Kenyans heading to VFS Global centres for UK visa appointments will have to stick to stricter arrival and access rules after the service provider rolled out new customer-flow guidelines on Friday, June 6.
The firm says the measures, which cover its Nairobi and Mombasa offices, are designed to tackle swelling crowds driven by what it calls “unprecedented demand” for UK visas this year.
“Owing to an unprecedented demand for UK visas this year, please note that our team is working towards creating a more comfortable customer journey for travellers on priority,” the company said, adding that it is expanding current waiting-area facilities.
Applicants are urged not to show up more than 15 minutes before their booked slot. VFS Global argues the tighter window will spread foot traffic evenly through the day and eliminate long queues outside the centres.
For passport collection, the firm insists clients either turn up strictly during the stated pick-up hours or pay for courier delivery.
“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 advisory states.
Limited Access Inside
Only the visa applicant will be allowed beyond the security desk. The sole exceptions are:
- Children under 16, who must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Elderly, disabled, or medically infirm applicants who need help; they should alert security on arrival.
“Please note that this cannot be a member of the Visa Application Centre staff,” VFS Global stressed in its notice.
First-Come Parking and Traffic Warnings
Parking at the two centres will remain free but limited, offered strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. The company urges motorists not to clog surrounding roads, saying,
“We urge customers visiting our centre to adhere to the directives laid out by the City Council & the local law enforcement authorities. Kindly refrain from parking on the road or disrupting the flow of traffic for the convenience of our customers.”
Snapshot of the New Rules
| Area | Key Change | What It Means for Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival time | Max 15 minutes before slot | No early queues outside the gate |
| Passport collection | Pick-up during set hours only | Consider paying for courier return |
| Centre access | Applicants only | Bring ID; no friends or relatives inside |
| Minors | Under 16 must have a parent/guardian | Parent must carry proof of relationship |
| Special assistance | Elderly/disabled can request help | Inform security immediately |
| Parking | Limited bays, first-come basis | Avoid roadside parking fines |
Kenya remains one of the busiest East African markets for UK visas, with students, tourists, and skilled workers all jostling for slots. Industry insiders say appointment availability in Nairobi has tightened in recent months, pushing VFS Global and UK Visas & Immigration to streamline crowd control before the peak July-August travel season.
In addition to bigger waiting rooms, VFS Global hinted at further “comfort upgrades” in the pipeline, but did not specify timelines. For now, Kenyans planning a UK trip will need to double-check their appointment letters and show up only when the clock says so.
