Do I need a visa for Rwanda from the UK?
Yes. If you hold a british passport you must obtain a visa for Rwanda to be able to enter the country. UK citizens are eligible to apply for a Rwanda visa online.
How to apply for the Rwanda visa for British citizens
Thankfully, it is possible to apply online for this visa. This method is very quick and easy and it only takes a few minutes. You can do it in your own language and you will also have a team of professionals to assist you every step of the way. This is what you have to do:
- Complete the Rwanda visa application
- Pay for the fees using a bank card
- Await the approved visa, that will be sent to your email
Can I obtain a visa on arrival?
Yes. As a British passport holder you are able to obtain a free single-entry tourist visa which is valid for 30 days. This option is available at Rwandan entry points, including Kigali International Airport.
However, this option is not recommended. For starters, you won’t arrive in the country with the certainty of knowing your visa is approved. If it is rejected, you would have to return to your country losing all the reservations you may have made.
Another problem is that you could spend a lot of time waiting for your visa since there are a lot of travelers trying to obtain it at the same time. That is why if you want to avoid the stress, we recommend you opt for an online visa.
What are the requirements?
To apply for visa for Rwanda from the UK you will need to have:
- A passport with a validity of at least 6 months by the time of entry and at least one blank page for entry stamps
- A bank card (credit or debit) to pay for the fees
- A current email address to receive the approved visa
Keep in mind that some visa types may request additional information:
- Transit visa: a complete travel itinerary
- East African visa (allows you to visit Uganda and Kenya as well): a personal photo, it must be passport-sized with a white background
- Family visit visa: an invitation letter, flight itinerary, proof of financial means, and proof of employment or enrollment
How long does it take to obtain the visa?
The processing time for the Rwanda visa for British passport holders is approximately 5 to 10 business days. However this may vary depending on the volume of applications and if there is additional information needed, so we recommend applying at least 15 days in advance of your travel dates.
What is the validity?
The validity depends on the type of visa you request:
- Tourist visa: 30 days
- East Africa visa: 90 days
- Family visit visa: 30 days
How much does it cost?
A Rwanda visa from the UK costs between 70 and 139 pounds.
This amount covers the visa, the assistance of professionals, all communication with the Rwandan government, and the revision and correction of all the documentation needed for the approval of the visa.
Rwandan High Commission in the UK
Address: 120-122 Seymour Pl, London W1H 1NR, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7224 9832
Email: uk@rwandainuk.gov.rw
Website: https://www.rwandainuk.gov.rw/
British High Commission in Rwanda
Address: KG 7 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda
Phone: +250 252 556 000
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-kigali