Netherlands diplomatic mission in Rwanda
Dutch Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda
Find the official address, contact details and consular opening hours of the Dutch Embassy in Kigali. Learn how to apply for a Dutch passport or identity card, arrange appointments, collect documents and find the correct visa application location.
Contact
Dutch Embassy in Kigali: Contact Details
Kacyiru
Kigali
Rwanda
8:30 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30–4:30 PM
Important: the consular counter is open on Tuesday and Thursday only. Appointments are required for passport and identity card applications and for collecting completed documents. Regular Dutch Schengen visa applications cannot be submitted in Rwanda.
Location
Where Is the Dutch Embassy in Kigali?
The Dutch Embassy is located on Boulevard de l’Umuganda in Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda.
Kacyiru is an important diplomatic and administrative area of Rwanda’s capital.
Use the full visiting address when arranging transport and allow sufficient time for local traffic and any security procedures.
Choosing the correct location
For Dutch passports, identity cards, nationality procedures and selected consular services, eligible applicants can attend appointments at the embassy in Kigali.
For a regular Schengen visa for the Netherlands, applicants must use an authorised application location in Tanzania or Uganda rather than visiting the embassy in Kigali.
Planning your visit
Check your appointment confirmation, prepare your documents and review the embassy’s public holiday closures before travelling.
Before travelling: the consular counter is closed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Do not arrive without a confirmed appointment for a service that requires one.
Diplomatic representation
About the Dutch Embassy in Kigali
The Dutch Embassy in Kigali is the official diplomatic representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rwanda.
The embassy maintains relations with the Rwandan authorities and supports cooperation between the Netherlands and Rwanda.
Its diplomatic work includes political relations, economic cooperation, international development and engagement with institutions and organisations in both countries.
Consular assistance
The embassy also provides selected services to Dutch nationals living in Rwanda or temporarily visiting the country.
These include applications for Dutch passports and identity cards, emergency travel documents, nationality procedures, legalisations and consular certificates.
Not all visa services are available locally
Although the embassy handles certain visa-related matters, including eligible MVV visa sticker applications and specified Caribbean visa categories, it does not accept regular short-stay Schengen visa applications.
Applicants must check the correct procedure for their particular visa type.
Consular services
Consular Services at the Dutch Embassy in Kigali
Passports and Identity Cards
Dutch citizens can apply for a new passport or identity card by booking an online appointment.
Nationality Procedures
Eligible applicants can arrange naturalisation and option procedure appointments online.
Certificates and Legalisations
The embassy handles selected civil-status certificates, proof-of-life statements and legalisations.
Emergency travel documents
If your Dutch passport or identity card has been lost or stolen and you urgently need to travel, contact the embassy to ask about an emergency travel document.
Request an appointment by emailing kig-ca@minbuza.nl.
The embassy will advise you about the necessary documents and the available procedure.
Naturalisation and option procedure
For naturalisation or the Dutch nationality option procedure, book an online appointment with the embassy in Kigali.
Check the relevant legal requirements and prepare your supporting documentation before booking.
Legalisation of Rwandan documents
If a document issued in Rwanda needs to be legalised for use in the Netherlands, you can make an online appointment at the embassy.
Documents issued in another country generally need to be legalised through the relevant authorities in that country.
Signature legalisation
For legalisation of your signature, book an online appointment and bring valid identification together with the document requiring your signature.
Certified copies of identification documents
An online appointment is also available for legalising a copy of an identification document.
Confirm that the organisation requesting the copy accepts this form of certification.
Certificate of marital status
The application procedure depends on whether you have a Rwandan identification number.
If you have a Rwandan ID number, NetherlandsWorldwide directs you to apply online through the Rwandan government service Irembo Gov.
If you do not have a Rwandan ID number, you can request the certificate by emailing kig-ca@minbuza.nl.
Certificate of legal capacity to marry
If you have never lived in the Netherlands, you may request a certificate of legal capacity to marry by email from the embassy.
Check the applicable conditions and required civil-status documentation before applying.
Certificate of residence
If you have a Rwandan ID number, use the official Irembo Gov service to request the relevant certificate.
If you do not have a Rwandan ID number, you can request a certificate of residence by email from the embassy.
Proof-of-life certificate
If you need a proof-of-life certificate for a pension provider or another organisation, book an online appointment at the embassy.
Certificate of Dutch nationality
The procedure for obtaining a certificate of Dutch nationality depends on your circumstances. Check the eligibility requirements through NetherlandsWorldwide.
Basic civic integration examination abroad
The basic civic integration examination abroad can be arranged through the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.
