VFS Global, the company contracted to offer support services to people applying for a visa to enter the United Kingdom (UK), has issued directives to visa applicants in Kenya, as demand for visas continues to rise.
In a statement on June 6, 2025, VFS Global announced that its team is working to enhance customer experience for priority travellers due to an unprecedented demand for UK visas.
In addition, the agency announced that it will expand the existing waiting area facilities, waiting times, and visa collection procedures after complaints of poor service from some customers.
To further enhance the customer experience, VFS urged customers to adhere to all directives from law enforcement authorities and refrain from parking on the road.
“We urge customers visiting our centre to adhere to the directives laid out by the City Council & the local law enforcement authorities. Kindly refrain from parking on the road or disrupting the flow of traffic for the convenience of our customers,” read part of the statement.
UK Visa Changes Affecting Applicants
The agency also advised applicants to arrive at the visa centre 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment and stressed that the appointment is strictly for the applicant, and that any other person will not be allowed.
However, exceptions are made for children under 16, who must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and for elderly, medically infirm, or disabled applicants who require assistance.
In such cases, individuals are advised to notify security staff upon arrival.
“Customers visiting the centres to collect their passports are requested to visit the centre only during the stipulated passport collection hours or opt for the courier return service for delivery of passports to their registered address,” read the statement.
For customers who have purchased or intend to use the Document Upload Assistance service, VFS advised that they must bring either the original documents or high-quality copies of your supporting documents to the Visa Application Centre.
Also Read: UK Visa Centre in Nairobi Exposed for Exploiting Kenyans
Documents Applicants Should Have
Applicants must ensure they have a valid passport or travel document with at least one page that is blank on both sides.
At the Visa Application Centre, applicants will need to submit their fingerprints and a photograph.
Additionally, a digital fingerprint scanner will collect images of all 10 fingerprints, and applicants will have a digital photo taken.
“Your digital photograph must be taken with a full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face should be visible with no hair across the eyes,” read part of the statement.
Further, the agency advises applicants to ensure their fingertips are free from any decorations, cuts, abrasions, or other markings, as these may interfere with the ability to capture acceptable fingerprint scans.
Without biometric information, your visa application will not be processed.
Also Read: Kenya Embassy Announces New Rules for Visa and Travel
Visa Application for Underage
If you are applying for a visa on behalf of a child under 5 years old, the applicants must also attend an appointment and have their digital photograph taken, but they are not obligated to provide fingerprint information.
Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult (18+), and this cannot be a member of VFS Global staff.
You can upload your documents yourself after booking your appointment or bring your supporting documents and use our Document Upload Assistance service at the Visa Application Centre (fee applies).
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