UK Visa for Nigerians: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Do Nigerian Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?

Yes, Nigerian passport holders require a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any purpose—whether it's tourism, business, study, or visiting family. Unlike citizens from visa-exempt countries, Nigerians cannot simply show up at the UK border and expect entry.

The good news? The UK visa application process is straightforward if you know what you're doing. The bad news? Small mistakes can lead to automatic rejections, wasted fees (which are non-refundable), and months of delays.

Types of UK Visas Available for Nigerians

The UK offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of travel. Here's a breakdown of the most common options for Nigerian citizens:

1. Standard Visitor Visa (Most Common)

This is the visa you need if you're visiting the UK for tourism, business meetings, short courses, or to see family and friends. It's the most popular visa type for Nigerians.

• Maximum stay: 6 months per visit
• Validity options: 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years
• Cost: £115 (6 months), £432 (2 years), £771 (5 years), £963 (10 years)
• Processing time: 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority service for extra £212)

What you can do: Tourism, visit family/friends, attend business meetings or conferences, participate in sports or creative events, short-term study (up to 6 months)

What you cannot do: Work for a UK company, access public funds, get married (you need a Marriage Visitor visa for that), stay longer than 6 months per visit

2. Work Visas (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker)

If you have a job offer from a UK employer, you'll need a work visa. The most common is the Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) Work Visa.

• Requirement: Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer
• Minimum salary: £38,700 per year (or the "going rate" for your job, whichever is higher)
• Cost: £719 (up to 3 years) or £1,420 (more than 3 years), plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year)
• Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK)

3. Student Visa (Tier 4)

Nigerian students accepted to a UK university or college need a Student visa.

• Requirement: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
• Proof of funds: Course fees + £1,334 per month (London) or £1,023 per month (outside London) for living costs
• Cost: £490, plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year for students)
• Processing time: 3 weeks

4. Family Visa (Spouse, Partner, Child)

If you're joining a family member who is a UK citizen or has settled status, you'll apply for a Family visa.

• Requirement: Proof of relationship + sponsor's income of at least £29,000 per year
• Cost: £1,846 (from outside UK), plus Immigration Health Surcharge
• Processing time: 12 weeks

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK Visa from Nigeria

Here's exactly what you need to do to apply for a UK visa as a Nigerian citizen. We'll focus on the Standard Visitor Visa since it's the most common, but the process is similar for other visa types.

Step 1: Determine Which Visa Type You Need

Before you start, make sure you're applying for the correct visa. The UK government's visa finder tool can help, but here's a quick guide:

• Tourism, visiting family, or short business trip? → Standard Visitor Visa
• Job offer from UK employer? → Skilled Worker Visa
• Accepted to UK university? → Student Visa
• Joining spouse/partner in UK? → Family Visa

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

This is where most rejections happen. You need to provide a complete, consistent set of documents. Here's the full checklist for a Standard Visitor Visa:

Required Documents:

1. Valid Nigerian Passport
   • Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from the UK
   • Must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp
   • Include all old passports (if you have them) to show travel history
2. Bank Statements (Last 6 Months)
   • Must be original, stamped by your bank
   • Should show regular income and sufficient funds to cover your trip
   • Minimum recommended: ₦500,000 - ₦1,000,000 (depending on trip length)
   • Common mistake: Depositing a large sum right before applying (looks suspicious)
3. Employment Letter
   • On company letterhead
   • Must state your position, salary, employment start date, and approval for leave
   • Must be signed and stamped by your employer
   • If self-employed: Business registration documents, tax returns, client contracts
4. Travel Itinerary
   • Flight reservations (don't buy tickets until visa is approved)
   • Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host in UK
   • Detailed day-by-day plan of your visit
5. Proof of Ties to Nigeria
   • Property ownership documents (if you own land/house)
   • Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates (if applicable)
   • Evidence of ongoing business or employment commitments
   • Why this matters: You need to prove you'll return to Nigeria after your visit
6. Passport-Sized Photographs
   • 45mm x 35mm, color, white background
   • Taken within the last 6 months
   • No glasses, neutral expression

Additional Documents (Depending on Your Situation):

• If visiting family/friends: Invitation letter from host + proof of their UK status (passport copy, residence permit)
• If attending a conference/event: Official invitation from organizers + proof of registration
• If sponsored: Sponsor's bank statements, employment letter, and signed letter of sponsorship
• If student: School enrollment letter, exam timetable (if taking exams in UK)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Go to the official UK government website (gov.uk/apply-uk-visa) and create an account. The online form will ask about:

• Your personal details (name, date of birth, passport number)
• Your travel plans (dates, purpose of visit, where you'll stay)
• Your employment and financial situation
• Your travel history (previous visas, trips abroad)
• Your family in Nigeria and UK (if any)

Pro tip: Be honest and consistent. The information you provide here must match your supporting documents exactly. Any discrepancies will raise red flags.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

After completing the form, you'll pay the visa fee online using a debit/credit card. The fees are:

• Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): £115
• Long-term Visitor Visa (2 years): £432
• Long-term Visitor Visa (5 years): £771
• Long-term Visitor Visa (10 years): £963

Optional services:

• Priority Service: £212 (decision in 5 working days instead of 3 weeks)
• Keep Your Passport Service: £200 (you keep your passport while application is processed)

Step 5: Book Your Biometrics Appointment

After paying, you'll book an appointment at a TLScontact Visa Application Centre in Nigeria. There are centers in:

• Lagos: 11A Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja
• Abuja: 22 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II

At your appointment, you'll:

• Have your fingerprints and photograph taken (biometrics)
• Submit your supporting documents
• Hand over your passport (unless you paid for the Keep Your Passport service)

Important: Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your appointment confirmation email and all original documents.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing time is 3 weeks (15 working days). If you paid for priority service, you'll get a decision in 5 working days.

