Visa application volumes processed by VFS Global in Kenya rose by 20% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, reflecting continued growth in demand for international travel.
The increase has prompted the visa services provider to renew its warning to Kenyans against fraudulent agents and intermediaries who claim to offer early appointments, faster processing or guaranteed visa approvals for a fee.
VFS Global said it remains committed to transparency, applicant protection and secure visa application services as more Kenyans seek to travel abroad.
The latest increase follows a 44% year-on-year rise in application volumes recorded in 2025 compared with 2024.
Among the destinations attracting strong demand from Kenyan travellers are Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Canada. Australia and China have also recorded positive growth trends, according to VFS Global.
The company attributed the continued rise in demand to increased international travel for tourism, business and visiting friends and relatives (VFR), alongside sustained interest in overseas education.
Travellers are also increasingly planning their journeys further in advance, contributing to higher visa application volumes.
“Trust is central to the visa application experience. At VFS Global, our role is to provide applicants with a secure, transparent, and well-managed administrative process on behalf of our client governments,” said Stephen Kubasu, General Manager – Operations, VFS Global.
He urged applicants to use official VFS Global channels and avoid intermediaries making promises that cannot be guaranteed.
“As international travel demand from Kenya continues to grow, we strongly encourage applicants to use only official VFS Global channels, avoid intermediaries who make false promises, and plan their applications well in advance,” Kubasu said.
He added that VFS Global would continue working with governments and applicants through responsible processes, anti-fraud measures and services designed to facilitate safe and reliable travel.
Fraud concerns rise with demand
VFS Global said it continues to implement applicant-awareness initiatives to help Kenyan residents identify fraudulent practices.
Applicants are advised that visa appointments must be booked through official channels and that no agent, employee or third party can guarantee an earlier appointment, faster processing or a positive visa decision.
According to the company, fraudsters often misuse corporate names, logos, social media platforms, search engine pages and unofficial contact numbers to deceive applicants.
VFS Global is therefore encouraging travellers to verify all information through its official website, www.vfsglobal.com, and report suspicious activities through recognised official channels.
The company has also implemented a range of safeguards in Kenya, including appointment verification, OTP-based appointment booking and validation of application and appointment references.
Additional anti-fraud messaging is displayed across applicant touchpoints, while entry into Visa Application Centres is controlled to ensure access is granted to applicants with valid appointments.
Applicants can further avoid unnecessary delays by arriving on time, carrying the required documents and reviewing official document checklists before submitting their applications.
Visa services expand beyond Nairobi
As part of efforts to improve access to visa services, VFS Global operates Visa Application Centres in Nairobi and UK Premium Application Centres (NMPACs) in Eldoret and Mombasa.
The facilities serve the growing number of Kenyans seeking to travel to the United Kingdom and complement the UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi, which has been operational since October 2024.
The centres allow applicants outside Nairobi to complete key stages of the UK visa application process closer to where they live, while maintaining the required customer service and operational standards.
Optional services have no impact on decisions
VFS Global also provides optional services, where approved by client governments, to make the application process more convenient for some travellers.
Depending on the country and service availability, applicants may access assisted form-filling, courier return of passports, SMS notifications, Premium Lounge services or mobile submission support such as Visa At Your Doorstep.
The company stressed that these services are optional and transparently priced.
Purchasing an optional service does not influence the outcome or processing time of a visa application, and applicants can complete the standard process without purchasing additional services.
VFS Global said it maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards coercion, misrepresentation, fraud and unethical conduct, with any allegations of misconduct handled through its governance and compliance procedures.
VFS Global has operated in Kenya since 2007 and currently services 24 client governments through 25 Application Centres, supported by a workforce of approximately 100 Kenyan nationals.
