Japa Travels
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom
visitor

Standard Visitor Visa

For Nigerians who want to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, or to see family and friends.

Application Fee

£115 (standard visitor visa)

Processing Time

3 weeks (standard); 5 working days (priority service available in Lagos)

Eligibility Requirements
  • 1
    Valid Nigerian passport with at least 6 months validity
  • 2
    Strong ties to Nigeria (job, family, property, business)
  • 3
    Sufficient funds to cover your stay without working
  • 4
    Clear purpose of visit (tourism, business, medical, family visit)
  • 5
    Intent to leave the UK before your visa expires
  • 6
    No plans to work, study, or settle in the UK
  • 7
    No previous UK visa refusals (or strong explanation if any)
Required Documents
Valid Nigerian passport (+ any old passports)
Completed online application (VAF1A form) with IHS surcharge reference
Recent passport-sized photographs
Bank statements for the last 6 months (personal and/or business)
Proof of employment: employment letter, payslips, or business registration
Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family in the UK)
Travel itinerary and hotel booking confirmations
Proof of property ownership or tenancy in Nigeria
Proof of family ties (birth/marriage certificates)
Travel insurance (recommended)
Proof of previous travel history (if any)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Insufficient bank balance or funds that appeared suddenly (lump sum deposits look suspicious)
  • No clear ties to Nigeria — visa officers must believe you will return
  • Vague or contradictory travel purpose in the application
  • Inconsistent information between application and supporting documents
  • Not including an invitation letter when visiting family/friends
  • Applying too close to the intended travel date
  • Failing to disclose previous visa refusals
Frequently Asked Questions

How & Where to Apply
  1. 1

    Apply Online

    Go to gov.uk and complete the online Standard Visitor Visa application form. You will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

    https://apply.visas.homeoffice.gov.uk
  2. 2

    Pay the Visa Fee

    Pay the £115 application fee online using a debit or credit card. Keep the payment confirmation.

  3. 3

    Book a Biometrics Appointment

    Book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria. The main centres are in Lagos (15 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi) and Abuja (Plot 1953, Cadastral Zone A0, Near NNPC Gas Plant).

    https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/en/Nigeria
  4. 4

    Attend Your Appointment

    Visit the VAC with your passport and all supporting documents. Your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be taken. You can also opt for a priority or super priority service for faster decisions.

  5. 5

    Wait for a Decision

    Standard processing takes up to 3 weeks. Priority service is 5 working days, and Super Priority is 2 working days (fees apply). Track your application online.

  6. 6

    Collect Your Passport

    Once a decision is made, collect your passport from the VAC or request courier delivery. Your visa will be a vignette sticker inside your passport.

Visa Application Centres in Nigeria

Lagos Application Centre

15 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
+234 (0)700 225 4369

Abuja Application Centre

Plot 1953 Cadastral Zone A0, Kado District, Abuja
+234 (0)700 225 4369