Data verified
Nigeria passport holders: Single entry for United Kingdom. Fee: GBP 127 (~USD 169.38). Processing: 3-12 weeks (Standard) / longer for Settlement. Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.
Overview
UK Visit Visa via VFS Global Abuja/Lagos. Fee: GBP 127 (~NGN 221,890). Apply online + biometrics + IHS surcharge (GBP 776/year for long-stay). UK has LARGEST Nigerian diaspora globally — ~250,000 Nigerian-origin community + Health & Care Worker route popular for Nigerian nurses/doctors (MAJOR migration route 2022-2024).
Visa types: Standard Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business, 6 months); Long-term Visitor (2/5/10 years); Skilled Worker Visa (sponsor with COS); Health & Care Worker Visa (NHS recruitment — MAJOR Nigerian category for nurses/doctors); Family Visa (Spouse/Partner — minimum income GBP 29,000); Student Visa; Graduate Route (2-3 years post-study); Innovator Founder; Investor; Ancestry Visa (Commonwealth links); Transit.
Fees & funds
Stay & validity
Validity: 6 months / 2-10 years multi-entry. Max Stay: 6 months per visit (Visitor).
Extension possibleConditional
Overstay penalty: Removal + 1-10 year re-entry ban; civil penalty up to GBP 5,000
How to apply
Requirements
Passport & photo
Required documents: Valid passport; Online application + IHS surcharge; 35x45mm photo; Bank statement (6 months, GBP 28,000+ for Family; GBP 1,270/month for visitor); ITR (3 years); Employment letter; Property documents; NIN; Family details; Travel itinerary; Hotel/sponsor proof; English test (B1 CEFR for most long-stay); TB Test (MANDATORY for Nigerians — UK has Nigeria-specific TB testing centers in Lagos/Abuja); Biometrics at VFS Abuja/Lagos.
Visa types (2)
UK Visit Visa via VFS Global Abuja/Lagos. Fee: GBP 127 (~NGN 221,890). Apply online + biometrics + IHS surcharge (GBP 776/year for long-stay). UK has LARGEST Nigerian diaspora globally — ~250,000 Nigerian-origin community + Health & Care Worker route popular for Nigerian nurses/doctors (MAJOR migration route 2022-2024).
UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) - required for Nigerian passport holders (visa nationals) changing planes airside at a UK airport en route to a third country. Does not permit entry into the UK.
Common rejection reasons
Common NG rejections (~50-60% Visitor rejection — among highest globally): (1) TB test mandatory (Nigeria-specific) — failure = automatic rejection; (2) Insufficient funds — UK requires GBP 1,270/month proof; (3) Weak ties to Nigeria; (4) Family ties already in UK raise migration intent flags (~250K Nigerian-origin community); (5) Past UK refusals carry forward heavily; (6) Igbo/Edo/Delta state applicants face heightened scrutiny due to historical asylum claims; (7) Skilled Worker: MDCN/NMC verification for healthcare; (8) Care worker visa fraud — fake care home sponsors flagged 2024 (Nigerian healthcare workers caught in scams); (9) Family Visa income threshold (GBP 29,000) blocks lower-income applicants; (10) Student visa fraud history affects assessment; (11) 419 document forgery screening intense; (12) Visa fees alone NGN 222K+ post-devaluation makes applications expensive.
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