VFS UK Visa Centre Kochi: Address, Timings and Biometrics for Dependant Visas (2026)

Every UK dependant visa from Kerala ends with one visit: the biometrics appointment at the VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre in Kochi. It takes less than an hour if you come prepared, and much longer if you go to the wrong building or forget a document. Our office is on the same road, and we send families there every week. Here is everything you need to know, based on VFS Global's official page for the Cochin centre.

Address and how to find it

If Google Maps, Justdial or an old WhatsApp forward sends you to S&T Arcade, ignore it. Always check the address on your VFS appointment letter.

Opening hours (October 2026)

The centre is closed on public holidays on the VFS list. Remaining 2026 closures include 9 November (Diwali in lieu), 25 December and 28 December.

Who must attend

• Every applicant in person, including the spouse and each child. Nobody can attend on your behalf.
• Children under 16 must come with an adult aged 18 or over.
• Children under 5 have their photo taken but do not give fingerprints.
• Indian passport holders cannot use the UK ID Check app. It only accepts EU, EEA, Swiss and some Hong Kong passports, so Kerala applicants must give biometrics at a VFS centre.

What to bring

1. Your appointment confirmation with the QR code
2. Your valid passport
3. The document checklist printed from your GOV.UK application
4. Supporting documents, unless you have already uploaded them online. If you bring paper copies, you must pay for VFS's Document Upload Assistance.
5. For dependants: evidence of your sponsor's UK permission, such as the main applicant's visa or eVisa details

Dependants also need their marriage or birth certificate, bank statements (unless maintenance is certified) and a TB certificate. See our UK dependent visa page for the full checklist.

What happens on the day

1. Arrive no more than 15 minutes early. There is little waiting space, and you may not be let in before your slot. If you arrive late, you may have to rebook.
2. Security check. Show your QR code. Bags may be scanned.
3. Biometrics. All 10 fingerprints are scanned digitally and your face photographed. Remove anything covering your face; religious or medical head coverings are allowed.
4. Documents. If you uploaded everything yourself, this part is quick.
5. Optional services are offered. They are not compulsory; say no if you do not need them.

Security rules

• Mobile phones are allowed on silent, but must be put away at the counter.
• Laptops, tablets and headphones can stay in your bag but cannot be used.
• One cabin-size bag per person (55 × 35 × 20 cm). No sharp objects, aerosols or lighters.
• No photography or recording.
• Only applicants enter, except helpers for children, elderly or disabled applicants, or for translation.

Priority and super priority in Kochi

UKVI's faster services must be bought online when you book, not at the centre. Priority costs £500 per person (decision usually within 5 working days). Super priority costs £1,000 per person (usually by the end of the next working day) and has its own submission window at Kochi, 8 am to 2 pm. Availability can be limited, so book early if you have a fixed travel date.

After your appointment

Standard decisions for dependants usually come in about 3 weeks. If approved, you will get an eVisa, not a sticker, so set up your UKVI account and link your passport. Read our eVisa share code guide.

We are on the same road

Visa Xpert's office is on MG Road, Ravipuram, a few minutes from the VFS UK centre. We prepare and upload your documents before the appointment, so your visit is short. See our UK Skilled Worker dependent visa service. Going to the UK on holiday or to visit family? As a UK visit visa agency in Kochi, we prepare tourist visa files for the same VFS centre too.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the VFS UK visa centre in Kochi?

At First Floor, Coastal Chambers, MG Road, Ravipuram, Cochin, Kerala 682015. It moved from S&T Arcade, Kurisupally Road, in April 2023.

What are the VFS UK Kochi timings?

Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, by appointment. Super priority submissions are taken from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Do children have to go to VFS for a UK dependant visa?

Yes. Every applicant attends. Children under 5 have a photo taken but no fingerprints, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I use the UK ID Check app instead of going to VFS?

Not with an Indian passport. The app accepts EU, EEA, Swiss and certain Hong Kong passports only.

Can I take my phone into VFS Kochi?

Yes, on silent or vibrate, but it must be put away at the counter. Photography and recording are not allowed.