This guide sets out every UK visa fee from Kenya for 2026, with costs in US Dollars and an indicative Kenyan Shilling equivalent. Whether you are applying for a visitor, student, work, or spouse visa, you will find verified fee tables, the latest grant-rate statistics, and step-by-step guidance for Kenyan applicants. Kenya holds a 65% visitor visa grant rate but a strong 89% work visa grant rate, making it one of sub-Saharan Africa's healthier skilled-worker corridors, according to Home Office statistics.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
Understanding UK Visa Fees from Kenya 2026
The UK visa fee from Kenya is charged in US Dollars by the Home Office. Kenyan applicants often want the equivalent in Shillings, so this guide shows each fee in USD with an indicative KSh figure at roughly KSh 129.5 per $1 (May 2026). Exchange rates move daily, so confirm the live rate with your bank before paying. Kenya's outcomes sit alongside other African UK visa markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, where scrutiny and grant rates differ sharply.
Kenya UK Visa Statistics 2026
Kenya is East Africa's largest UK visa market. In the year ending March 2026, Kenyan nationals lodged 20,794 visitor applications and a further 5,230 work applications. The pattern is unusual for the region: visitor scrutiny is firm at 65%, but Kenya's work visa grant rate of 89% is among the strongest in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting the volume of Kenyan nurses and care workers on Health and Care routes. For wider context, see our UK visa success rate breakdown by country.
| Visa Category | Applications | Granted | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 20,794 | 13,685 | 65% |
| Work visa | 5,230 | 4,637 | 89% |
| Family visa | 426 | 378 | 89% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
The 65% visitor grant rate means roughly one in three applications is refused, with 7,262 refusals in the year. That places Kenya in the mid-range for Africa, well above Nigeria (61%) and Ghana (57%) but far below South Africa (96%). Visitor refusals usually turn on financial evidence and proof of intent to return, so reviewing common refusal grounds before applying is worthwhile.
UK Visitor Visa Fee from Kenya 2026
The UK visitor visa fee from Kenya is $189 (about KSh 24,500) for 6 months. Long-term options are $710 for 2 years, $1,267 for 5 years, and $1,583 for 10 years. Each visit is capped at 6 months regardless of duration. Kenya's visitor grant rate is 65%, with 7,262 refusals in the year ending March 2026.
The Standard Visitor visa is the most common route for Kenyans travelling to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Under the multiple-entry visa rules, every visit is limited to 180 days whichever validity you hold. Frequent travellers often choose a long-term 2, 5, or 10-year visa for better value across repeat trips.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Kenya 2026
| Visa Duration | Fee (USD) | Fee (KSh, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months (single/multiple entry) | $189 | KSh 24,500 |
| 2 years (long-term) | $710 | KSh 92,000 |
| 5 years (long-term) | $1,267 | KSh 164,100 |
| 10 years (long-term) | $1,583 | KSh 205,000 |
| Marriage Visitor visa | $189 | KSh 24,500 |
| Visiting Academic (6–12 months) | $328 | KSh 42,500 |
Strengthening a Kenyan Visitor Visa Application
- Sponsor evidence: If visiting family, include a clear sponsor's invitation letter with proof of the relationship
- Financial history: Six or more months of bank statements showing steady balances, not last-minute deposits
- Ties to Kenya: Employment, property, or business records that show clear reasons to return
- Document checklist: Follow our supporting documents guide for your category
- Clear itinerary: Confirmed accommodation and return travel that match the stated purpose
Transit Visa Fees from Kenya
Kenyan nationals passing through UK airports may need a transit visa. The Direct Airside Transit visa costs $58 (about KSh 7,500) for travellers who stay within the airport transit area. The Visitor in Transit visa, for those passing through UK border control, costs $105 (about KSh 13,600).
UK Student Visa Fee from Kenya 2026
The UK student visa fee from Kenya is $783 (about KSh 101,400). Students also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of study, always in pounds. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed sponsor and proof of funds are required before applying.
The UK Student visa lets Kenyan students study at licensed UK institutions. Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, evidence they meet the English language requirement, and proof of funds for tuition and living costs. The Home Office assesses maintenance under Appendix Student, so funds must be held for the required 28-day period.
| Study Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (KSh, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (main applicant) | $783 | KSh 101,400 |
| Child Student visa | $783 | KSh 101,400 |
| Short-term study (6–11 months English) | $320 | KSh 41,400 |
| Parent of a Child Student | $1,019 | KSh 132,000 |
| IHS (per year of study) | £776 | Paid in GBP |
A one-year master's programme therefore costs about $783 in visa fee plus £776 IHS for the year. The IHS is always paid in pounds online before your biometrics appointment and cannot be settled in Shillings. After graduating, Kenyan students can move to the Graduate route for post-study work.
UK Work Visa Fee from Kenya 2026
The UK Skilled Worker visa fee from Kenya is $1,149 (about KSh 148,800) for up to 3 years, or $2,270 for over 3 years. Health and Care Worker visas are cheaper at $455. Kenya's 89% work visa grant rate is one of the strongest in the region, driven by demand for Kenyan healthcare staff.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main employment route for Kenyans. It needs sponsorship from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence and a salary meeting the route threshold or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher. After five years, holders can apply for settlement. The Health and Care route, exempt from the IHS, is especially active for Kenyan nurses and carers and underpins the 89% grant rate.
| Work Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (KSh, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | $1,149 | KSh 148,800 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | $2,270 | KSh 294,000 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | $455 | KSh 58,900 |
| Health & Care Worker (over 3 years) | $881 | KSh 114,100 |
| Global Talent (visa stage) | $1,075 | KSh 139,200 |
| Global Business Mobility routes | $477 | KSh 61,800 |
UK Spouse & Family Visa Fee from Kenya 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from Kenya is $2,896 (about KSh 375,000). This covers the initial partner visa for spouses, fiancé(e)s, and children joining family settled in the UK. Standard processing runs up to 12 weeks. Kenya's family visa grant rate is 89%, well above the African average.
