United Kingdom entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Kenyan nationals. Plan ahead and apply at the UK embassy or visa application centre in Kenya.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK VisaYou need to get a visa stamped in your passport before you fly to the UK. Apply at embassy/consulate | Kenyan passport holders must obtain a UK visa before travel. You are not eligible for the UK eVisa program, so you must apply through a British embassy or consulate. Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip – it needs to be valid for 6 months after you leave the UK. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the UK. Check your passport's expiry date now to ensure it meets this requirement. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, empty page in your passport for the visa sticker and entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa and entry stamps. Ensure there are no markings or tears on that page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou should have a booked flight out of the UK to show you plan to leave. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave the UK before your visa expires. Border officers may ask to see this. | Required |
| Proof of fundsYou may need to show you can pay for your trip without working illegally. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence that you have enough money to cover your stay in the UK, such as bank statements or sponsor letters. The amount is not fixed but must cover accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't have to submit any arrival form – just go through passport control as usual. Not required | No UK arrival declaration is required for Kenyan passport holders. You do not need to fill out any online form before landing. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no online visa shortcut for you – you have to go through the embassy. Not applicable | Kenyan passport holders are not eligible for the UK eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online for an eVisa – you must use the standard embassy/consulate visa application process. | Not required |
No eVisa for Kenyan passport holders
Despite the UK's general eVisa system, Kenyan nationals are not eligible to apply online. You must go through the standard visa application process at the UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi. Don't fall for websites offering 'online UK visas' for Kenyans — they are scams.
Plan ahead for biometric appointments
Biometric appointments at the Nairobi centre can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Book your appointment as soon as you submit your online application to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website and fill out the Standard Visitor visa form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and information about your finances and accommodation. Save your application reference number.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the £115 fee online using a credit or debit card. Keep the payment confirmation as proof.
3
Book and attend biometric appointment
Book an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi (or the nearest centre). Attend in person with your printed application, passport, and supporting documents. You'll provide fingerprints and a photo.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can track your application online using your reference number.
5
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, you'll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport. Check the dates on it carefully. When you arrive in the UK, go through the 'Other Passports' queue at passport control and be ready to answer questions about your visit.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost£115
For tourism, visiting family, or short business activities. Cannot work in the UK.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2 years
Cost£432
For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity5 years
Cost£771
For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity10 years
Cost£963
For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost£115
For getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months
Cost£115
For approved paid engagements, e.g., guest lecturing or professional examinations.
work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, extendable
£719 (~$914 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For individuals with a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible skilled occupation. Requires sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Length of course plus up to 4 months
£490 (~$623 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For those accepted into a UK educational institution. Allows part-time work during studies.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, extendable
£1,277 (~$1623 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For entrepreneurs with a viable business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 investment.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, extendable to 5 years for settlement
£1,523 (~$1936 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For partners of British citizens or settled persons. Must meet financial and relationship requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months)Required for tourism, family visits, and short business activities. | £115 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria. | £432 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria. | £771 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria. | £963 |
| Priority visa service (optional)Faster processing, subject to availability. | £250 |
| Super Priority visa service (optional)Decision by end of next working day, subject to availability. | £1000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Weak home ties25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Kingdom
Transit visa required
Kenyan nationals require a Visitor in Transit visa to pass through UK border control, even if staying airside. However, if you are transiting through a UK airport and do not pass through border control (i.e., you remain airside), you may be exempt under the 'Transit Without Visa' concession if you hold a valid visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, or a Schengen country, and your onward flight departs the same day.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, or a Schengen country (with a confirmed onward ticket and same-day departure) may transit airside without a visa.
- Holders of a valid UK, EU, EEA, or Swiss residence permit or visa may transit without a visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt under specific agreements.
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; use tick repellent.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; check for ticks.
Seasonal fluModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – Premium Service Centre
70 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3BQ
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person applications and enquiries; appointments required.
Croydon
UKVI Croydon Office
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles complex applications and extensions.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Kingdom
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks after your biometric appointment. However, it can take longer during peak seasons (summer and Christmas). You can pay extra for priority processing (5 working days) or super priority (next day) if available at the Nairobi centre.
Yes, you must complete the online application form on the UK Visas and Immigration website. However, there is no eVisa option for Kenyan passport holders — you must attend an in-person biometric appointment at the visa application centre in Nairobi.
The fee for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa is £115. This is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. Longer visas (2, 5, or 10 years) cost more, but you can only apply for those if you meet specific eligibility criteria.
It's not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended to include a tentative travel itinerary. However, avoid booking non-refundable flights until your visa is approved. You can show a flight reservation or a letter from a travel agent.
No, the Standard Visitor visa is not extendable. You must leave the UK before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type from outside the UK.
You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again and address the reasons for refusal. There is no formal appeal for visitor visa refusals, but you can request an administrative review in some cases. It's best to consult with a visa advisor if you're refused.
No, a UK visa covers all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can travel freely within these countries during your visit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.