NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyans applying for UK visas will now have to follow stricter guidelines at VFS Global centres as the agency enforces new measures to manage crowds and improve service.
VFS Global, the official UK visa application partner, on Friday announced several changes at its centres in Kenya following mounting complaints from applicants about delays and congestion.
In a statement, the agency said it is expanding waiting areas, revising entry protocols, and modifying passport collection procedures to streamline operations.
“We urge customers visiting our centre to adhere to the directives laid out by the City Council and the local law enforcement authorities. Kindly refrain from parking on the road or disrupting the flow of traffic for the convenience of our customers,” the statement read.
Stricter Access and Timing Rules
As part of the new rules, applicants must now arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.
Only the applicant will be allowed entry — with exceptions made for children under 16, or those needing assistance due to age, disability, or medical conditions.
Passport collections will be allowed strictly during designated hours.
VFS also encouraged applicants to opt for courier delivery services to avoid unnecessary visits to the centre.
Document and Biometric Requirements
Those using the Document Upload Assistance service must carry either original or high-quality copies of their supporting documents.
Alternatively, applicants can upload their documents online before their visit.
All applicants must present a valid passport or travel document with at least one blank page on both sides, and undergo biometric enrolment.
This includes fingerprint scans and a digital photograph, which must show a full face with no sunglasses, tinted lenses, or non-religious head coverings.
“Your face should be clearly visible with no hair across the eyes. Fingerprints must be free from cuts, abrasions, or decorations, or else the scans may be rejected,” VFS added.
Children under five are exempt from fingerprinting but must attend their appointment for a photograph.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is not a VFS staff member.
Background: High Demand and Global Changes
The changes come amid rising demand for UK visas and growing scrutiny of global immigration policies.
The UK recently introduced tighter immigration rules, citing the need to manage migration and improve processing efficiency.
VFS Global has come under increasing pressure to improve customer experience as more Kenyans seek travel, education, and work opportunities in the UK.