The UK spouse visa lets Kenyan nationals join a British or settled partner. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement, and after five years on the route the applicant can apply for settlement. Family applications from Kenya are relatively low in volume but clear at a high 89%, reflecting well-documented, genuine relationships.
| Family Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (KSh, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner/Child visa | $2,896 | KSh 375,000 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | $2,896 | KSh 375,000 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | $5,101 | KSh 660,600 |
| Parent of a Child Student | $1,019 | KSh 132,000 |
The £29,000 income threshold is the most common sticking point for sponsors, followed by gaps in relationship evidence. The Home Office sets the financial rules in Appendix FM, so sponsors should confirm their income category before applying.
UK Priority Visa Fee from Kenya 2026
The UK priority visa fee from Kenya is about $702 (KSh 90,900) for a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority is about $1,403 (KSh 181,700) for a next-working-day decision. Both are added to the standard visa fee and are subject to availability at VFS Global.
Standard processing times after biometrics from Kenya are around 3 weeks for visitor and student visas. For urgent travel, the priority visa service shortens the wait, where slots are available at the Nairobi or Mombasa centres.
| Service | Processing Time | Fee (USD / KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | About 3 weeks | Included in visa fee |
| Priority service | 5 working days | ~$702 (~KSh 90,900) |
| Super Priority service | Next working day | ~$1,403 (~KSh 181,700) |
| Settlement priority | About 6 weeks | ~$702 (~KSh 90,900) |
Priority fees derive from the £500 and £1,000 GBP rates converted to dollars, so the exact figure moves with the exchange rate. These services may be paused for some categories during peak demand, so check availability when booking.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Kenya
Applying from Kenya means completing the online form on gov.uk, paying in USD, and giving biometrics at a VFS Global centre.
- Step 1: Complete the online application on gov.uk and pay the fee in USD
- Step 2: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge online for stays of 6+ months
- Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment via the VFS Global Kenya portal
- Step 4: Get a TB test certificate from IOM Nairobi for stays of 6+ months
- Step 5: Attend the VFS centre with your passport and document checklist
- Step 6: Wait for the decision (about 3 weeks) and collect your passport
TB Test Requirement for Kenyan Applicants
Kenyans applying for a UK visa of 6 months or longer must hold a tuberculosis test certificate from the approved IOM clinic in Nairobi at Gigiri. The test costs $107 for applicants aged 11 and over, and $62 for children under 11, payable in US dollars at the clinic. The certificate is valid for 6 months, so time your test within that window before submitting.
If Your Application Is Refused
A refusal decision notice sets out the specific grounds for the decision. It shows whether to reapply with stronger evidence, request an administrative review, or take another route. Given Kenya's 65% visitor grant rate, addressing the exact refusal reason before reapplying is the single most useful step.
- 6-month visitor visa: $189 (about KSh 24,500) — 65% grant rate, 7,262 refusals
- Student visa: $783 plus £776 IHS per year — best paired with strong fund evidence
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,149–$2,270 — 89% grant rate, led by Health and Care
- Spouse visa: $2,896 (about KSh 375,000) — 89% family grant rate
- Priority service: about $702 for a 5-working-day decision
- All fees paid in USD; confirm the live KSh rate before paying
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Visa Fees from Kenya
How much is a UK visa from Kenya in 2026?
The fee depends on the visa type. The 6-month visitor visa is $189 (about KSh 24,500), the student visa is $783, the Skilled Worker visa is $1,149 for up to 3 years, and the spouse visa is $2,896. All fees are charged in US dollars through the gov.uk application portal under the 8 April 2026 schedule.
What is the UK visa success rate for Kenyans?
In the year ending March 2026, Kenya's visitor visa grant rate was 65%, with 7,262 refusals from 20,794 applications. Work visas were much stronger at 89%, and family visas also at 89%. Kenya outperforms Nigeria and Ghana on visitor approvals and is notably strong on work routes, largely because of Health and Care Worker applications.
How long does a UK visa take from Kenya?
Standard processing is about 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas, and up to 12 weeks for settlement and family visas. Priority service (about $702) reduces this to 5 working days, while Super Priority (about $1,403) gives a next-working-day decision. Peak seasons can extend timelines.
Do Kenyans need a TB test for a UK visa?
Yes. Kenyan applicants must provide a TB test certificate for any UK visa of 6 months or longer, including student, work, and family visas. The test must be done at the approved IOM clinic in Nairobi and costs $107 for those aged 11 and over. The certificate is valid for 6 months. Short visitor visas of 6 months or less do not require it.
How much is the UK student visa fee from Kenya?
The UK student visa fee from Kenya is $783 (about KSh 101,400). Students also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of study, always in pounds. A one-year master's therefore costs roughly $783 plus £776 IHS, alongside the TB test for stays over 6 months.
Where do I apply for a UK visa in Kenya?
Applications are submitted through VFS Global centres in Nairobi and Mombasa, the UK's commercial partner in Kenya since October 2024. Book an appointment on the VFS Global Kenya portal after completing your online application on gov.uk. There is no direct application at the British High Commission.
How much is the 10-year UK visitor visa from Kenya?
The 10-year long-term visitor visa from Kenya is $1,583 (about KSh 205,000). It allows multiple entries over 10 years, with each stay capped at 6 months. It suits frequent travellers, working out cheaper than repeated 6-month visas at $189 each. The 2-year option is $710 and the 5-year is $1,267.