UK Opens New Visa Application Centre in Bulawayo to Boost Zimbabwe Ties

Key Takeaways

• UK opened a new Visa Application Centre in Bulawayo on July 10, 2025, managed by VFS Global.
• Bulawayo centre offers visitor, student, work, settlement visas with standard and premium services.
• UK visa policy updates include digital eVisas and higher Skilled Worker salary threshold of £25,000.

On July 10, 2025, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 opened a new UK Visa Application Centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. This move brings a major change for Zimbabweans seeking to travel, work, study, or reunite with family in the UK. The new centre, managed by VFS Global, promises to make the visa process easier and more accessible for thousands of people in southern Zimbabwe and nearby regions.

A New Era for UK Visa Services in Zimbabwe

The Bulawayo centre is now the second UK visa facility in Zimbabwe, joining the long-standing centre in Harare. Located at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel on Josiah Tongogara & 10th Avenue, The centre is described as a premium application site. It offers both standard and enhanced services, aiming to meet the growing demand for UK visas among Zimbabweans.

A spokesperson for VFS Global, the official partner running the centre, explained, “The opening of our new visa centre in Bulawayo marks a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between the UK and Zimbabwe. It will provide greater convenience and accessibility for applicants in the southern region of the country.”

Why the Bulawayo Centre Matters

For years, Zimbabweans from Bulawayo, Matabeleland, Midlands, and surrounding provinces had to travel to Harare to apply for a UK visa. This often meant long journeys, extra costs, and time away from work or family. The new centre in Bulawayo changes this by bringing services closer to home. Now, applicants can save both time and money, making the process less stressful and more efficient.

The centre is expected to handle a large share of Zimbabwe’s UK visa applications. Demand has risen steadily, driven by increased interest in travel, study, business, and migration. The new facility is designed to keep up with this trend, offering more appointment slots and faster processing for those who need it.

What Services Does the Bulawayo Centre Offer?

The UK Visa Application Centre in Bulawayo provides a full range of services for all types of UK visas, including:

• Visitor visas (for tourism, business, or family visits)
• Student visas (for those accepted to UK schools or universities)
• Work visas (including Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes)
• Settlement visas (for family reunification or long-term residence)

Applicants can choose between standard processing and premium services. Premium options include:

• Priority and super-priority processing (for faster decisions)
• Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photos)
• Document scanning and uploading
• SMS/email updates on application status
• Courier return of passports and documents

These services are designed to make the process smoother and more transparent, especially for those with urgent travel needs.

How to Apply for a UK Visa in Bulawayo: Step-by-Step Guide

The process for applying at the Bulawayo centre is straightforward. Here’s what applicants need to do:

1. Complete the Online Application
   • Start by filling out the UK visa application form online at the official UK government website: www.gov.uk.
   • Choose the correct visa type and follow the instructions carefully.
2. Book an Appointment
   • After submitting the online form, book an appointment at the Bulawayo UK Visa Application Centre through the VFS Global portal.
   • Select a date and time that works best.
3. Prepare Your Documents
   • Gather all required documents, such as:
     • Valid passport
     • Completed application form
     • Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips)
     • Invitation letters (if visiting family or friends)
     • School or work acceptance letters (for students or workers)
     • Appointment confirmation
4. Attend Your Appointment
   • Go to the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel at the scheduled time.
   • Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
   • Hand in your supporting documents.
5. Choose Optional Premium Services
   • If you need a faster decision, you can pay extra for priority or super-priority processing.
   • You can also opt for SMS/email updates and courier return of your documents.
6. Wait for a Decision
   • The centre will notify you when your application is processed.
   • Collect your passport and visa in person or have them delivered by courier.

Opening Hours and Contact Information

• Location: Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, Josiah Tongogara & 10th Avenue, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
• Opening Days/Hours: Check the VFS Global Zimbabwe website for the latest schedule, as hours may change.

Recent UK Visa Policy Changes Affecting Zimbabweans

Several important changes have taken place in UK visa policy over the past year. Zimbabwean applicants should be aware of the following updates:

• Digital eVisas:
  Since April 2025, the UK issues both physical and digital eVisas. A digital eVisa is an electronic visa that you show at the UK border using your phone or a printout. This makes it easier to travel without worrying about losing a visa sticker.

• Skilled Worker Visa Changes:
  From April 9, 2025, the minimum salary for health and care workers on the Skilled Worker route increased to £25,000. Entry-level Band 3 healthcare jobs no longer meet the salary threshold. Care providers in England must now try to hire workers locally before looking abroad, and more restrictions may be added soon.

• Settlement Rules:
  The UK government has proposed extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence) from five to ten years. This is still under discussion, and no changes have been made yet.