Request an examination appointment by emailing kig-ca@minbuza.nl and complete the required registration steps beforehand.
Caribbean Carpet Programme
Eligible organisations may submit the completed Caribbean Carpet Programme application form by emailing the embassy’s consular team.
Important: applications for marital-status and residence certificates may use Rwanda’s Irembo Gov service when the applicant has a Rwandan ID number. Otherwise, the embassy provides an email procedure for eligible applicants.
Travel documents
Applying for a Dutch Passport or Identity Card in Rwanda
Dutch nationals living in Rwanda can apply for or renew a passport or identity card at the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.
1. Prepare Your Checklist
Use NetherlandsWorldwide to generate a personal checklist for each applicant and application.
2. Book Online
Make an online appointment at the embassy after gathering the required documentation.
3. Attend in Person
Bring your printed checklist, signed application form and original supporting documents.
Proof of legal residence in Rwanda
Applicants must demonstrate that they legally reside in Rwanda.
The official guidance lists several possible supporting documents:
- A valid visa and relevant supporting documents.
- A valid residence permit.
- A valid passport or identity card issued by the country of residence.
For a baby’s first Dutch passport or identity card, a birth certificate can be used as evidence of legal residence.
Rwandan birth and marriage certificates
Birth and marriage certificates issued in Rwanda must be legalised when required for a Dutch passport or identity card application.
Documents issued in another country may have different legalisation requirements.
Document translations
Documents written in Dutch, English, German or French can be submitted.
Documents in other languages must be translated by a sworn translator when required.
Applications for children
Children must attend the application appointment in person.
Parental or legal guardian consent may be required for passport applicants under 18 and identity card applicants under 12.
If a parent or legal guardian cannot attend, a signed consent form and an identification copy may be required.
Bring existing travel documents
Bring all Dutch and foreign passports and identity cards you hold, including expired documents.
If you still need your existing travel document, you may be allowed to keep it until your replacement is ready.
Collecting your new passport or ID card
You will receive an email when your new travel document is ready.
Book an online appointment for collection at the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.
Neither passports nor identity cards can be sent by post or courier from Kigali.
Important: a separate online collection appointment is required after your new passport or identity card is ready. The embassy does not offer delivery of new travel documents.
Visas and residence
Applying for a Visa for the Netherlands from Rwanda
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, travel document, purpose of travel and length of stay.
Schengen visas: applications outside Rwanda
Regular short-stay Schengen visas for the Netherlands cannot currently be applied for in Rwanda.
NetherlandsWorldwide directs eligible applicants residing in Rwanda to authorised visa application centres in Tanzania or Uganda.
1. Check Visa Requirements
Confirm whether you need a Schengen visa and whether the Netherlands is responsible for your application.
2. Choose an Application Country
Review the official options in Tanzania or Uganda, including entry requirements for travelling there.
3. Book with VFS Global
Make an appointment at the authorised VFS Global application centre and bring the required documents.
Schengen visa application centres
NetherlandsWorldwide lists VFS Global in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and VFS Global in Uganda as application options for eligible residents of Rwanda.
Check the latest appointment procedures before travelling to either country.
Airport transit visas
Applicants requiring an airport transit visa for the Netherlands are also directed to application centres in Tanzania or Uganda.
MVV visa stickers
If the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has approved your residence application, you may need an MVV visa sticker.
You can apply at the embassy in Kigali if your IND approval letter states that the sticker may be obtained in Rwanda.
Book an online appointment and follow the instructions in your IND letter.
Caribbean visas
Eligible applicants can book an online appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Kigali for certain short-stay or long-stay Caribbean visa applications.
Entry visas
If your Dutch residence permit has been lost, stolen or expired while you are in Rwanda, you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.
For this procedure, email the embassy at kig-ca@minbuza.nl.
The embassy will explain the documents required and arrange the next steps after assessing your request.
Important: regular Schengen visa applications are not accepted in Rwanda. Eligible applicants must apply through an authorised location in Tanzania or Uganda. Other visa categories may have different procedures at the embassy in Kigali.
Opening hours
Consular Opening Hours of the Dutch Embassy in Kigali
The embassy publishes the following opening hours for its consular counter:
Consular appointments
Opening hours do not mean that new applications can be submitted without an appointment.
Use the online booking system or email procedure specified for your consular service.
Document collection
Collection of passports, certificates or other completed documents requires an online appointment.
Follow the date and time confirmed in your booking.
Public holiday closures
The embassy also closes on selected Dutch and Rwandan public holidays.
Its 2026 closure calendar includes Christmas Day on 25 December and an additional closure from 28 to 31 December.
Check the official embassy contact page for updated closure information.
