How to apply for a UK visa in Rwanda

Where can I get information?

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the UK visas website.    The British Embassy in Kigali also provides information, by e-mail and phone.  Please call +250 0252 580041 or +250 0252 580038 or e-mail Kigali visa section embassy.kigali@fco.gov.uk.

Where can I get help?

The Embassy can give you basic advice on visas, but cannot complete your form for you.  If you need help with your application, or advice about the UK’s immigration rules and requirements, you need to contact a qualified professional immigration adviser or lawyer. In the UK, the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner keeps a list of registered immigration advisers.

How do I submit my application?

You should submit your application through our online application service Visa4UK.  You must then take a copy of the completed on-line form in person to the British Embassy in Kigali.  If you do not have access to the internet you can complete the online application form at the British Embassy.  At the British Embassy you will have to pay the appropriate visa fee in Rwanda Francs and have your biometric data (i.e. fingerprints and photo) taken. Your application will then be couriered, at no additional cost, to the Visa Section at the British High Commission in Nairobi, where an Entry Clearance Officer will assess your application. 

Which documents should I bring to the British Embassy?

· A copy of your completed on-line form
· Your passport or travel document  (with at least six-months validity)
· Supporting evidence (see UK visas) 
· One recent, passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. This should be:
· taken against a light coloured background
· clear and of good quality and not framed or backed
· printed on normal photographic paper, and
· full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons

Please note that we can not accept photographs, which do not meet these specifications.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UKvisas staff in the British High Commission in Nairobi will process and decide your visa application.  The British Embassy in Kigali and its staff do not consider visa applications. We have no facility to issue visas.   When a decision has been made on your application, your passport will be returned by courier to the British Embassy in Kigali for collection by you.  You should contact the British Embassy visa office between 7 and 15 days after submitting your application to see if it has been processed.  Please call +250 0252 580041 or +250 0252 580038 or e-mail the visa section at embassy.kigali@fco.gov.uk.  

Service standards - complaints and compliments.

UKvisas aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback because it helps us to see where we need to improve. If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days If you wish to complain about the service you received from UKvisas at this Embassy, please address your complaint to: The Entry Clearance Manager British High Commission Upper Hill Road PO BOX 30465 0100 Nairobi, Kenya by post or by fax to: +256 020 28 44 111

Complaints can be handed in at the British Embassy in Kigali to be forwarded to the Entry Clearance Manager or sent by email to Nairobi Visa section at VisaEnquiries.Nairobi@fco.gov.uk 

Visa section opening times and contact details

The British Embassy in Kigali accepts applications between 0900 and 1100, Monday to Friday. 

The Embassy is located opposite Hotel Novotel Umubano at Parcelle 1131, Boulevard de l'Umuganda, Kacyiru South, Kigali. 

Please see the location map in our contact details section. 

How long does the process take?

7-15 working days after submitting your application for all types of entry clearance (visa), except applications for settlement, which take up to three months.