The United Kingdom (UK) has launched a new online platform dubbed Access UK for use by Kenyans wishing to apply for visas to visit the country. The new online application service has now been rolled out worldwide and is available in over 200 countries including Kenya.
The new online visa application service will allow visitors to complete the application form quicker, with easy-to-follow checklists and online payment ability. A small number of customers will continue to use the existing Visa4UK service until all visa types are transferred to Access UK later this year.
To apply for a UK visa, visitors should do the following:
1. Visit the GOV.UK UK Visas and Immigration section
Visitors should go to gov.uk/apply-uk to start their journey of applying for the visa.
On the website, they will need to;
- Find out what type of visa to apply for and the documents you will need to prepare;
- Fill out an online application form, pay the visa fee and book your appointment at a Visa Application Centre;
- Receive a unique GWF Number.
2. Book an appointment
You will then be redirected to the TLScontact website where you will be able to book and pay for an appointment to submit your biometrics and supporting evidence.
You can choose the Assisted Service where the visa application staff will help you scan and organize your supporting evidence. If you choose the self-upload service, you will have to organize and upload all your supporting evidence online, before attending your appointment.
3. Attend your appointment
You will then be required to go for your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre. The visa application centre is located at 9 West Building, 2nd Unit, 1st Floor Ring Road Parklands, Westlands.
You will be required to check-in at the welcome area and present both your passport and appointment confirmation email.
If you choose the Assisted Service, you will need to come with the following documents:
- A printed copy of your appointment confirmation email;
- A printed receipt of payment for any Added Value Services (if applicable);
- A valid passport or travel document and residence permit (both original and copy) in A4 format (if applicable);
- Any supporting documents which you intend to supply (as well as copies of all originals in A4 format);
- The first page of your Visa Application Form;
If you choose the self-upload service, the following documents will be required:
- A printed copy of your appointment confirmation email;
- A printed receipt of payment for any Added Value Services (if applicable);
- A valid passport or travel document and residence permit (both original and copy) in A4 format (if applicable);
- The first page of your Visa Application Form.
Thereafter the following will happen:
- Acceptance of your application and documentation
- Taking of your fingerprints and photograph to enroll your biometric data
- Transfer your application to UK Visas and Immigration for assessment and processing.
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when submitting their visa application. The parent or guardian should also be present during the biometrics process.
4. Passport collection
You will be notified via email when your passport is ready for collection from the Visa Application Centre.
UK Visa types
- Work Visas
- Business Visas
- Study Visas
- Visitor Visas
- Family Visas
- Settlement Visas
- Transit Visas
UK Visa Fees
| Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
| Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 124 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 468 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 850 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 1067 |
| Visiting academic – more than 6 months but less than 12 months | 249 |
| Marriage visitor visa | 124 |
| Permitted paid engagement visa | 124 |
| Private medical treatment – up to 11 months | 249 |
| Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (UK only) | 124 |
Short-term study visa
| Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
| Short-term study – (up to 6 months) | 130 |
| Short-term study – (up to 11 months) | 249 |
Transit
| Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
| Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | 47 |
| Visitor in Transit visa | 86 |
| Visit purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of crew of that ship or aircraft (fee also applicable to the Isle of Man) | 86 |
Parents of children at school
| Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
| Parent of a Tier 4 child visa (up to 12 months) | 690 |
child visitors
| Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
| Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 124 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 468 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 850 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 1067 |