Kenyans planning to travel abroad have been urged to avoid unauthorised visa agents as demand for international travel continues to rise, creating fresh opportunities for fraudsters targeting unsuspecting applicants.

The warning was issued by VFS Global on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the company that manages visa application and passport services on behalf of several governments, after it reported a 20 per cent increase in visa applications processed in Kenya during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The latest growth follows a 44 per cent year-on-year increase recorded in 2025, showing sustained demand among Kenyans travelling for tourism, business, education and family visits.

The company cautioned that fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the growing number of visa applicants by falsely claiming they can secure earlier appointments, speed up processing or guarantee visa approvals in exchange for additional payments.

“No agent, employee or intermediary can guarantee an earlier appointment, faster visa processing or a favourable visa decision,” VFS Global said, adding that visa decisions remain the sole responsibility of embassies and consulates.

Travel demand rises

According to VFS Global, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Canada remain the most sought-after destinations for Kenyan travellers, while Australia and China are also experiencing growing demand. The trend reflects increasing international mobility as more Kenyans travel abroad for studies, employment, business opportunities and leisure.

The company noted that rising demand has coincided with a spike in visa-related scams, with fraudsters taking advantage of applicants anxious to secure appointments during peak travel seasons. Many scammers falsely advertise priority booking services or claim to have connections within embassies capable of influencing visa outcomes, despite having no role in the decision-making process.

Avoid visa scams

To curb fraudulent activities, VFS Global has introduced additional security measures, including One-Time Password (OTP) verification during appointment booking, appointment validation systems, verification of application reference numbers, anti-fraud alerts throughout the application process and controlled access to Visa Application Centres for applicants with confirmed appointments.

The company advised travellers to begin their visa applications well in advance, particularly ahead of university admission periods and holiday travel seasons when appointment slots are in high demand. Applicants have also been urged to arrive on time for appointments, ensure they carry all required documents and rely only on official VFS Global channels for information and bookings.

The advisory comes as international travel continues to rebound, with experts warning that fraud cases often increase alongside rising visa demand. Applicants are therefore encouraged to verify all information through official platforms and report suspicious individuals or agencies promising guaranteed approvals, expedited processing or preferential treatment, as such claims are false and could result in financial loss or delayed travel plans.