---
title: United Kingdom visa for citizens of Nigeria
description: Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Documents checklist and application steps.
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-kingdom/nigeria
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United Kingdom visa for citizens of Nigeria

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

- **Valid passport with at least one blank page** (Identity): Passport must be valid for entire stay
- **Completed online visa application form** (Identity): Submitted via GOV.UK
- **Visa application fee payment receipt** (Financial)
- **Recent passport-sized photograph** (Identity): Must meet UK photo guidelines
- **Travel itinerary or flight booking** (Travel): Showing planned entry and exit dates
- **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)** (Travel)
- **Bank statements for the last 6 months** (Financial): Must show regular income and sufficient balance
- **Employment letter or proof of business** (Employment): Confirming leave of absence and income
- **Sponsorship letter if applicable** (Supporting, optional): From host in the UK with proof of their status
- **Biometrics appointment confirmation** (Identity): Obtained after booking appointment
- **Previous UK visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): To show travel history
- **Marriage certificate if travelling with spouse** (Supporting, optional)
- **Evidence of ties to home country** (Supporting, optional): Property deeds, family, etc.
- **Tuberculosis test certificate if staying over 6 months** (Supporting, 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

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [United Kingdom visa for every passport](/visa/united-kingdom)
- [Every destination for Nigeria passport holders](/visa/passport/nigeria)