Stephen Kubasu, Siddharth Mehra and a VFS Global Submission Officer demonstrating the Optional Visa at Your Doorstep service. (Photo: Courtesy)
Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Canada are among the top destinations recording positive visa application trends from Kenya as outbound travel continues to grow strongly in 2026.
Visa application volumes processed in Kenya by VFS Global, a leading provider of visa, consular, and technology services to governments and diplomatic missions, rose 20 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
The jump follows a 44 per cent increase recorded in 2025 from the previous year.
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“Locations like Saudi Arabia, the UK and Canada continue to witness positive trends in application volumes for outbound travel in the year so far,” said Siddharth Mehra, VFS Global’s Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East and Africa.
“Other key locations like Australia and China are also seeing positive trends.”
He spoke during a media roundtable in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The growth reflects rising demand for international travel across tourism, business and visits to family and friends, as well as strong interest in overseas education.
Notably, Saudi Arabia is attracting Kenyan travellers primarily for religious journeys, followed by work-related travel, while tourism to the Gulf country is also gaining momentum.
For the United Kingdom, education remains a key driver of visa applications, alongside tourism and visits to family and friends.
China, meanwhile, is attracting Kenyan traders who mostly travel during exhibition periods tounities for bulk purchases and business transactions
The firm, however, notes that the volume and purpose of travel to different destinations can vary depending on the season, meaning application trends may shift throughout the year.
Amid growing demand for outbound travel, the firm has raised an alarm over the increasing number of fraudulent agents and intermediaries promising early appointments, faster processing or guaranteed visa outcomes in exchange for payment.
“As international travel demand from Kenya continues to grow, we strongly encourage applicants to use only official channels, avoid intermediaries who make false promises, and plan their applications well in advance,” said Stephen Kubasu, General Manager, Operations, VFS Global.
“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.”
He added that the firm remains committed to supporting governments and applicants through responsible processes, strong anti-fraud measures, and services that help facilitate travel from Kenya in a safe and reliable manner.
VFS Global has operated in Kenya since 2007 and currently services 24 client governments through 25 application centres, supported by approximately 100 Kenyan nationals.
It also operates UK Premium Application Centres in Eldoret and Mombasa, complementing the UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi, which has been operational since October 2024.