You can track your application status online using your reference number.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once a decision is made, you'll receive an email notification. You can either:

• Collect your passport in person from the TLScontact center
• Have it couriered to you (for an additional fee)

If approved, your visa vignette (sticker) will be in your passport, valid for 30 days. You must travel to the UK within this 30-day window to activate your visa.

Common Mistakes That Lead to UK Visa Rejections (And How to Avoid Them)

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: rejections. Here are the most common reasons Nigerian applicants get rejected, based on UK Home Office refusal letters:

1. Insufficient Evidence of Financial Means

The problem: Your bank statements don't convince the consular adjudicator that you can afford the trip.

How to avoid it:

• Show 6 months of consistent income (not just one large deposit)
• Have at least ₦500,000 - ₦1,000,000 in your account (more for longer trips)
• If someone is sponsoring you, include their bank statements + a signed sponsorship letter
• Explain any large deposits with supporting documents (e.g., sale of property, inheritance)

2. Weak Ties to Nigeria

The problem: The consular adjudicator thinks you might overstay in the UK because you have no strong reason to return to Nigeria.

How to avoid it:

• Include proof of property ownership in Nigeria
• Show evidence of ongoing employment (employment letter stating you'll return to work)
• If you have children in Nigeria, include their birth certificates
• Demonstrate business commitments (contracts, client agreements)

3. Inconsistent or Incomplete Documentation

The problem: Your documents contradict each other or have missing information.

How to avoid it:

• Double-check all dates (employment start date, salary history, etc.)
• Ensure all documents are signed and stamped
• Include all pages of bank statements (no missing months)
• Make sure your online application matches your supporting documents

4. Vague or Unconvincing Travel Plans

The problem: You can't clearly explain why you're visiting the UK or what you'll do there.

How to avoid it:

• Provide a detailed itinerary (where you'll stay, what you'll do each day)
• Include hotel bookings or invitation letter from host
• If attending an event, include official invitation and registration proof
• Be specific about your return date and show return flight reservation

UK Visa Processing Times and Fees for Nigerians (2026)

Here's a complete breakdown of what you'll pay and how long you'll wait:

Additional Costs:

• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (for work/study visas)
• Priority Service: £212 (5-day decision)
• Super Priority Service: £1,000 (24-hour decision, limited availability)
• TLScontact Service Fee: Approximately ₦15,000 - ₦20,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for a UK visa without a job?

Yes, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa without employment, but you'll need to show alternative proof of financial means (e.g., savings, investments, or a sponsor). However, having a job strengthens your application because it demonstrates ties to Nigeria.

How much money do I need in my bank account for a UK visa?

There's no official minimum, but consular adjudicators expect to see sufficient funds to cover your trip. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least ₦500,000 - ₦1,000,000 for a short visit. The amount should be proportional to your trip length and planned expenses.

Can I work in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa?

No. The Standard Visitor Visa does not permit you to work for a UK company or receive payment from a UK source. You can attend business meetings, conferences, or negotiations, but you cannot be employed. If you want to work, you need a Skilled Worker Visa.

What if my UK visa application is rejected?

If your visa is refused, you'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You have two options:

• Reapply: Address the issues mentioned in the refusal letter and submit a new application (you'll pay the fee again)
• Request an Administrative Review: If you believe the decision was wrong, you can request a review within 28 days (costs £80)

Important: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if you're rejected.

How long can I stay in the UK on a visitor visa?

You can stay for up to 6 months per visit, regardless of whether you have a 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visa. The validity period only determines how long the visa itself is valid (i.e., how many times you can enter the UK), not how long you can stay on each visit.

Do I need travel insurance for a UK visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, but it's highly recommended. It shows you're prepared for emergencies and can cover medical expenses (which are expensive in the UK if you're not covered by the NHS).

Can I extend my UK visa from within the UK?

Generally, no. Standard Visitor Visas cannot be extended. You must leave the UK before your visa expires and apply for a new visa from Nigeria if you want to return.

Final Thoughts: Don't Let Document Errors Cost You £115 (or More)

Applying for a UK visa from Nigeria doesn't have to be stressful. The key is preparation: gather the right documents, be honest and consistent, and prove that you have strong ties to Nigeria.

Remember, the 18% rejection rate is largely due to preventable mistakes—missing documents, inconsistent information, or weak financial evidence. If you follow the steps in this guide and double-check everything before submitting, you'll significantly increase your chances of approval.

Last updated: January 2026 | Sources: UK Home Office, GOV.UK, TLScontact Nigeria