UK Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Travelling to the United Kingdom can be an exciting experience especially if it’s your first time. However, being a newbie can increase the chances of your visa application being rejected. But that shouldn’t happen if you follow the right steps.

In this post, we’ve provided you with the necessary information and visa requirements you need to have before you start your application process.

Prior to travelling to the UK, there are certain requirements you need to fulfil. These requirements including have specific documents that you will present in the course of your application.

The first step is to apply for your international passport at the immigration office if you don’t have one.

Once you’ve received your immigration passport, the next step will be to decide which visa type to apply for. The most popular type is the visitor’s or tourist visa. This visa can either be the 6 months or 2 years multiple entry. The purpose of this visa is to visit friends or family in the UK. It also applies to short term study, business, trainings or confererence

The UK Visa Requirements Include:

  • A valid travel passport (ECOWAS passport)
  • Application Form: The form is usually filled online
  • One passport sized colour photograph on white background. This must not be more than 6 months old (45mmx35mm wide)
  • Visa Fee
  • Evidence of permission to be in UK if you are not a national of the Nigeri, in this case you need to produce a visa, green card, residence permit etc.
  • Photocopy of passport data page
  • Letter of Invitation
  • Financial proof, original bank statement (at least 6 months)
  • Birth certificate for children travelling with parents
  • Applicant travelling on an official business should attach a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/conference with full details of the Company’s Authorized representative; physical address and phone numbers.
  • Supporting letter from sponsor
  • Utility bills
  • Details of hotel/flight bookings
  • Marriage certificate if applicable

 

The visa application is done online or at the immigration office at your state of residence. You can visit the UK Immigration visa requirements for more information.

Below are the steps involved in applying:

Step 1: Apply online

Step 2: Pay your fee

Step 3: Book your appointment

Step 4: Go for your appointment

 

Step 1: Apply online

You can visit the UK immigration and visa website to find out the type of visa you should apply for the UK visitor’s visa. Also, you can apply for your UK visa through the Teleperformance – UK Application Centers in Lagos or Abuja. This company works in partnership with the UK Government for visas and immigration in Nigeria makes visa application simple and fast. Their services include Premium Lounge, Priority Visas and Return Courier.

Step 2: Pay your fee

Generally, the cost of the short term visa is $141. You are to pay after filling your application form online

Step 3: Book your appointment

You’re to select your preferred appointment date during the course of your application. Then you will also receive an email confirming your appointment date and location. The Visa office will also inform you of the required documents you need to take along.

It is important to note that the 8a.m appointment is often high priority and you may need to pay an additional fee to book an appointment for that time. If you don’t want to pay the extra fee, you can choose another convenient time.

Step 4: Go for your appointment

On the day of your appointment at the Visa Application Centre, you are required to bring along with you printed copies of your online application form, your appointment confirmation, your international passport and any other specified documents. At your appointment you will submit your application form and supporting documentS. Also, you will have your photo and fingerprints (known as “biometric information”) taken.

Your appointment date should fall on Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m except on public holidays in Lagos and Abuja UK Application Center.

The visa processing usually takes four to six working days. However, some visa applications can take more time especially those that have special attention in crime or history of rejection.

On the day of your appointment, you need to arrive on time. If you arrive late, your application process may be delayed and you may have to rebook your appointment.

If you have a child under 5 years, s/he is also required to attend the Visa Application Centre to complete the application process. Your child’s photograph will taken at the centre and other required documents will be received.

The final part of application process is the collection of your international passport. The collection time is between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Except for Public Holidays) from Monday to Friday. You are expected to come with your application checklist, original photographic ID and a photocopy of biodata page of passport. You will be alerted through an SMS when your application has been sent to the UK Embassy on the submission day and you will be alerted for collection when your passport arrives back to the UK Application Center. You can also track your application online on Teleperformance website.

You can send a third party to collect your documents on your behalf, unless you are a government representative, a parent collecting for your child or children or you are collecting on behalf of your family if you applied together.

 

Below is a list of the UK Visa Application Centres in the country

Lagos centres

Victoria Island Centre

1st Floor, Churchgate Tower 2

Plot PC31 Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

 

Ikeja Centre

TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.

Etiebets Place, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way

Ikeja, Lagos

 

Abuja Centres

British Deputy High Commission, Abuja

11 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos

 

UK Visa Application Centre, Abuja.

TLS Contact Processing Services Ltd.

3rd floor El Yakub Plaza, Plot 1129

Zakariya Maimalari street, opp war college

Central Business Area, Abuja

 

UK Government for Visas & Immigration British High Commission, Lagos

Dangote House, Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama District, Abuja

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