Kenyans Face Additional Costs Under New Embassy Visa Rules

Kenyans applying for Irish visas will now pay higher application costs after the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi transferred visa processing services to VFS Global from 15 May 2026.

Under the new system, applicants must submit their documents through the VFS Global submission centre in Nairobi. The embassy has ended direct appointment bookings at its offices, making VFS the sole channel for visa applications in Kenya.

The change introduces a mandatory service fee of €63.80, equivalent to about Ksh9,700, in addition to standard visa charges. A single-entry visa remains priced at €60, while a multi-entry visa costs €100. 

The total cost for a single-entry visa therefore rises to nearly Ksh18,600, while a multi-entry visa now costs about Ksh24,000. The embassy said the arrangement is intended to improve efficiency and shorten appointment waiting times. It also stated that applicants would have access to additional support services through VFS Global.

However, the increase in costs is likely to affect many travellers, particularly those seeking short-term visas, as the service fee is now higher than the charge for a single-entry visa itself. The embassy also noted that holding a visa does not guarantee entry into Ireland. 

Immigration officers at border control will continue to make final decisions on admission. Visa processing times will vary depending on the type of application and whether all required documents have been submitted. Passports will be returned through VFS once applications have been completed.

Applicants whose visas are refused will still be allowed to appeal. Instructions on the appeals process will be included in refusal letters.