United Kingdom Visa Guide
Complete guide for East Africans Β· Updated 2025
Standard Visitor Visa
For tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, and short medical treatment. Up to 6 months per visit.
Student Visa (formerly Tier 4)
For students aged 16+ with a place at a licensed UK student sponsor. Requires CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your institution.
Skilled Worker Visa
For people with a job offer from a UK employer with a Home Office sponsor licence. Replaced Tier 2 General in December 2020.
Graduate Visa
Allows international students who have graduated from a UK university to work or look for work in the UK for 2 years (3 for PhD graduates).
Kenya has very strong UK visa application volumes. VFS UK offices in Nairobi (Chiromo Road, Westlands) and Mombasa. UK is one of the top destinations for Kenyan nurses, teachers, and tech workers under Skilled Worker visas.
Rwandan applicants: VFS UK is in Kigali (KG 7 Ave, Nyarutarama). Processing is efficient. Rwanda's recent strong economic trajectory is noted positively by UK officers.
Uganda: VFS UK at Ntinda Shopping Centre, Kampala. Strong application history especially for healthcare workers. UK actively recruits Ugandan doctors and nurses via NHS.
Tanzania: VFS UK in Dar es Salaam (Oyster Bay). Tanzanian applicants should ensure employment letters from well-established employers β government, banks, NGOs are viewed strongest.
Ethiopia: VFS UK in Addis Ababa (CMC Road). High volume office. Apply well in advance. Priority visa service (5 business days) is available and recommended.
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