The easiest way to get your UK Visa as a Nigerian citizen
Over 130,000 Nigerians visit the United Kingdom each year. The United Kingdom has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Nigerians looking to travel outside of the country for vacation, work, or study. The number of Nigerians studying in the UK has increased from 13,020 in the 2019/2020 academic session to 21,305 in the 2020/2021 academic session.
If you want to travel to the United Kingdom, you must first obtain a Nigerian International passport. You will not be permitted to enter the United Kingdom unless you have a valid international passport and a valid travel visa.
To travel to the United Kingdom for any reason, a travel visa must be obtained by following the prescribed procedures and providing accurate application information. Nigerians who are interested must be willing to oblige.
The UK Visa application process can take up to 30 days and the earliest you can apply is 3 months in advance. Travel visas are of different types, depending on the objectives of the travel. You have to be sure of the type of visa you are applying for because you’ll be granted entry into the country for the duration of your visa application. Processing time for each visa may vary.
Standard UK Visitor Visa: Short stays of up to six months or transit.
Work Visa: For paid and voluntary work, entrepreneur and investor visits.
Study Visa: Short-term study visas and visas for longer courses, degrees and independent schools.
UK VISA REQUIREMENTS
These include personal and utility documents. The requirements also varies depending on the travel visa type
- A valid international passport with a page that is blank on both sides
- Completed visa application form (this is filled in online)
- One passport photograph that meets the requirements
- Visa fee : The cost of a Standard Visitor Visa is currently about ₦52,000 ($125). The UK visa fees are different for each visa type . These can be found on the GOV.UK website.
- Proof of finances (e.g. original bank statement that is not older than 3 months)
Confirmation of accommodation and flight bookings - A letter of invitation if you are being sponsored by a friend or family member
- Original marriage certificate if you are travelling with your spouse
- Birth certificates for your children if you are travelling together
- Recent utility bills
If you are travelling for business you will need to include: a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/confirmation of conference; and full details for an authorised representative from your company and their contact details.
HERE ARE THE STEPS IN GETTING YOUR UK VISA AS A CITIZEN OF NIGERIA
Step 1
Go to the GOV.UK website and register a user account. You will asked to choose the type of visa you wish to obtain.
Step 2
Fill out the application form, pay the visa fee and book an appointment at a visa application centre. There are many high service delivering visa application centres in Nigeria. Afterwards, you will receive an email confirming your appointment and what documents you need to come along with. You will also be given a GWF (Global Web Form) number which you will need for the next step.
Step 3
You have to register on the TLScontact website. If you don’t register, you will not be allowed to attend your appointment. From the TLScontact website, you will be able to monitor your visa application process.
Step 4
Attend your appointment and submit your biometrics at a UK visa application centre. To avoid any delays in the application process you should come along with all required documents.
Step 5
Wait for your visa application to be processed. You will be able to track your visa application on the TLScontact website.
Step 6
Collect your passport at the specified Visa Application Centre. You will be notified when it is ready for collection.
IMPORTANT: Visa fee is not refundable after submission of biometrics have been done. You must also ensure that you are not late for your appointment. If you are late, your application process may be delayed as you will have to rebook your appointment.