UK Opens Ancestry Visa to Citizens of 22 African Countries
The UK Ancestry visa allows nationals from 22 African Commonwealth countries to live and work in the UK for five years, with a path to permanent residency.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 24, 2026
2 min read
The United Kingdom government has introduced the Ancestry visa scheme, enabling eligible nationals from 22 African countries to live and work in the UK for up to five years.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be citizens of designated African countries, many of which are members of the Commonwealth.
- Prove that at least one grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Plan to work in the UK and have sufficient funds to support themselves without accessing public funds.
Eligible African Countries
The following African nations' citizens can apply for the Ancestry visa:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Cameroon
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Lesotho
- Eswatini
- Sierra Leone
- The Gambia
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Togo
- Gabon
- Zimbabwe
Notably, Zimbabwe remains eligible despite its suspension and withdrawal from the Commonwealth, reflecting a special provision under the visa rules.
Visa Benefits and Path to Residency
Successful applicants receive a visa valid for five years, during which they can live and work in the UK. After this period, they may apply for indefinite leave to remain, a key step towards permanent residency.
