes, give more details about your involvement. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’. 
48. Indicate with a Yes or No whether you have ever been a member of, or given support to, an organisation which has been concerned in terrorism. If yes, give more details about your involvement. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
49. Indicate with a Yes or No whether you have, by any means or medium, expressed views that justify or glorify terrorist violence or that may encourage others to commit terrorist or other serious criminal acts. If yes, give more details about your terrorist views. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.
50. Indicate whether or not you have worked for any of the following organizations: Armed forces, government, media organizations, security organizations, or judiciary.
51. Enter any additional relevant information about your application that you would like to add to strengthen your application. If you don’t have anything to add, just skip to Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’. Usually I’d just add a little paragraph in the lines of:

The main purpose of my travel is tourism. Over the years, I have traveled internationally to XXX countries as evident from my passport. I have always returned to Kenya after every trip, and I have NEVER overstayed my welcome.

In April, I would like to visit the UK. I will pay for the trip from my salary, savings as well as proceeds from my business .

I’ve always been fascinated by the British culture, architecture, history, and FOOD! I’m especially excited to see the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben; as well as do day trips to Bath and the Cotsworlds, time permitting. I also plan to attend an Enrique Iglesias concert in Manchester during my visit.

I look forward to a favorable response from you. Thank you.

Booking.com

53. Confirm that all answers entered in the application form are accurate to the best of your knowledge. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’. 

STEP 4: YOUR DOCUMENTS

1. Check on the box to confirm your understanding that you must provide a valid passport from Kenya with your name as the applicant.

STEP 5: DECLARATION

1. Click on the green ‘I accept the above’ button as confirmation of your understanding that to the best of your knowledge and belief the following is correct:
   • the information relating to your application
   • your supporting documents
2. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’. 
3. Select whether you want the Standard service whereby you get a decision within 15 working days or Priority service whereby your application will join the front of the queue for priority consideration and you most likely get a decision within 5 working days.

STEP 6: CHOOSE LENGTH OF YOUR VISA

Choose the length of your visit visa. This could either be:

• 6 months
• 2 years
• 5 years, or
• 10 years.

STEP 7: CHOOSE VISA APPLICATION CENTER

1. Select either Nairobi or Mombasa as your visa application center.
2. Click ‘Save and Continue’, ‘Return to this application later’, or ‘Show and edit answers’.

STEP 8: PAY FOR YOUR UK VISA

1. Check and confirm the answers submitted in the application before proceeding with payment.
   1. Once you select ‘Continue to Worldpay’ you will not be able to return and edit your application.
2. Choose your card provider (Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, etc).
3. Continue to Worldpay and make payment for your visa.
4. Click ‘Make Payment’
5. Check the email address you provided above for an email from noreply@visas-immigration.service.gov.uk. This email confirms the amount paid and the application’s reference number. UK immigration service in Kenya does not provide an invoice, but this email provides confirmation that they have received your payment. The e-mail also details your next step of action.
6. Print this payment confirmation e-mail.
7. Download and print your UK visa application form.

Booking.com

The fee for a UK visa in Kenya

How much is the cost of a UK visa application?

As at the time of this writing, the fee or cost of a UK visa varies depending on the length of visa applied for, as well as whether you select standard processing times (about 15 working days) or Priority processing time (usually 5 working days)

6 month visa:

Standard service : pay 127.00 USD in total, most people get a decision within 15 working days

Priority service : pay 390.00 USD in total, your application will join the front of the queue for priority consideration. Most people get a decision within 5 working days

2 Year Visa:

Standard service : pay 482.00 USD

Priority service : pay 745.00 USD 

5 Year Visa:

Standard service : pay 875.00 USD

Priority service : pay 1,138.00 USD 

10 Year Visa:

Standard service : pay 1,097.00 USD

Priority service : pay 1,360.00 USD 

I would however advise that you submit your application at least 30 working days before the intended departure date just to be on the safe side.

STEP 9: BOOK YOUR UK VISA APPOINTMENT IN KENYA

At this point, if you have not already done so, you must return to your application:

1. Click on ‘Resume my old application’

1. Enter your password and click ‘ log in’. In case you have forgotten it, click on ‘forgot password’ to have it reset.

1. Once logged in, download and print your supporting document checklist by clicking on the green ‘download checklist’ button on the right hand side.

You must download your supporting documents checklist and print if for when you provide your biometrics at the TLS contact UK visa application center in Kenya you selected in Step 7 above.

Make arrangements to provide your documents and biometrics

You must make arrangements to provide your documents and biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph) with TLS contact, the UK visa application center in Nairobi or Mombasa that you selected above.

To do this, click on the green button written ‘provide documents and biometrics’.

Clicking on that link will transfer you to the TLC contact center website to make arrangements to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph).

P.S. You can always return to your application at any time by logging in via the link sent in your payment confirmation email.

