UK-bound travelers from Kenya now have streamlined access to visa services, thanks to VFS Global’s recent appointment by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to manage visa application centers across the country. As of October 22, 2024, VFS Global’s new Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Nairobi and Mombasa provide UK visa application services, offering enhanced convenience and optional premium services to make the application process more accessible and efficient for Kenyan residents.

Enhanced Application Process with New Services

With VFS Global’s expanded role, applicants can book appointments online to submit their visa applications at state-of-the-art VACs. Along with standard application procedures, VFS Global offers several optional premium services for a more comfortable and flexible experience:

Document Upload Assistance: Applicants can receive support for uploading necessary documents, ensuring accurate submissions.
Prime Time Service: For those who prefer to apply outside regular business hours, VFS Global provides an extended submission period.
On-Demand Mobile Visa Service: In Nairobi, applicants can complete their visa application process from home or any preferred location.
SMS Notifications and Document Checking: To keep applicants updated, VFS Global offers SMS notifications, while document checks ensure all paperwork meets UKVI requirements.
Courier Passport Return: Once a decision is made, applicants can opt for their passport to be returned by courier, eliminating the need for an in-person pick-up.
Keep My Passport While Applying: This service allows applicants to retain their passport during processing, which will only need resubmission once a decision is reached.

These services can be pre-booked on VFS Global’s official website or selected during the in-center appointment. Notably, while these additional options enhance user convenience, they do not impact the processing timeline or the outcome of visa applications.

VFS Global’s Global Footprint Expands

Following its latest contract with UKVI, VFS Global now manages UK visa services in 142 countries, up from 58. In Africa alone, the company will operate VACs in 31 countries, reinforcing its role as a trusted global partner in visa processing and consular support. Mr. Alok Singhal, Head of VFS Global for Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed the company’s excitement about this expanded partnership, stating, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Kenya, bringing travelers our best-in-class services.”

UK Visa Application Centers in Kenya

Kenyan residents seeking to apply for UK visas can visit the following locations:

Nairobi: 1st Floor, Principal Place, Westlands
Mombasa: 8th Floor, Imaara-The New Address, Dedan Kimathi Avenue, Kizingo

Both centers operate from 8 AM to 5 PM, with visa application submission available from 8 AM to 3 PM. For those who prefer off-peak hours, Prime Time submission is offered from 3 PM to 4 PM, with passport collection available from 12 PM to 3 PM (or during Prime Time, from 10 AM to 12 PM).