United Kingdom visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting United Kingdom

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Briton Visa.

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (2x 2') taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical Insurance.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

United Kingdom Visa for Kenyans

Facts about United Kingdom

The United Kingdom consists of four countries which are: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
London, the capital of the United Kingdom is a great location for tourist and it's also its largest city.

The United Kingdom is one of the largest economy based on nominal GDP and is a very popular choice destination among business people. A lot of tourists also visit the country because of the wonderful sites to visit and the rich history of the country. Tourists who visit can easily bask in the gorgeous view of many of the city’s landmarks from the Coca-cola London Eye as well as many historical sites.

London is home to a wide range of attractions: art at galleries such as the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, The Tate, and the Tate Modern, amongst others. There are cultural treats in the theatres and cinema of the West End and South Bank, and the recreated home of Shakespeare in the capital, the Globe. 

The Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge. The Georgian architecture, Roman Baths, York Minister, Canterbury Cathedral and Shakespeare's Birthplace are some interesting landmarks to visit in the UK.

With 36.115 million people visiting in 2015, The United Kingdom is the sixth top destination for tourists. This number has steadily been on the rise since 2015.

Types of United Kingdom Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 21 days 90 days
Transit visa 21 days 24 hours
Student visa 21 days More than 90 days
Work visa 21 days More than 90 days

General Requirements for United Kingdom Visa

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (2x 2') taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical Insurance.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
United Kingdom Tourist visa United Kingdom Transit visa United Kingdom Student visa United Kingdom Work visa

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

    • Kenyans intending to travel to the United Kingdom for the purpose of visiting, relaxation, vacation, sightseeing, conduct business, attend conferences and training programs can apply for the UK tourist visa.
    • The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa.
    • The UK tourist visa is also called a standard visitor visa.
    • The United Kingdom tourist visa is valid for six months.
    • The Standard Visitor Visa covers for the following visa:
      • Family Visitor visa.
      • General Visitor visa.
      • Child Visitor visa.
      • Business Visitor visa, including visas for academics, doctors and dentists.
      • Sports Visitor visa.
      • Entertainer Visitor visa.
      • Prospective Entrepreneur visa.
      • Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa.
      • Approved Destination Status (ADS) visa.
    • If you have a medical condition that could have a bearing on your eligibility for a visa, bring a letter from your physician which discusses your current state of health.
    • Visitors are required to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their entire stay in the UK.
    • You should have at least £117 per day to cover your daily expenses.
    • You must present a detailed travel itinerary. It has to contain dates of your onward and backward travel. Submit a travel plan that gives all the information regarding how and what you are planning to do in the UK. Include the travel dates, places you will visit, meeting agenda, booked tour, festival agenda, etc.
    • If you have ever been arrested, convicted and/or cautioned, you are required to declare it and bring additional documents with you to your visa interview.
    • The officers at the first port of entry may ask you a few questions on your arrival.
    •  If you are applying for a visa that lets you stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to submit your biometric information. This includes giving your fingerprints and a digital photograph taken at the appropriate application center.
    • The UK tourist visa application process is long. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of the travel to the UK.

    United Kingdom Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

    • With the UK transit visa, Kenyans can make stopovers in the United Kingdom.
    • This visa allows foreigners to transit through the country to their destination country.
    • The UK transit visa is valid for 48 hours.
    • Flight ticket to the destination country is required.
    • You are required to have the visa of your destination country.
    • Holders of this visa are neither allowed to work or study while they are in the country.
    • Receipt of payment of visa application fee is required.
    • Minors should ensure they have an unabridged original copy of their birth certificate.
    • An extension to this visa cannot be granted.

    United Kingdom Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

    • Kenyans traveling to the UK for study purposes are eligible for the UK student visa. 
    • This visa is also known as a Tier 4 general student visa.
    • If you’re studying a short course and are over 18 years old, you may be eligible for the short-term study visa. This is valid up to six months for most short courses and can be extended for a stay of up to 11 months for English language courses.
      • If you’re studying a longer course, you’ll need to make sure your chosen institution holds a Tier 4 Sponsor License. You can either apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa (if you’re aged 4-17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK) or a Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 16 and over
      • Applicants over the age of 16 years can apply for this visa.
      • It is important that the applicant pay for a healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
      • Although this is a student visa, students cannot study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school).
      • In order to meet the UK student requirements, you need to provide the following:
        • An unconditional offer of a place on a course offered by a licensed Tier 4 Sponsor, evidenced by a 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ (CAS) form from your course provider.
        • Proof of adequate English language skills, this must be demonstrated by passing one of the secure English language tests (SELT). You will not need to provide this if you’re from an English-speaking country such as the United States or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
        • Proof of financial support must be provided, this can take the form of bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor, showing you can cover your tuition fees, accommodation and living costs. You must prove that you have £1,015 (~US$1,300) per month for living costs if studying in the UK outside of London, and £1,265 (~US$1,600) a month for living costs if studying in London.

      United Kingdom Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

      • This visa allows Kenyans to visit the country to work.
      • You must have a confirmation of your employment before you apply for this visa.
      • An official letter of invitation from your employer is required. This is to show that you have been granted employment in the company.
      • The company’s address and your job description should be clearly stated in the letter of invitation provided by your employer.
      • Kenyans are required to have a valid work permit.
      • A document that shows you will not be paid below the minimum wage should be provided.
      • Before you can be issued this visa, no Briton must be available and willing to work. A proof of this is required.
      • You must have the appropriate qualifications for the job before you are issued this visa.
      • Foreigners in the country are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the visa.
      • Proof that you have the incentive of returning to Kenya should be provided.
      • You must be free of any medical condition or disease.

      United Kingdom Visa Fees

      Visa Type

      Sub Types

      Visa Fees

      Tourist visa

      93.00 (GBP)

      Transit visa

      93.00 (GBP)

      Student visa

      93.00 (GBP)

      Work visa

      93.00 (GBP)

      United Kingdom Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

      Location

      Address

      Nairobi

      Upper Hill Road, Nairobi, Kenya.

      https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commssion-nairobi

      Nairobi.enquiries@fco.gov.uk

      +254 20 287 3000, +254 20 284 4000

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How much is the UK visa fee?

      The cost of UK visas depends on the type of UK visa and the length of time you are staying in the UK. A 6-month Standard Visitor visa currently costs £93.

      How can I get a job in the UK as a Kenyan citizen?
      To get a job in the UK, your best chance is to have the relevant skills, training, and experience of one of the jobs on offer in the country. Then you can apply for work visa.
      Do I need a photo for UK visa?
      Yes, you need two identical 2 x 2'' passport-sized photos that meets the specification of a visa application.
      Can you work with a visitor visa in UK?

      It is not possible for you to work with a visitor visa in UK. It is only permitted if you have activities related to your work or business overseas, and you'll need to obtain a work visa.

      Can I extend visitor visa in the UK?

      You may be able to extend your visitor visa as long as the total time you spend in the UK is less than 6 months.

      How much money I will pay for visa?