• Visa Requirements:
  Zimbabwean nationals still need a visa for all types of UK travel, including visits, work, study, and settlement. The process and required documents remain the same, but the new centre in Bulawayo makes applying easier.

Background: Why Did the UK Open a Centre in Bulawayo?

The UK has required visas for Zimbabwean nationals for many years. As more Zimbabweans travel for education, business, and family reasons, the number of visa applications has grown. Many people, especially from the southern part of the country, found it hard to travel to Harare for their appointments.

Community groups, business leaders, and education advocates called for better access to UK consular services outside the capital. The UK government responded by opening the Bulawayo centre, aiming to improve service and show goodwill toward Zimbabwe.

This move is also part of a larger UK plan to build stronger ties with Zimbabwe and the Southern African region. By making it easier for people to visit, study, or do business in the UK, both countries hope to benefit from closer cooperation.

What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?

The new UK Visa Application Centre in Bulawayo has received strong support from many groups:

• Zimbabwean diaspora organizations say the centre will remove barriers for students, businesspeople, and families. It will encourage more people to apply for UK visas, knowing they don’t have to travel far.
• UK business and education leaders believe the centre will help legitimate travel and make it easier for Zimbabweans to join UK schools, universities, and companies.
• Migration policy experts see the Bulawayo centre as a model for other countries. By bringing services closer to people, the UK is making the process more efficient and user-friendly.

Implications for Zimbabwean Communities

The opening of the Bulawayo centre brings several benefits:

• Easier Access: People in Bulawayo and nearby provinces can now apply for UK visas without long, costly trips to Harare.
• Faster Processing: With two centres, appointment wait times may drop, and urgent cases can be handled more quickly.
• More Opportunities: Students, workers, and families have a better chance to pursue their goals in the UK, thanks to improved access.
• Economic Impact: Local businesses, travel agents, and service providers in Bulawayo may see more activity as people come for visa appointments.

However, some challenges remain. The cost of UK visas and supporting documents can still be high for many Zimbabweans. Policy changes, such as higher salary thresholds for work visas, may make it harder for some to qualify. Applicants must also stay informed about the latest rules and requirements.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for UK Visa Services in Zimbabwe?

The UK Home Office will watch demand at the Bulawayo centre closely. If more people apply, the centre may expand its capacity or add new services. The UK is also moving towards more digital processes, such as eVisas and online document checks, which could make things even easier in the future.

Policy consultations in the UK may lead to further changes in settlement, work, and family visa rules later in 2025 or 2026. Zimbabwean applicants should keep an eye on official announcements to stay up to date.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

• The Bulawayo UK Visa Application Centre is now open and fully operational.
• Zimbabweans can choose between Harare and Bulawayo for their UK visa appointments.
• No changes have been made to visa eligibility or requirements for Zimbabwean nationals.
• Digital eVisas and premium services like priority processing are available.
• For the latest information and to book appointments, visit the VFS Global Zimbabwe – UK Visa Application Centre Bulawayo page.

Practical Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Begin your application well before your planned travel date to allow time for processing.
• Check Requirements: Make sure you have all the necessary documents. Missing paperwork can delay your application.
• Use Official Resources: Always use the official UK government and VFS Global websites for forms and information. For example, the main UK visa application form is available at www.gov.uk.
• Consider Premium Services: If you need your visa quickly, priority and super-priority options are available for an extra fee.
• Stay Informed: Visa rules can change. Check for updates regularly, especially if you are applying for work or settlement visas.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for UK-Zimbabwe Relations

The opening of the UK Visa Application Centre in Bulawayo marks a positive step for both countries. It shows the UK’s commitment to making its visa services more accessible and responsive to the needs of Zimbabweans. By reducing travel burdens and offering enhanced services, the centre is expected to boost travel, education, business, and family connections between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this development is likely to set a new standard for visa services in the region, making it easier for people to pursue opportunities abroad. For Zimbabweans planning to visit, study, or work in the UK, the Bulawayo centre offers a more convenient and efficient way to start their journey.

For more details, official updates, and to book your appointment, visit the VFS Global Zimbabwe – UK Visa Application Centre Bulawayo website. Always rely on official sources to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your UK visa application.

Learn Today

Visa Application Centre → A designated location where applicants submit visa forms and biometrics for UK visas.
Biometric Enrolment → The process of collecting fingerprints and photographs to verify applicants’ identity.
Skilled Worker Visa → A UK visa category for foreign nationals with specific job skills and salary requirements.
Digital eVisa → An electronic visa presented digitally at the border instead of a physical sticker in the passport.
Priority Processing → A premium service allowing faster decision-making on visa applications for an additional fee.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UK launched a new visa centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, improving access and accelerating UK visa applications with enhanced services and digital eVisas for faster processing.
— By VisaVerge.com