Kenyan UK Visa applicants face new biometric, document rules
VFS Global said it is expanding waiting areas, adjusting passport collection procedures, and revising entry protocols after receiving complaints from applicants.
Kenyans applying for visas to the United Kingdom will now face new rules at the VFS Global visa application centres as the agency moves to manage growing demand and improve customer service.
In a statement on Friday, VFS Global said it is expanding waiting areas, adjusting passport collection procedures, and revising entry protocols after receiving complaints from applicants.
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The agency has urged applicants to follow all instructions from the City Council and law enforcement, especially when visiting the centre.
“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,” read the statement.
Applicants have been asked to arrive only 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. VFS Global stressed that only the applicant will be allowed inside, except in cases involving children under 16, or elderly, disabled, or medically unfit persons who need assistance.
“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,” the agency added.
Those using the Document Upload Assistance service must bring either original or high-quality copies of their supporting documents.
All applicants are required to have a valid passport or travel document with at least one blank page on both sides.
They must also submit biometric information, which includes fingerprint scans and a digital photo.
“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,” the agency said.
It added that fingerprints must be free from cuts, abrasions, or decorations, or else the scans may be rejected. Applications without biometric data will not be processed.
Children under five are not required to provide fingerprints but must attend their appointment to have a digital photo taken.
Any child under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is not a member of the VFS Global staff.
Applicants may choose to upload their documents online before their appointment or use the paid upload service at the centre.
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