No doubt that the United Kingdom is a dream destination for many Kenyans, thanks to the multiple business and study opportunities available in the country. However, the United Kingdom is among the countries that Kenyan citizens require a visa before being allowed to travel there. You can apply for a UK visa online and book an appointment at the UK Embassy in Nairobi in the process of getting the vital travel document. On this article, we are going to look at the documents you will be required to produce at the UK embassy during the interview and all the requirements needed to get a UK visa.
There are 10 different types of UK Visas one can apply for i.e Asylum visa, UK Ancestry visa, Family Visa, Sponsorship visa, stateless visa, student visa, tourist visa, transit visa, immigration visa and Work visa. In this article, we are going to look at Student, tourist and work visas.
UK Tourist Visas For Kenyan Citizens
They are classified into five: Standard Visitor visa, Short-term study visa, Permitted Paid Engagement visa, Marriage Visitor visa, and Parent of a Tier 4 child visa.
1. Standard Visitor visa
Kenyans can apply for this type of visa if they want to visit the UK for the following reasons:
- For leisure, for example on holiday or to see your family and friends
- For business, or to take part in sports
- Medical treatment
Documents you must have before you apply for a standard visitor Visa.
1. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the UK. Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application. Make sure there is a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.
2. One recent photograph as per UKVI guidelines required only for applicants exempt from giving
biometrics.
3. Purpose of application ( including any related arrangements).
4. Evidence of arrangements made. Such as tour details/flight details/letter of invitation/evidence of sponsors immigration status in the UK.
5. Evidence of current employment or studies i.e a letter from your employer on company headed paper, detailing your role,
salary, and length of employment.
If self-employed: business registration documents confirming the business owner’s name and the date the business started trading
6. Financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds available. These must clearly show that you have access to the funds, such as bank statements.
7. Evidence of UK accommodation and travel details such as hotel booking confirmation/travel booking confirmation /sponsor accommodation details.
8. Evidence of your marital status, such as marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate /
divorce certificate/death certificate.
9. Evidence of family members remaining in your home country whilst you travel.
10. Evidence of any correspondence/TB Certificate
11. The dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
12. Your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
13. Details of your travel history for the past 10 years (as shown in your passport)
14. Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offenses you have committed
15. Proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules
You must always show that:
1. You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
2. You are able to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip.
3. You are able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit.
How to Apply
1. Go to the UK government Visas and Immigration website and create an account which will enable you to do the online application. Please take your time here and make sure you answer all the questions. It’s at this stage where you will book an appointment.
You will be able to check your appointment details whenever you log on to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
2. Create your account on TLScontact website. Here, you will do an easy check in when attending your appointment at the TLScontact offices. You will also view the application status tracker at the same website.
3. Attend your appointment at the Visa Application Centre ( TLScontact)
The TLScontact office is located in Unit 2, 1st floor of 9 West building in Westlands, Ring Rd Parklands, Nairobi.
On the appointment day, please arrive on time at the TLScontact office and check in at Welcome Desk in person by showing your passport and appointment confirmation email.
Once checked-in, officers at the Visa Application Centre ( TLScontact) will:
1. Review your application’s documents;
2. Enroll 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.
UK Visa Fees For Kenyan Citizens
Standard Visitor Visa | Visa application fee (USD) |
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 138 |
A Standard UK Visitor visa costs £93 equivalent to Ksh 13,140.92.
UK Visa Processing Time For Kenyan Citizens
It takes 3 weeks to process a standard UK visitor visa for a Kenyan citizen, that’s why you are advised to apply 3 months prior your travel.
To avoid any delay in your application, please ensure that you carry the following documents:
- A printed copy of your appointment confirmation;
- Printed receipt(s) of payment of Added Value Services (if applicable);
- Original valid passport (or Travel document) and residence permit (if applicable);
- Supporting documents that you wish to submit, with copies of all originals. For more details about the new document scanning process, please click here.
4. Wait for decision notification and Passport Return
Your application will be reviewed by UK Visas & Immigration, part of the UK government.UK Visas & Immigration may ask for additional information, or document, or an interview. If this happens, you will be contacted by email with detailed instructions.
You can always check your visa application’s status at the TLScontact website. You will also receive an email notification when your passport has been returned to us by UK Visas & Immigration.
During the Collection
To collect your passport at the Visa Application Centre, please ensure to come with the following documents:
1. Original TLScontact checklist (Form provided to you after the documents reviewing);
2. Copy OR original of your photographic ID
Once you are granted with your Standard UK Visitor Visa, these are some of the things you are not allowed to do while in the UK.
- You can’t do paid or unpaid work
- You can’t marry or register a civil partnership
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months with a Standard Visitor Visa.
UK Embassy in Kenya Contacts
Adress
Upper Hill Road
P.O. Box 30465-00100, Nairobi
Nairobi
Kenya
Email [email protected]
Telephone+254 (0)20 287 3000 / +254 (0)20 2844 000
UK Embassy in Kenya Opening and Closing hours.
Monday to Thursday: 7:45 am to 2 pm
Closed on Friday (except for emergencies)