How to get a United Kingdom visa from Rwanda
Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for Rwandan passport holders travelling to United Kingdom.
Visa types & fees
5 visa options for travelling to United Kingdom.
Medical visa
Processing time3 WEEKS
Validity11 MONTHS
Fee (approx.)$259
Student visa
Processing time30 DAYS
ValidityDEPENDING ON THE DURATION OF THE COURSE
Fee (approx.)$253
Tourist visa
Processing time60 DAYS
Validity60 DAYS
Fee (approx.)$129
Transit visa
Processing time3 WEEKS
Validity2 DAYS
Fee (approx.)$87
Work visa
Processing time15 - 19 DAYS
Validity6 MONTHS
Fee (approx.)$831
Application requirements
Documents Rwandan applicants need to provide.
- An applicant MUST submit a valid passport or other acceptable travel document.
- The document must have a validity of at least 6 months on the day of entry in Rwanda.
- Applicant must provide a photocopy of the passport or travel document.
- Applicant must submit duly completed one (1) visa application form in his/her own hand writing or in type.
- Applicant is required to provide two passport photographs with white background and both ears in view.
- Signed accompanying letter explaining the purpose for travelling to Great Britain.
- An invitation letter with a copy of passport/ID of the inviting party (if your host is not a citizen ), or copy of residence permit (if your host is not Rwandan). If you will not have a host in Rwanda, you need to provide a confirmation of hotel accommodation booking.
- Proof of payment (Non-Refundable/Non-Transferable) into High Commission Bank Account (see details below).
- Return flight confirmation/copy of return itinerary.
- A prepaid, recorded and self addressed envelope must be included with an application submitted by post. Alternatively, an applicant may arrange collection of their passport by a courier.
- An applicant must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their stay in Great Britain. Evidence for such funds may be requested at the High Commission or at the entry point.
- Travel Document holders are requested to provide the above along with proofs of address in the form of a current bank statement or current utility bill.
- A vaccination certificate may be required at the border post. In the event of a major disease outbreak, specific requirements could be set and put to the knowledge of the public.
- The visa process takes 3 working days (4 working days for Travel Documents) for a complete file.
- NOTE: Because of the increased number of applicants, we advise applicants to allow themselves enough time between the date of application and the date of travel.
Visa type details
Work visa
- Covering letter from Italian the inviting company. The letter should indicate your name and designation, travel dates, itinerary, duration of stay, details on trip’s sponsor, purpose of visit, and signed by an authorized person.
- Registration Certificate of the inviting company.
- A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Italy.
- Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Italy, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.
Student visa
- The Tier 4 - Student (Adult) visa is for students who intend to undertake any post-16 education at a United Kingdom institution in a full time course. The Tier 4 - Student (Adult) visa is flexible and allows students to participate in both short and long term courses of at least 6 months in duration.
- Admission letter from institution of study.
- Proof of accommodation
- All documents submitted for this visa application must contain original and 2 clear photocopies for application.
- Documentation showing that you've been accepted into an institution in Great Britain is required.
- You'll also need to show proof that you meet the conditions for access to studying in Great Britain. This proof could be academic results or previously obtained learning certificates.
- As an international student, you’ll need to apply for a national long-stay visa which allows you to stay longer than 6 months
- Applicants are to provide proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 covering any medical emergency for the duration of their stay.
- A medical certificate stating you don’t carry any diseases that may endanger public health (such as TB, Malaria, and other diseases that require quarantine and other infectious diseases) is also required.
- Proof of financial sustenance for the entire stay in Great Britain. This proof could be a valid scholarship offer, recent bank statement, letter attesting sponsorship and a valid ID of your sponsor.
- You can work part-time when school is in session and full-time when the school is on break as long as it doesn't affect your studies.
- Medical certificate issued not more than 6 months to the date of application is important for this application.
- A certificate of good conduct not more than 6 months to the date of the application is required to show you've not been convicted for any crimes.
- For minors, a letter of authorization signed by both parents and the original copy of your birth certificate should be presented.
Medical visa
- A local medical report
- A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Finland, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation
- A letter from your local medical practitioner stating your medical condition.
- Payment receipt of medical fees.
Tourist visa
- Generally, Visitor Visas are valid for 6 months. In some cases, they can be issued for longer periods such as 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. However, those with longer term visas can still only stay in the UK for periods of six months at a time
- You are not allowed to work with this visa
- You are not allowed to use this visa for educational purposes
Where to apply
United Kingdom embassy & visa application centers in Rwanda.
Kigali
AddressParcelle No 1131 Boulevard de l'Umuganda Kacyiru Sud BP 576 Kigali Rwanda
Phone(+250) 252 556 000
Email[email protected]
| Day | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | — | — |
| Tue | — | — |
| Wed | — | — |
| Thu | — | — |
| Fri | — | — |
| Sat | — | — |
| Sun | — | — |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to go to Great Britain from Rwanda
Yes, a visa is required
Is the Great Britain safe
Yes. However, remember to always observe caution whenever you're in an unfamiliar territory
How long does it take to process a visa to the Great Britain
Processing time for a visa to the Great Britain is about 3 weeks
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest United Kingdom visa
requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.