Over 250,000 Nigerians live in the UK, which is unsurprising given that it is more like a second home. You must get a visa before lawfully entering the UK, regardless of whether you’re going on vacation, visiting a loved one, or studying there. Before the officials grant you a permit, you must fulfil several conditions to obtain this visa.
If you are Nigerian and want to visit the United Kingdom, understanding UK visa fees and requirements is key to helping plan your trip.
These fees and requirements vary yearly, so staying up-to-date on the latest information is important. In this article, we’ll look at the UK visa fees and requirements for Nigerians in 2023. We’ll also discuss the documents you may need.
Uk Visa Fees And Requirements For Nigerians 2023
A visa is essentially authorization from a government that allows a non-citizen to enter the country in question temporarily. In the UK, there are different types of visas for various purposes. Some of these include:
- Tier 1 Visas – These are granted to those with exceptional talent or those who invest significant money into the country.
- Tier 2 Visas – These are work visas, and they’re granted to those whom an approved UK employer has offered a job
- Tier 4 Visas – These visas are granted to those who are over sixteen and are coming to the UK to study.
Once you know which type of visa you need, you can explore the different UK visa fees and requirements for Nigerians.
Types of UK Visas Available to Nigerians & Requirements
If you’re a Nigerian citizen hoping to visit the United Kingdom, here’s what you need to know about visas. Several types of UK visas are available to Nigerians, each with unique requirements, fees, and processing times.
They include:
- Visitor Visa
- Student Visa
- Family Visa
- Business Visa
- Work Visa
Visitor Visa
A tourist or visitor visa is most likely the best option for Nigerians seeking to travel for leisure or business purposes for up to 6 months. This type of visa allows for multiple entries and exits from the UK for up to 2 years, although the total amount of time spent in the UK cannot be more than 6 months in any 12 months. As a result, you are not allowed to work with this type of visa.
| UK Visit Visa | Visa Category | Visa Application Fee ($) | Visa Application Fee (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa – for the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey | Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | $132 | |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | $503 |
||
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | $912 | ||
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | $1145 |
||
| Visiting academic – more than six months up to 12 months | $265 | ||
| Marriage visitor visa | $132 | ||
| Permitted paid engagement visa | $132 | ||
| Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months | $265 | ||
| Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (the UK only) | $132 | ||
| Transit | Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | $49 | |
| Visitor in Transit visa | $89 | ||
| Visit purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew of that ship or aircraft (fee also applies to the Isle of Man) | $89 | ||
| Parents of children at school | Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) (Tier 4 Isle of Man) | $718 | |
| Child visitors | Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | $132 | |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | $503 | ||
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | $912 | ||
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | $1145 |
Remember that you must present your travel plans before receiving a visiting visa.
Student Visa
People who want to study in the UK can apply for a Student Visa, also known as the Tier 4 visa.
Additionally, the processing time for a student visa is between 15 and 90 days, valid for the duration of your program.
In addition to the standard conditions for acquiring a UK visa, you must demonstrate that a UK university has admitted you and have the financial means to support yourself throughout your academic program.
The categories of UK student visas include the following:
- Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
- Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
- Short-Term Study Visa
| UK Study Visa | Visa Application Fee ($) | Visa Application Fee (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Student – main applicant and dependents | $485 | |
| Child Student | $485 |
|
| Short-term study visa | $259 | |
| Parents of children at school | $718 |
|
| The points-based system, Tier 4 – Isle of Man | $485 | |
| EC as a student at Gurnsey and Jersey | $485 |
Family Visa
Family visas are designed for those who want to join their family members already settled in the UK, such as spouses, children, parents, and other family members.
You must submit a letter of invitation from a relative in the UK that you want to visit.
The types of family visas include the following:
- UK Spouse visa
- UK Parent visa
- UK Child visa
| UK Join Family Visa | Visa Category | Visa Application Fee ($) | Visa Application Fee (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parents of children at school | Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) (Tier 4 Isle of Man) | $718 | |
| Family of settled people (settlement) | Family visas – Joining your partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child (also applicable to EC to the Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Gurnsey | $2121 |
|
| Family visas – Adult dependant relative (also applicable for EC to the Isle of Man) | $4525 | ||
| Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative | $540 |
||
| Dependent children under 21 only apply under “Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay” to the immigration rules. | Free of charge | Free of charge | |
| Settlement for current and former members of HM armed forces and their dependents | Pre-1997 Gurkhas (outside immigration rules) | $2121 |
|
| Overage dependant children of pre-1997 Gurkhas | $2121 |
||
| HM Forces dependants applying under parts 4,5,7 or 8 of Appendix Armed Forces | $2121 |
||
| Exempt | Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant) | Free of charge | |
| Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement) | Dependants of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces | $718 | |
| Family members of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals | Apply if you are living in an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a British citizen | Free of charge | Free of charge |
Requirements for UK Spouse Visa include the following:
- You and your spouse must be 18 years old and above.
