How Kenya Is Warning Citizens of Growing Visa Scams?

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

As global travel demand reaches unprecedented levels, Kenyan citizens are increasingly becoming targets of visa fraud. With many travelers seeking employment or opportunities abroad, fraudsters are exploiting the sharp rise in applications by posing as legitimate agents, promising fast-tracked visa appointments in exchange for cash.

This surge in fraudulent activities is being driven by the pressure created by lengthy visa processing times and the growing global interest in African travel. According to a recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, African travel and tourism are expected to inject over US$160 billion into the continent’s economy by 2025, further fueling the demand for international travel.

Fraudsters posing as agents are mimicking official embassy and visa processing center platforms, using fake logos, contact details, and profiles to appear legitimate. Many of these scams are targeted at job seekers and tourists who are desperate to avoid long visa waiting times, with some victims paying substantial sums only to be ghosted or misled.

Rising Fraud Amid Record Visa Application Volumes

The visa fraud situation in Kenya has escalated due to record-breaking application volumes in 2025, with more people seeking to travel for both work and leisure. As countries around the world tighten their visa processes, the demand for visas, especially to destinations like Europe, North America, and the Middle East, has reached new heights. The increase in applications has created a bottleneck in visa processing, which has unfortunately opened up opportunities for scammers to exploit those eager to secure quick travel opportunities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised concerns about the growing number of Kenyans falling victim to visa fraud, warning that individuals seeking to bypass the long wait times for appointments are often led into unsafe and fraudulent situations. This surge in fraud cases has led the ministry to remind citizens that visa processing is a personal responsibility and does not require intermediaries. They emphasized that applicants must use only official government channels for visa processing and should be cautious of anyone claiming to offer “fast-tracked” appointments for a fee.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its warning from February 2024, which stated that anyone using unauthorized visa agents would be acting at their own risk, with no recourse for assistance from the government should they fall victim to fraud. The ministry has also called for travelers to conduct thorough due diligence before making any travel or employment arrangements abroad.

Official Channels and Security Measures to Combat Visa Fraud

The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken steps to educate and warn citizens about the dangers of using unverified visa agents. The ministry stressed that applicants should always seek guidance from official government sources and embassy websites. It also urged individuals to verify job offers and opportunities through Kenyan missions abroad, ensuring they are legitimate before making any financial commitments.

Additionally, Kenyan embassies and consulates are available to assist in verifying visa offers and job opportunities. This move is part of a broader effort to combat fraud by ensuring that travelers are not duped by scammers promising fake or fraudulent opportunities.

In response to the rising wave of scams, one of Kenya’s major visa processing providers, VFS Global, has implemented stricter access controls at its visa application centers. The company has introduced a one-time passcode system for booking appointments, restricting center entry to confirmed applicants only. The initiative aims to ensure that only those who have valid appointments can enter the center, limiting the chances of fraudsters exploiting the system.

VFS Global has also made efforts to warn the public through its appointment letters, social media platforms, and call centers. Stephen Kubasu, the General Manager for Operations at VFS Global Kenya, stressed that scammers are now creating fake digital footprints using the company’s branding, making it difficult for applicants to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent services.

“Scammers are now using search engines and social media platforms to promote fake services, which appear to be legitimate. Appointment slots are only released online according to demand and internal planning by respective embassies,” Kubasu explained. He went on to advise applicants to arrive at their appointment locations 15 minutes before their scheduled time to avoid missing their slot, which is another common tactic fraudsters use to take advantage of applicants.

Expanding Visa Processing Capacity

As the demand for visas grows, VFS Global, which began operating in Kenya in 2007, has worked to expand its capacity to handle the rising number of applicants. The company has introduced extended working hours, as well as dedicated time slots for passport collection, to streamline the visa application process. It has also launched premium services, including “Visa At Your Doorstep,” which allows applicants to receive their documents at home for an additional fee. However, the company has stressed that these services do not impact the outcome or speed of the visa decision-making process.

Despite these efforts, Kubasu warned that applicants must ensure that they provide complete and accurate information when submitting visa applications. Incorrect or incomplete applications are one of the top reasons for rejection. He added that the introduction of tighter security controls at visa centers was necessary to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and to protect them from falling victim to fraud.

Government Reminders and Legal Consequences for Fraud

In addition to urging citizens to be cautious of fraud, the Kenyan government has also reminded them of the serious legal consequences of overstaying a visa. According to Kenyan immigration law, individuals who overstay their visas can face significant fines, jail time, or even deportation. As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has encouraged travelers to be aware of visa expiration dates and to ensure they comply with immigration regulations in the countries they visit.

Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad have been particularly vulnerable to fraudsters offering fake job offers in exchange for fees. The Ministry has warned that many of these job offers are nothing more than elaborate scams designed to steal money from unsuspecting applicants.

Conclusion

As global travel demand continues to rise, the threat of visa scams targeting Kenyans is also escalating. Citizens are urged to exercise caution when applying for visas, especially when dealing with third-party agents. The Kenyan government has made it clear that visa processing is an individual responsibility and should only be handled through official channels. By following these guidelines and being aware of the signs of fraud, Kenyans can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.

For more information and updates, individuals are encouraged to visit official government websites and consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa-related inquiries.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, VFS Global