The UK Home Office has announced a sweeping increase in visa application fees, with the new charges set to take effect from April 8, 2026.
The changes will affect a wide range of applicants worldwide, including those applying for transit, work, and study visas from outside the United Kingdom, as well as individuals seeking to extend or switch their status within the country.
Under the revised structure, both short-term and long-term visit visas have been adjusted, alongside key immigration pathways such as skilled work and international study.
Transit visa fees are among those affected, with direct airside transit applications now costing KSh 5,386, while landside transit visas have risen to KSh 9,674. The cost of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has also been revised upward to KSh 2,598.
Work visas have seen some of the most significant increases. The standard Skilled Worker visa will now cost KSh 106,273, with higher-tier applications exceeding KSh 210,000 depending on the duration and terms of sponsorship. These changes apply to both new applicants and those already residing in the UK who are seeking extensions or changes to their visas.
Students heading to the UK will also face higher costs. The main student visa fee has been set at KSh 72,504, covering both principal applicants and their dependants. Meanwhile, short-term English language study visas will now cost KSh 29,630.
According to the Home Office, the revised fees are part of broader efforts to streamline immigration processes and reflect the rising administrative costs associated with managing the system.
The latest adjustments follow a trend of periodic increases in UK visa charges in recent years, as the government moves to shift more of the immigration system’s operational costs onto applicants rather than taxpayers.
Prospective applicants have been advised to review the updated fee structure and requirements carefully before submitting applications to avoid delays or unexpected expenses.