Nigeria passport → United Kingdom

United Kingdom visa for citizens of Nigeria

Embassy / VFSStandard Visitor Visa

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Standard Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 6 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Complete online application
Fill the Standard Visitor visa form on the UK Government website
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay online via the GOV.UK portal
3
Schedule biometric appointment
Book an appointment at a VFS Global centre in Nigeria
4
Attend biometric appointment
Submit fingerprints, photograph, and original documents at the centre
5
Passport and documents processing
Your passport is retained for visa processing
6
Wait for decision
Standard processing time is usually 15 business days
7
Collect passport
Collect your passport from the VFS centre or via courier
8
Check visa and travel dates
Verify visa vignette details before travelling

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least one blank page
Passport must be valid for entire stay
Completed online visa application form
Submitted via GOV.UK
Recent passport-sized photograph
Must meet UK photo guidelines
Biometrics appointment confirmation
Obtained after booking appointment

Travel

Travel itinerary or flight booking
Showing planned entry and exit dates
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)

Financial

Visa application fee payment receipt
Bank statements for the last 6 months
Must show regular income and sufficient balance

Employment

Employment letter or proof of business
Confirming leave of absence and income

Supporting

Sponsorship letter if applicable
Optional
From host in the UK with proof of their status
Previous UK visas (if any)
Optional
To show travel history
Marriage certificate if travelling with spouse
Optional
Evidence of ties to home country
Optional
Property deeds, family, etc.
Tuberculosis test certificate if staying over 6 months
Optional
Only for long-term visa applicants

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent to £200 per day of stay or as per sponsorship

Bank statements
Pay slips
Sponsorship letter

Funds must be held in a bank account accessible in the UK

Good to know

Visa fees are non-refundable even if application is rejected
Providing false documents can lead to a ban from UK visas for 10 years
Biometrics must be done in person; no exceptions for Nigerian applicants

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unclear source of funds

Provide clear bank statements with a consistent income history

Weak ties to Nigeria

Include evidence of employment, property, family, or business commitments

Inconsistent travel history or overstays

Declare all previous refusals and provide explanation letters

FAQ

Do citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United Kingdom?

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Standard Visitor Visa.

How long can citizens of Nigeria stay in the United Kingdom?

Up to 180 days.

What documents do citizens of Nigeria need for the United Kingdom?

Valid passport with at least one blank page; Completed online visa application form; Visa application fee payment receipt; Recent passport-sized photograph; Travel itinerary or flight booking; Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation); and 8 more.

Plan your trip to the United Kingdom

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