Visiting the United Kingdom for the first time can be an especially thrilling experience. Nevertheless, being inexperienced may heighten the likelihood that your visa application will be denied. However, that should not occur if the proper procedures are followed.
Before beginning the application process, the information and visa requirements detailed in this article are precisely what you need to know.
Before embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom, there are specific prerequisites that must be met. These prerequisites consist of particular documents that you are expected to submit during the application process.
Applying for an international passport at the immigration office is the initial requirement if you do not already possess one.
After obtaining your immigration passport, the following course of action is to determine the form of visa for which to apply. The tourist or visitor visa is the most widely used type.
This visa is available in two-year or six-month multiple-entry formats. This visa is for the purpose of visiting family or acquaintances in the United Kingdom. It is applicable to business, short-term study, training, and conferences as well.
UK Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens read more below;
UK Visa Prerequisites Consist Of:
- A authorized passport for travel (ECOWAS passport)
- The application form is: Typically, the form is completed online.
- One color photograph, passport-sized, with a white background. This must be no older than six months (35mm x 45mm).
- Visa Cost
- Proof of authorization to be in the UK If you do not hold Nigerian citizenship, you are required to present appropriate documentation such as a visa, green card, or residence permit.
- Copies of the passport data sheet
- Letter of Invitation Financial documentation, including an original six-month bank statement
- Document of birth for children traveling with their guardians
- Applicants traveling on official business should enclose a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/conference that includes the complete contact information, including physical address and phone number, of the authorized representative of the company.
- Letter of support from the sponsor Utility invoices
- Specifics regarding hotel and flight reservations
- Certificate of matrimony, if applicable
Visa applications are accepted at the immigration office in your state of residence or online. For further details, please refer to the UK Immigration visa requirements page.
Listed below are the procedures for applying:
- Firstly: apply online
- Step 2: Your cost
- Third Step: Schedule an appointment
- Step 4: Proceed to your appointment
Step 1: apply online
Visit the United Kingdom’s immigration and visa website to determine which form of visa is required to obtain a visitor’s visa. You may also submit your UK visa application at one of the Teleperformance – UK Application Centers located in Lagos or Abuja.
This organization, which collaborates with the United Kingdom Government on immigration and visas in Nigeria, streamlines and expedites the visa application process. Priority Visas, Return Courier, and Premium Lounge are among the services they provide.
- Step 2: Your cost
The standard fee for a short-term visa is $141. You must make payment after completing the application online.
Read Also: A country just went visa-free for visitors with any passport
Third Step: Schedule an appointment
Your preferable appointment date must be indicated in the application process. You will subsequently receive an email confirming the date and location of your appointment. Additionally, the visa office will advise you on which documents are mandatory for your journey.
It is noteworthy that appointments at 8 a.m. are frequently given higher priority, and an additional fee may be required to reserve one. If you prefer not to incur the additional charge, you may select an alternative time that is more convenient for you.
Step 4: Proceed to your appointment
You are required to bring printed copies of your online application form, appointment confirmation, international passport, and any other documents specified on the day of your appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
You will be required to bring your application form and any accompanying documents to your scheduled appointment. Additionally, your biometrics and photograph (collected as “biometric information”) will be obtained.
Your scheduled appointment should occur between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Lagos and Abuja UK Application Center public holidays.
Visa processing typically requires between four and six business days. However, certain visa applications may require additional time, particularly those involving criminal activity or a previous denial history.
You must be punctual for your scheduled appointment on the specified day. Your application may be delayed and you may be required to reschedule your appointment if you arrive late.
UK Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
Additionally, your infant, who is less than five years old, must be present at the Visa Application Centre to finalize the application procedure. A photograph of your child will be taken at the center, along with the receipt of any other necessary documents.
At the conclusion of the application procedure, your international passport is collected. The collection period is from Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding public holidays). It is mandatory for you to submit the following: an application checklist, an original photo ID, and a photocopy of the biodata page from your passport.
You will receive an SMS notification once your application has been submitted to the UK Embassy on the designated submission day. Upon the return of your passport to the UK Application Center, you will be notified for collection. Additionally, application tracking is available online via the Teleperformance website.
Except if you are a government representative, a parent collecting for your child or children, or a family member applying jointly, you may have a third party collect your documents on your behalf.
The following is a list of the United Kingdom Visa Application Centres located in Lagos:
The Victoria Island Complex
Second floor of Churchgate Tower
Churchgate Street, Plot PC31, Victoria Island, Lagos
Ikeja Plaza
Contact Processing Services Ltd. (“TLS”).
Twenty-one Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way is Etiebets Place.
Ikeja, Lagos City
Abuja Facilities
Abuja, British Deputy High Commission
Eleven Walter Carrington Crescent, Lagos, Victoria Island
UK Visa Application Centre in Abuja
Contact Processing Services Ltd. (“TLS”).
El Yakub Plaza, Third Floor, Plot 1129
Street Zakariya Maimalari, Opposition War College
Abuja’s Central Business District
British Government for Visas and Immigration, Lagos High Commission
Aguyi Ironsi Street, Dangote House, Maitama District, Abuja