- You and your partner must be married or in a civil partnership recognized by the United Kingdom.
- Your partner must be a British citizen or a resident of the United Kingdom.
- You and your partner must have met in person before getting married.
- You and your partner must have lived together for the past 2 years.
You must fulfil these conditions to be eligible to apply for a UK spouse visa.
Business Visa
You need a business visa if you wish to travel to the UK for business. The maximum validity of this visa, also known as a Tier 1 visa, is six months. The business visa takes between 15 and 90 days to process.
The business visa is further divided into five types:
- Tier 1 General: This is no longer available to new applicants.
- Tier 1 Investor: This visa is issued to people who desire to invest in the UK. To qualify for this, Nigerian investors must have a minimum of £2,000,000 to invest.
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur: If you want to start a UK business, this visa is for you.
- Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur: This visa is open to recent graduates with excellent and workable business ideas.
- Tier 1 Exceptional Talent: This is for applicants who have received an endorsement form from the academic sector of their country.
Work Visa
This visa is issued to individuals who have secured jobs in the UK. The UK work visa usually takes about 15-90 days to process.
Aside from the general requirements for a UK visa, you must present a document from your employer indicating the purpose of your visit to the UK and other relevant details.
This visa can be Tier 2 (Long term visa) or Tier 5 (Short term visa) and is valid throughout your employment in the UK.
- Tier 2 visas include a General UK Work visa, Sportsperson visa, UK intra-company transfer visa, and Minister of Religion visa.
- Tier 5 visas include creative and sporting visas, UK Youth Mobility Scheme visas, UK charity work visas, UK seasonal worker visas, etc.
- Other visas include a UK Ancestry visa, a Turkish Worker UK visa, etc.
| UK Work Visa | Visa Category | Visa Application Fee ($) | Visa Application Fee (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The points-based system, Tier 1 (also applicable to the Isle of Man) | Tier 1 investor – main applicant and dependents | $2260 | |
| Family of settled people (settlement) | Tier 1 entrepreneur – main applicant and each dependant | $1422 |
|
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) – dependants only | $505 |
||
| Tier 1 exceptional talent – dependants only. | $847 |
||
| Work – applications made outside the UK (also applicable in the Isle of Man) | Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependents | $323 | |
| Temporary Work (also applicable to the Isle of Man) | Temporary Work – Religious Work – main applicant and any dependents | $320 |
|
| Temporary Work – International Agreement Work – main applicant and dependant | $340 |
Other types of UK visas include Refugee visas, Transit visas, etc.
UK Visa General Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
Although each category of visa has particular prerequisites before the visa can be granted.
The documents you will need include your passport, completed application form, and proof that you have sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, you may need additional documents such as a letter of invitation from a sponsor, educational certificates, employment contracts, or an explanation of why you are visiting the UK.
Applying for a UK visa in Nigeria isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and here’s a breakdown of the requirements:
International Passport
You need an international passport to go to the UK.
It must be blank on one side of the visa and be valid for at least three months following your visit to the UK.
Passport Photographs
You must possess current passport photographs no more than six months old.
The images must be in colour, show a neutral expression, and ideally have a white background.
Visa Application Form
You need to fill out and complete the UK visa application form. It can be completed on the UK official website or manually at their office.
Proof of Financial Ability
You must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself while living in the UK.
This might include financial records from you or your sponsors, scholarship documentation, etc.
Proof of Accommodation
You must demonstrate that you have a secure place to stay during your visit to the UK.
Before receiving the visa, you do not necessarily need to pay the complete hotel or rent charge; only a document is required.
Tuberculosis Test
To be eligible for a visa, Nigerians who want to visit the UK must submit the results of a tuberculosis test.
Travel Details
A document with all the specifics of your trip must be submitted. The reason for visiting the UK, the trip dates, festivals attended, and other factors could be included.
Proof of Paid Visa Fees
Before being granted a visa, you must present evidence that you have paid the necessary visa fees.
Biometric Information
Applicants who want to stay in the UK for over six months must submit their biometric data.
Your fingerprints and photo, which must be taken at authorized locations, are included in this biometric information.