Remember: the consular counter operates only on Tuesday and Thursday during the published hours. Always arrange the correct appointment before visiting.
Appointments
How to Make an Appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Kigali
Online Appointments
Book passports, identity cards, naturalisation, option declarations, MVV visa stickers and selected certificates online.
Email Procedures
Contact kig-ca@minbuza.nl for emergency travel documents, the civic integration examination and certain consular requests.
Schengen Visa Appointments
Use the authorised VFS Global application centres in Tanzania or Uganda for regular Schengen visas.
Passport and identity card appointments
Prepare your personal checklist and all original supporting documents before booking online.
Each application requires its own checklist and appointment.
Nationality applications
Online appointments are available for eligible naturalisation applicants and people using the Dutch nationality option procedure.
Consular certificates and legalisations
Online appointments are available for legalisation of Rwandan documents, signatures and identity document copies, as well as proof-of-life certificates.
Certificates concerning marital status and residence follow a different procedure depending on whether you have a Rwandan ID number.
Changing or cancelling appointments
Follow the instructions in the confirmation email to change or cancel an online appointment.
For appointments arranged by email, contact the embassy’s consular team directly.
Document collection
Collecting a Dutch Passport or Identity Card in Kigali
You will receive a notification when your new Dutch passport or identity card is ready.
Book a collection appointment
To collect your document, make an online appointment with the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.
This requirement also applies when collecting certain other completed consular documents.
No postal or courier delivery
New Dutch passports and identity cards cannot be sent by post or courier from Kigali.
You must collect your new document at the embassy.
Handing over your old document
When collecting your replacement document, you must surrender your previous passport or identity card according to the embassy’s instructions.
If your old passport contains a valid visa or residence permit, inform the embassy before it is invalidated.
Collection deadline
You must collect your new passport or identity card within three months after being notified that it is ready.
Documents not collected within that period are destroyed.
Check your personal details
Check that your name, place of birth and other personal details are correct.
If you notice an error, contact kig-ca@minbuza.nl and provide details of the correction required.
Important: unlike embassies that allow collection without a new appointment, Kigali requires online booking for completed document collection. Passport and identity card delivery is not available.
Before your visit
Preparing for a Visit to the Dutch Embassy in Kigali
Confirm Your Appointment
Check that the appointment is for the correct consular service and that you have received confirmation.
Prepare Original Documents
Bring your signed application, identification, supporting documents and any required translations or legalisations.
Check Opening Days
The consular counter is open only on Tuesday and Thursday. Review public holiday closures before travelling.
Consular fees
Official fees apply to passports, identity cards, certificates, legalisations and certain visa procedures.
Check the current consular fees in Rwanda and the accepted payment methods before attending.
Applying for a Schengen visa outside Rwanda
If you need a regular Schengen visa, account for travel arrangements and any entry requirements for Tanzania or Uganda.
Do not book transport until you have checked the visa application centre’s eligibility requirements and appointment availability.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals needing urgent consular assistance in Rwanda can contact NetherlandsWorldwide at any time.
Emergency assistance: call +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. WhatsApp support is available at +31 857 737 400. Do not share sensitive personal documents through WhatsApp. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Dutch Embassy in Kigali: FAQ
Where is the Dutch Embassy in Kigali?
The embassy is located on Boulevard de l’Umuganda in Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda.
What is the telephone number of the Dutch Embassy in Kigali?
You can call +250 788 321 166. NetherlandsWorldwide can also be reached on +31 247 247 247.
What are the consular opening hours?
The consular counter is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. It is closed on the other days of the week.
Can I apply for a Dutch passport or identity card in Kigali?
Yes. Prepare a personal document checklist and book an online appointment with the embassy.
Do I need an appointment to collect my new passport?
Yes. You must book an online appointment to collect a new Dutch passport or identity card from the embassy in Kigali.
Can the embassy send my new passport or identity card?
No. New Dutch passports and identity cards cannot be sent by post or courier from Kigali.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa if I live in Rwanda?
Regular Schengen visa applications for the Netherlands cannot be submitted in Rwanda. Eligible residents can apply through authorised VFS Global centres in Tanzania or Uganda.
Can I apply for an MVV visa sticker in Kigali?
Yes, if your IND approval letter states that the MVV visa sticker can be applied for in Rwanda. An online appointment is required.
How do I request a marital-status or residence certificate?
Applicants with a Rwandan ID number are directed to Irembo Gov. Eligible applicants without a Rwandan ID number can request the relevant certificate by emailing kig-ca@minbuza.nl.
How can Dutch nationals get urgent consular assistance in Rwanda?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide at +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Official information