The Kenya Embassy in London: What You Need to Know

Kenya is a country in Africa with an embassy in London. The Kenya Embassy is situated near the UK Parliament at 45 Portland Place, London W1B 1AS. It's open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.

 

This post will cover what you need to know about getting visas through the Kenya Embassy in London as well as how much it costs and what documents are required for your application. You'll also find out if there are any special requirements needed before applying for a visa to visit or work in Kenya.

 

Section 1: What visas does Kenya offer?

Visas and entry permits

 

The United Kingdom (UK) only issues entry permits to individuals who are entering the country through one of the following seven countries - South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, or Swaziland.

 

On request, Kenya has the right to issue entry permits to UK nationals entering the country. However, there are a few extra requirements to meet.

 

You need to have a tourist visa if you are not a UK national or citizen, and your visa must be valid for more than 90 days. You must not already be a long-term resident in the UK, for example if you are a permanent resident, UK-pensioner or have temporary leave to remain.

 

How much does a visa cost?

The fee for a 1-month working visa and a 2-month tourist visa at the Kenya Embassy in London is £160. If you are applying for a 3-month working or study visa, this will cost you £185.

 

What documents are needed for a visa application?

 

At the time of writing, the requirements listed on the Kenya Embassy in London website include the following:

 

1. Proof of identity

 

2. Proof of relationship to you by blood or marriage

 

3. Evidence of the purpose of your visit:

 

4. Your passport with all the visas valid for that period on it (they may not have expired, but if they do then these can still be valid)

 

5. Your visa clearance certificate (their photocopy of your passport should have all the stamps/documentation needed)

 

6. Proof of payment to the Kenya Revenue Authority

 

7. A business visa

 

8.

 

What documents do I need before I apply for a visa?

Just like visiting the UK for the first time, getting a working visa to live or work in Kenya requires the application of relevant documents. While the rules and requirements are the same as for visiting the UK, you'll be asked to include a few extra documents as part of your application to visit Kenya. For example, you'll need to register your address and national ID number with the UK embassy.

 

When should I apply for a UK working visa?

 

When you arrive in the UK and you need to register to stay or change your visa status, you'll need to go through the visa application process. This includes checking in with immigration and customs in the UK before you leave, as well as going through your visa application with the UK embassy.

 

How long will it take to get a visa through the embassy?

There are two options you can take to obtain a visa to visit or work in Kenya. You can either come to the embassy with all your paperwork in order (i.e. passport and passport renewal form) and go to a visa application center to have the visa processed in one sitting or get the visa at the embassy and then go to the visa application center (which, if you choose to do so, will cost you more money). Â

 

Here are the timings for applying at the embassy.

 

By appointment: The next available appointment is April 17.

 

By 24 hour service: Contact the Kenya Embassy after hours to get the visa.

 

Application processing: A copy of your passport is taken with the application. You have three to five days to submit all your documents for the visa.

 

Are there any special requirements before applying for a visa?

No. All regular visas and study visas are issued at the embassy. You don't need to go through a private company for the visa application process. There are no official cost guides as such, but for example, to renew a business visa, it costs £50.

 

Which passport is most suited for a UK visa?

 

Typically, there are several types of visa, such as UK Visitor's Visa, Study Visa, and Working Visa. Generally, you need to apply for a visa if you're travelling for more than three months.

 

The UK Visitor's Visa allows for up to 6 months travel in the UK for up to £400. You can choose between one or two destinations. The visa application form is usually completed in a matter of minutes.

 

The UK Study Visa allows for up to a year travel in the UK for up to £1,500.

 

Conclusion

Where can I apply for a visa to work or travel to Kenya?

 

All you need to do is head to the Kenya Embassy in London and apply in person for a working or travel visa. If you don't have an appointment, you can apply online by following the links on the visa page of the Kenya Embassy website.

 

It's important to note that, while this page explains your options in detail, it does not give a comprehensive list of requirements. For a comprehensive list of what you need, contact a lawyer or a pro bono immigration firm that deals with immigration to Kenya.

 

How much does it cost?

 

If you are applying for a job, you must pay a non-refundable processing fee of £100, unless you are visiting Kenya for a school holiday.

 

You can apply online and apply for a travel visa if you are applying for a job.