Additional Requirements for Nigerian Applicants Under the Age of 18
Applicants under the age of 18 are required to submit the following additional documents:
- Birth Certificate.
- Adoption papers (if applicable).
- If the applicant is travelling with someone other than the parent(s) or alone, they must provide the following:
- A parent(s) signed letter attests that an individual accompanies the minor.
- A copy of the parent(s) or guardian’s biographical page of their international passport.
How to Apply for UK Visa in Nigeria
When applying for a UK visa from Nigeria, there are a few steps to follow. To ensure your application goes smoothly and quickly, here is a basic overview of what you need to know to apply for a visa.
Determine the type of visa you need
Depending on the purpose of your visit to the UK, you will need a different visa. The most common types of visa for Nigerian citizens are:
- Visitor visa
- Student visa
- Business visa
- Family visa
- Work visa
You can visit the official website of the UK Government to learn more about the different visa types available.
Complete the visa application form
Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you can start to fill out the visa application form. This form must be filled out in English and should include your basic personal information and details about your travel plans.
Submit the application form accurately, and make sure that all the information you provide on the application form is accurate and honest. Any incorrect information may result in your visa application being denied.
Pay the required visa fees
You must pay the applicable visa fees before proceeding with the application process. The fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Schedule a visa appointment
The next step is to schedule a visa appointment. You will be asked to present all the required documents during the appointment. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be required to attend a visa interview at the UK embassy in Nigeria. Make sure to attend the interview on time and to answer all questions honestly.
If required, book an appointment for biometric data collection; after submitting your application form, you will need to book an appointment for biometric data collection at one of the designated Visa Application Centers in Nigeria.
Once you have submitted all the required documents, you must wait for a response from the UK Visas and Immigration department. Your application will be processed, and you will be granted a visa if approved.
Following these steps will help ensure your UK visa application runs as smoothly as possible in 2023!
Cost and Fees Associated With a UK Visa
Getting a UK visa doesn’t come for free. Before you can even apply, you will need to pay certain fees and costs.
Before submitting your UK Visa application, check which costs and fees apply.
You won’t find any other trustworthy information on other websites except the one that’s official for the UK visa fees. You’ll need to keep up with changes in visa costs, requirements, and application procedures. To be informed on the most recent and trustworthy Information.
We’ve listed a few options for you to stay informed about the Nigerian fees for UK visas in 2023 below:
- With your internet-enabled device, visit the UK visa’s official website via this link: https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y
- You will be directed to the homepage, then scroll down and enter the green button that reads ‘Start now.’
- After pressing the green button, you will be shown a long list of countries to choose from. In this case, select Nigeria.
- After choosing your country, select the type of information you would like to get information about.
- Alternatively, you can enter the show all button. This action will provide you with information on all the types of visas that are available and the fees associated with it.
This information consists of all the UK visa fees for Nigeria in 2023
How Long Does It Take to Process a UK Visa in Nigeria?
When applying for a UK visa, it’s important to understand the processing times. How long does it take to process a UK visa in Nigeria?
Well, it depends on the type of visa that you are applying for. Generally speaking, short-term visas (e.g., visitor visas) can be processed within 15 days, whereas long-term visas (e.g., work visas) can take up to 6 months.
It is important to note that the processing times vary by case and can sometimes lengthen due to heavy demand or high rates of applications. As such, applicants must prepare adequate time and should always apply several weeks in advance to ensure that their applications are processed in time for their intended trip or start date of employment in the UK.
On top of this, applicants should also factor in any additional administrative steps they may need to follow before getting their visa approved, such as applying for biometric data collection appointments or providing additional evidence based on the requirements stated by the Home Office of the United Kingdom.
By considering these factors and planning, Nigerians can apply for a UK visa more quickly and easily so that they may enjoy the many opportunities offered by life in the UK.
What is the cost of a flight from Nigeria to the UK?
The approximate flight cost from Lagos to London is between N520,000 – N800,000 (Note that this depends on the airline and period). On the other hand, a roundtrip flight from Lagos to London costs about N1,200,000 – N 1,600,000.
Conclusion
Applying for a UK visa is a complex process and requires careful planning. Nigerians must ensure they have all the documents required, including a valid passport and proof of financial ability, and are familiar with the visa fee and all other requirements.
Thankfully, the UK government has made understanding the visa fees and application process easier by providing clear and detailed information. Awareness of the updated fees and requirements is an important part of the application process and will ensure your application is processed smoothly and quickly.
By understanding the latest UK visa fees and requirements for Nigerians, you can be confident that you’ll stay informed and organized throughout your visa application process.