he UK has many wonderful things to see – ancient ruins like Stone Henge for example. Then, there are the interesting castles that you will find in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where you can immerse yourself in history and imagine a life gone by. If it’s cuisine you enjoy, you won’t have far to go to experience some delicious traditional food – there are many restaurants and bars all over the country! In this article, learn more about how to apply for a UK visa from Nigeria, processing time at UK Visas and Immigration, visiting the visa application center, flight itinerary and UK visa application process.
Source: CCO Public Domain
If you are a national of Nigeria and you want to go to the United Kingdom, you will need to apply for a visa.
To be eligible for a UK visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Applicants from Nigeria may need to have a Tuberculosis test. See the UK Visas and Immigration website for more information.
There are different types of visas for the UK. You must apply for the correct one depending on why you want to travel to the UK:
Please see www.gov.uk for further information on the above types of visas.
If you are planning to go to the UK on holiday, then you would apply for the Standard Visitor Visa which will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. This type of visa is issued as either:
If you want to stay longer than 6 months, you can apply for a multiple entry visa for up to 2, 5 or 10 years. Check the UK visa and immigration website for further information.
You may submit your application up to 3 months ahead of your departure date. It’s important to allow plenty of time for your application to be processed, so don’t delay! Applications are processed within 15 working days.
To apply for a UK visa from Nigeria, there are 4 steps that you will need to follow:
Go to TLScontact and choose the visa application center where you will be attending your appointment:
On the next page, click on “Learn more” under “Application Process” and then click on the link for UK Visas and Immigration. You will be directed to the GOV.UK website:
On the GOV.UK website, you will be able to do the following things:
Make sure you read the information before you do anything. That way, you will be less likely to miss anything.
When you are ready to start your application, go to the home page (www.gov.uk) and click on “Visas and Immigration”:
On the next page, click on “Visit the UK”:
Next, click on “Visit the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends”:
Scroll down to “Apply for a Visa” and click on “Find out how to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa”:
Scroll down to “Apply” and click on “Apply for a visa and book an appointment”:
Before starting your online application, you’ll need to answer the questions on the UK visa and immigration website. First, click on “Apply now”:
Select your language:
Select a country where you will provide biometrics:
Then, confirm that you can travel to a location to provide biometrics:
Finally, you will see information about applying for the visa. Read this before starting your application:
When you are ready, scroll down and click on “Start now”:
As part of the online application you will:
Once you have completed your application, you will be directed to TLScontact’s website in Nigeria. You will need to:
Making appointments with the visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure where to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!
Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
On the day you visit the application center, make sure you arrive on time. If you miss your appointment, you’ll need to make a new one.
Once inside the center, you will:
If you chose the assisted service, you will need the following documents:
If you chose the self-upload service, remember that you need to upload your documents at least 24 hours PRIOR TO your appointment. You will still need to take:
Once you are checked-in, TLScontact will:
The outcome of your application will be either:
The following reasons may result in a rejected application:
You will pay the fee as part of your online Gov.UK application. Please be aware, fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused. For more information about fees, go to www.gov.uk
Visa Types | Fee in USD | Fee in NGN |
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 127 | 48,641 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 482 | 184,606 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 875 | 335,125 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 1,098 | 420,534 |
When applying for a UK visa, there are certain documents that you have to provide.
All documents must be originals. No photocopies will be accepted.
If you submit a document that is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
Documents include:
The documents required are different for each type of visa, so you should check what you need to submit before applying! If you fail to provide all the necessary paperwork, it could jeopardize your visa application.
If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
Abuja Visa Application Centre
Address: Third floor, Murkhtar El-Yakub Place beside Metro Plaza, on Plot 1129 Zakariya Maimalari Street, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 08.30 – 15.30
Prime-time Appointments: Monday to Friday, 08.00 – 08.30 and 15.00 – 15.30
Passport Return: Monday to Friday, 10.00 – 16.00
Lagos Ikeja Visa Application Centre
Address: Ground and First Floors, Etiebets Place, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 08.30 – 15.30
Prime-time Appointments: Monday to Friday, 08.00 – 08.30 and 15.00 – 15.30
Passport Return: Monday to Friday, 10.00 – 16.00
Victoria Island Visa Application Centre
Address: Ground Floor, Ivie House, 4/6 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 08.30 – 14.30
Prime-time Appointments: Monday to Friday, 08.00 – 08.30
Passport Return: Monday to Friday, 10.00 – 16.00
1. Do I submit my documents on the GOV.UK website?
No. You upload your documents yourself prior to your appointment or TLScontact will do it for you when you attend your appointment. You will need to choose either a self-upload service or assisted service from TLScontact. Information regarding these services can be found on TLScontact’s website
2. I am not sure whether I need a visa for the UK?
If you go to GOV.UK’s website, you will be able to check whether you need a visa and what type of visa you need to apply for depending on your reason for traveling
3. Do I need an appointment to visit TLScontact?
Yes, if you do not have an appointment, you will not be able to submit your documents for processing
4. How long does it take to get a decision?
Visa applications are processed within 3 weeks, but it could take longer depending on the type of visa you are applying for
5. I have a question about my application. Who do I contact?
You can contact UK Visas and Immigration regarding your application here
6. How do I get my passport back?
You can either collect it from TLScontact or have it returned to you by courier if you have chosen this service
7. My application is accepted, will this guarantee me entry into the UK?
No, the visa does not guarantee you entry. You will pass through border control where you must show your passport, visa and any other documents requested. The immigration authorities can still deny you entry. Check GOV.UK’s website for more information about what happens at the border.
8. I am planning on visiting my family in the UK for a long stay. Can I apply for a Standard Visitor Visa?
No, the Standard Visitor Visa will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months only. If you are planning on staying longer AND your family is settled in the UK, you would need to apply for a “family of a settled person” visa. See GOV.UK for more information
9. I want help with the online application process. Is this possible?
It depends on the visa application center where you will be attending your appointment. The centers have different services available, so you check with them to see if they offer this
10. Why do I have to provide an invitation letter?
If you are being invited by a person or a company, this is a document you must provide. If you fail to provide this, your application will not be processed or it will be rejected
Below are the four steps to apply for your UK Visa from Nigeria:
Step 5 is to get packing for your trip to the UK!
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