What is the United Kingdom Visa?
The United Kingdom visa is an official document that is required for non-British travelers to enter the United Kingdom for leisure, work, or study.
This document is a legal action with a backup of the applicant’s supporting documents for approval.
In this guide, Adequate Safaris will take you through what is required of you to be able to apply for a U.K visa successfully. We will focus more on leisure.
Stay tuned!
Documents Required For Your UK Visa
1. Travel Passport
To enter the UK, your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive. Confirm with your tour operator that your passport and other travel documents meet all the travel requirements. However, if you need to renew your passport, do not hesitate.
2. Colored passport-sized photos
These 2 colored photos are needed to confirm your identity, one is for the application file, and the other one acts as a backup in case the other one is lost.
3. Financial proof
Your bank statement for the last 3 to 6 months is needed as proof that you can cover the cost.
4. Travel Itinerary
Details of your activities and accomodation is a major requirement. Note that you should not pay for your accommodation too soon before your visa is approved.
5. Biometrics
You will have to visit the UK visa application center for them to take your fingerprints.
6. Additional Documents
Depending on the visa type, you can be asked for other additional documents such as:
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth certificate
- Employment letter
Type of U.K Visas
Have you been dreaming of visiting the United Kingdom for leisure, work, or study? If so, it is very important to understand different types of U.K visas and who is supposed to apply for that visa.
Here is a breakdown for a clear understanding of the different types of U.K visas:
1. Visitor Visa
- Standard Visitor Visa
The standard visitor visa is a type of visa that you can use to visit the United Kingdom for leisure, business, or study for a period of six months.
Some key factors to consider when applying for the standard Visitor visa are:
- Be sure the purpose of your U.K visit is fit for a Standard visitor Visa.
- Ensure you meet the key requirements of this category.
- There are some countries where you do not need to apply for the U.K visa. Confirm if it is mandatory to apply for a U.K visa, depending on your home country.
- In case the standard visitor visa is mandatory, this type of visa is applied for online. You will be required to give your biometric information, bank statement, and a clear, genuine intention for your visit.
- For you to apply for this visa, you must be 18 years and above.
However, if you choose to extend your stay, you are not limited, you can stay upto 10 years.
b) Business Visitor Visa
A business visitor visa is applied for by visitors visiting the UK fir business related purposes such as conferences, meetings, or other events related to work.
c) Marriage Visitor Visa
This marriage visitor visa is for couples who want to get married or register a civil partnership in the United Kingdom.
d) Student Visa
This student visa is for students who want to study for short courses in the UK for a period of 6 months.
2. Work And Business Visa
This is a long-term visa for those looking forward to going and working in the UK. However, it will depend on your profession and the duration of stay.
Here are some of the different work and business visas.
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator founder visa
- Skilled worker visa
- Sole representative visa
- Youth mobility scheme visa
3. Student Visa
Student visas are applied for by students who are looking forward to studying in the UK for the short term or the long term. The type of student visa that you are going to apply for depends on the age of the student and the type of course they will be studying in the United Kingdom.
- Child-student Visa
- Short-term study visa
4. Family Visas
Are some of your family members living in the UK? If so, you might be required to apply for a family visa.
Some of the different types of family visas include:
- Spouse Visa
- Dependant visa
- Ancestry visa
- Family reunion visa
- Unmarried Partner Visa
- Fiance Visa
5. Transit Visa
A transit visa is often applied for by travellers travelling to another country, and they will be transiting through the United Kingdom.
Note that it is very important to choose the correct type of visa that best suits your purpose of travelling to the UK.
If you need any form of assistance when applying for your visa, Adequate Safaris can assist with preparing and reviewing your visa application before submission and liaising with the UK Home Office on your behalf.
Reach out to Adequate Safaris by contacting +254768555444 or email de***@*************is.com and schedule a consultation meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does a UK visa processing take?
A UK visa processing takes around 3 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. However, it may vary depending on your home country and the number of applicants. If the applications are few, the time taken will be shorter, while if the applications are a lot, it may take longer.
2. Is it possible for a UK tourist visa to be denied?
The only way that your UK visa can be rejected is if you have unclear reasons for visiting. For it to be accepted, you need to have proof with the appropriate documents that are needed.
3. How much is a United Kingdom Visa application fee in Kenya Shillings?
The UK visa application fee is between Ksh 23,000 to Ksh 25,000.
4. What do I need to apply for a UK visa from Kenya?
- Your National Identification Card
- A completely filled UK visa application form.
- 2 passport-sized colored photos with a white background. Also, your head should be uncovered, and no spectacles are accepted, and your face should cover two-thirds of the photo.
- Bank Statements

