Nigerian citizens need an embassy visa before travelling to the United Kingdom.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Valid passportYour passport should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in the UK. Include any previous passports to show travel history.
• Completed online application form
• Appointment confirmation
• Passport-sized colour photographMust meet UK visa photo requirements.
• Proof of fundsBank statements (for at least the last 6 months), payslips, or a letter from your employer confirming salary. If sponsored, a letter from your sponsor and their financial documents.
• Proof of accommodationHotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in the UK, including their address and contact details.
• Detailed travel itineraryOutline your planned activities and places you intend to visit.
• Proof of employment, education, or business in NigeriaLetter from employer, business registration documents, or a letter from your educational institution, confirming your ties to Nigeria.
• Return flight reservationEvidence of your intention to leave the UK.
• Marriage certificate and/or birth certificatesIf travelling with family or visiting family members in the UK.

1. 1
   Complete the online visa application form on the official UK government website.

   Apply for a UK visa
2. 2
   Pay the visa application fee online. (Fees are not stated here as per instructions, please check the official website for current rates).
3. 3
   Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria. You will need to select a convenient date and time.
4. 4
   Attend your appointment at the VAC to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph) and submit all your supporting documents.
5. 5
   Track your application status online using the reference number provided.
6. 6
   Collect your passport from the VAC once a decision has been made on your application.

• Insufficient Funds

  How to avoid: Provide clear, consistent bank statements for at least the last 6 months, payslips, and a letter from your employer. If sponsored, ensure your sponsor provides their financial documents and a detailed letter of support, clearly stating their relationship to you and their commitment.

• Unclear Purpose of Visit

  How to avoid: Submit a detailed travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and a clear letter explaining your purpose of visit. If visiting family/friends, provide their invitation letter, contact details, and proof of their immigration status in the UK.

• Lack of Strong Ties to Home Country

  How to avoid: Provide robust evidence of employment, property ownership, family responsibilities (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents), and other significant commitments in Nigeria that demonstrate your intention to return.

• Incomplete or Inconsistent Documents

  How to avoid: Carefully review the document checklist provided by the UK government. Ensure all information provided is accurate and consistent across all documents submitted. Do not omit any requested documents.

• Previous Immigration Breaches

  How to avoid: Be honest about any previous visa refusals, overstays, or immigration issues in the UK or other countries. Provide explanations and evidence if applicable. Ensure you have adhered to all visa conditions on previous travels.

• Invalid Passport Validity

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least the entire duration of your intended stay in the UK. It is advisable to have at least 6 months validity remaining beyond your planned departure date.

• Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance details, but keep original documents secure.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your visit's purpose and duration upon arrival at UK immigration control.
• Familiarize yourself with UK customs regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items to avoid issues upon entry.
• Ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events during your stay.

• Can I extend my Standard Visitor visa while in the UK?

  In most cases, you cannot extend a Standard Visitor visa beyond 6 months. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical treatment or academic visitors, and you must meet strict eligibility criteria.

• Can I work in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?

  No, a Standard Visitor visa does not permit you to work in the UK, whether paid or unpaid. This includes taking up employment, doing paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, or undertaking a work placement or internship.

• Do I need a visa if I'm only transiting through a UK airport?

  Yes, Nigerian citizens generally need a transit visa even if they are only transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control (Direct Airside Transit Visa) or if they wish to pass through border control for a short period (Visitor in Transit Visa). Check the specific requirements based on your itinerary.

• What if my UK visa application is refused?

  If your visa application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. In most cases for visitor visas, there is no right of appeal, but you may be able to reapply if you can address the reasons for the refusal and provide new evidence.

• Can I bring my family members with me on my Standard Visitor visa?

  Each family member, including children, must apply for their own Standard Visitor visa. There is no 'family visa' under the visitor category; each application is assessed individually.

• My Nigerian passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for a UK tourist visa?

  The UK generally requires your passport to be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay. It is strongly recommended that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your planned travel date. You may need to renew your passport before applying to avoid potential issues.

• I was refused a UK visa last year. Can I apply again for a tourist visa?

  Yes, you can apply again even if you had a previous refusal. You must declare any previous visa refusals for the UK or any other country in your new application. It is important to address the reasons for the previous refusal and provide any additional information or documentation to strengthen your current application.

• How much money do I need in my bank account to show for a UK tourist visa from Nigeria?

  There is no fixed minimum amount specified, but you must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and living expenses in the UK without working or accessing public funds. You will need to provide bank statements showing your financial history and the source of your funds. The Home Office assesses each application individually based on the duration of your stay and your proposed activities.

• I want to travel to the UK next month. Is there enough time to get a tourist visa from Nigeria?

  Standard visitor visa processing times for Nigerian applicants can vary, and it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. While some applications may be processed quickly, others can take several weeks or longer. You should check the current processing times on the official UK government website before submitting your application.

• I am self-employed in Nigeria. What documents do I need to show for a UK tourist visa?

  As a self-employed applicant, you will need to provide evidence of your business's legitimacy and your income. This typically includes business registration documents, tax returns, and personal and business bank statements. You should also provide a letter explaining the nature of your business and how it supports your travel.

• How much does a United Kingdom visa cost for Nigerian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for London, or does this cover all of United Kingdom?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a United Kingdom visa is valid for the whole country — including London, Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands and Bath. Apply once for United Kingdom and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.