Your application may not be successful unless you complete all mandatory actions on the previous steps. You must return to your application if there are incomplete mandatory actions.

Clicking on ‘continue’ will land you on the TLS contact website whereby you then book your UK visa appointment in Kenya. It is also on the same website where you can amend your visa appointment booking.

1. Select the green ‘ book’ button.

2. Choose any added value services you are interested in by clicking on ‘add to basket’ from the given options:

3. Book an appointment 

Once you have selected your preferred value added services, click on the green ‘step 2: book an appointment’ button on the bottom right hand side of the page.

Once you have selected an appointment date and time, proceed to checkout by clicking on the green button.

If you select any of the indicated Prime appointment times, be prepared to pay extra for the service.

A pop up will inform you that ‘You are going to be redirected to the payment page’. Click on the green ‘I understand’ button.

Clicking on the ‘I understand’ button will land you on the check out page. Click on ‘place order’.

If your appointment booking is successful, you will be taken to the following page:

Once you have made your booking, you can log back to your account and either amend your appointment, return to the GOV.UK website where you made your UK visa application, or track your application once you submit it to TLScontact for processing.

STEP 10: ATTEND YOUR UK VISA APPOINTMENT

To attend your UK visa appointment at the center you selected above, you must first register with them through the following steps:

Print out your appointment confirmation e-mail

2. Go to the selected Visa Application Centre and check in at the Welcome Desk in person by showing your passport and appointment confirmation email.

If you chose Assisted Service, when you attend your appointment, you must take with you:

• A printed copy of your appointment confirmation email
• A printed receipt of payment for any Added Value Services (if applicable)
• A valid passport or travel document and residence permit (both original and copy) in A4 format (if applicable)
• Any supporting documents which you intend to supply (as well as copies of all originals in A4 format)
• The first page of your Visa Application Form

Failure to submit supporting evidence may result in delay and/or lead to the refusal of your application.

If you chose Self-Service, you must upload your supporting documents before coming to the Visa Application Centre, and take with you:

• A printed copy of your appointment confirmation email
• A printed receipt of payment for any Added Value Services (if applicable)
• A valid passport or travel document and residence permit (both original and copy) in A4 format (if applicable)
• The first page of your Visa Application Form.

Should you wish to switch to Assisted Service, you can do so either online through your application or onsite on your submission date. This service comes at a nominal additional fee.

Once checked-in:

1. TLScontact officers review your application documents;
2. Enrol your biometric data (unless you benefit from an exemption) by capturing your fingerprint and taking your photo;
3. Transfer your application to UK Visas & Immigration for assessment and processing.

STEP 11: COLLECT YOUR UK VISA

To collect your passport from the UK Visa Application Centre, you will use the original TLScontact checklist form provided to you after the documents reviewing plus a copy OR original of your photographic ID.

This is done right at the Welcome Desk at the center and takes about 1 minute total.

And voila! You’re ready to jet off to the UK!!!

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FAQs. (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

◘◘ Where in Kenya can I buy travel insurance for my UK trip?

In case you’re wondering where in Kenya to get travel insurance cover for your UK trip, you can buy coverage through this list of approved Schengen travel insurance companies in Kenya or purchase directly online via credit/debit card. I like to be in control while out so I purchase my coverage online from World Nomads. Fortunately, I have never had to claim, so the only experience I have with them is the buying experience which is hassle-free. In terms of claims, I have only read of good things. So I highly recommend them. If you’d rather go the traditional route of insurance agents, please go ahead and pick a provider from the list above.

◘◘ When is the earliest time that I can apply for a UK visa?
Of course, as with all things in life, luck always favors the prepared. I therefore suggest you start your application as early as possible, i.e. any time up to a maximum of 3 months before travel.  The British High Commission in Kenya advises that you apply at least 15 working days before your intended date of departure to the UK.

◘◘ How long is the duration of a tourist UK visa?
With a UK tourism visa, you are permitted to stay in the UK for as long as the visa is still valid, but for no more than 90 days, starting from the day your cross the border into the country.

◘◘ How much money should I show in my bank account?
The British High Commission does NOT indicate any minimum amounts of cash needed in your bank statement to grant a UK visa. However, personally like to show about KES 15,000 per day of my intended stay in the UK. But again, as I stated above, more won’t hurt.

◘◘ How long does the UK visa process via the British Embassy in Nairobitake?
For Kenyan nationals, the standard official processing period for UK Visas is fifteen (15) working days. However due to differing individual circumstances, it could be earlier or later. There is also an option for Priority visa processing so you get your passport back in 5 working days. But boy, its damn expensive. I’d rather just plan my travels well in advance go through the standard processing window.

◘◘  How can I follow up on my application?
Please log into the TLS application portal and track your application.

◘◘  Where is the UK visa submission center in Nairobi, Kenya? What is the address of the UK Visa Application center Nairobi, Kenya?

Yes, there is ample basement parking available at the 9 West building.