To begin with, we must recognize that a visa is one of the requirements to travel to UK from Nigeria. This is a basic requirement and needs to be done correctly, as failure to get a visa will result in deportation on entry, embarrassment and a stain on immigration records, which can affect all future endeavors in an attempt to travel to Western countries.

The process involves completing an online application and visiting a visa application center in Ikeja, Lagos, or Abuja. Be sure to complete the application thoroughly, as any false data may result in refusal. If any details change after an application but before traveling, it must be changed on the application. A change in any detail without informing the visa authority staff will result in refusal at the airport.

The UK, according to the World Visa and Passport Ranking for 2021, is ranked  number 1 and considered as the most powerful passport because it permits the holder to travel to any country without restrictions. This seems promising, but for a Nigerian, the story may be different.

In this article, we will go through the different steps required and sometimes obstacles a Nigerian might face in order to attain his/her goal of finally arriving in the UK.

Requirements to Travel to UK From Nigeria

The UK is very confusing when it comes to visa requirements. There are different requirements to travel to Uk from Nigeria and there are many different types of visas. Different visas have different requirements and privileges. Generally speaking, most foreigners cannot enter the UK without a visa. If you’re from a non-EU/EFTA country like Nigeria, this is what you need to do.

1. Valid Passport

The first requirement for traveling to the UK is ensuring that you have an international passport.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer and usually contains such information as place and date of birth, signature and photograph.

Passports are usually valid for five to ten years. To get a Nigerian passport, you must first apply to the Nigerian Immigration Office and complete the application form. You are required to appear in person at the immigration office for an interview and provide the necessary documentation.

Passport forms can be obtained from the Immigration and Emigration office in Nigeria and Embassies abroad or downloaded from the Immigration website.

A few of the requirements for getting a Nigerian passport are listed as follows: The first one is having a locally recognized means of identification, the second requirement is the possession of a local government or state of origin identification; and the third requirement is that an individual should provide three passport photography headshots.

The passport should have been signed and dated, and if your appearance has changed from what is in the passport, then you may require authentication from a witness. The information from the witness and the witness’s own passport should be included on form 11.

The last requirement is the identification of a guarantor. This individual should either be a civil servant, a recognized profession such as a lawyer or doctor, or a reputable business man, and he should give two passport photos of himself and sign form 10 of the e-passport application.

Visa Application Process

Visa applications in Nigeria are subject to an immigration health surcharge. If you don’t mind, see the UK Government website for more information. Note that this extra charge is payable per applicant.

Considering the varying visa categories and seasonal factors, it is crucial to consider the processing times when applying for a UK visa in Nigeria. It is highly advised to use priority visa services in Abuja and Lagos for upcoming travel plans. These services ensure your application is processed quickly and given top priority.

To get a visa in Nigeria, you must hold citizenship of the country. If you are not a resident, be sure to apply for the visa from your home country. The officials of the officials of the British High Commission in Abuja will evaluate and decide on the result of your application. When on a visit visa in Nigeria, you need to go back to your home country prior to applying for a UK visa.

All applications have to be made with the relevant forms and documents, which can be found on the visa categories pages. Please note that General Visitor applications may use the forms and document checklists found on the Access UK website.

2. Other Documents

In order to get a UK visa from Nigeria, you must prove that you can financially support yourself all through your stay in the UK. You may also need to show proof that you have somewhere to live and this can be done by either inviting an immigration officer to your home in Nigeria or by giving details of your accommodation booking or evidence of hotel and travel bookings that cover the duration of your stay.

Visa applicants from Nigeria and other countries needing a tuberculosis (TB) certificate must undergo testing at an approved TB screening center, as it is a compulsory condition for those going to the UK for more than 6 months. All visa applicants, including those from specific countries like Nigeria, must provide their biometric data. This involves completing 10-digit finger scans and a digital photo at a visa application center during the visa application process.

Individuals seeking a work visa, study visa, or settlement visa must undergo a TB test, regardless of how long they plan to stay. Also, Submitting your application early before your planned flight date is crucial in case there are any delays with your visa application. Throughout the application process, you will receive information on the expected duration. Make sure that the UK visa facilitation or immigration consultancy you are using is a trusted organization. Every UK visa agent must have OISC registration.

Types Of Visa

1. Visitor Visa

A Visitor Visa may be the right visa for someone who wishes to visit the UK for a short visit because this visa allows for individuals to visit the UK for leisure, visiting family, on holiday. You may also take part in any of the following activities while on this visa:

academic sabbatical, taking part in a research project, partaking in an Exchange of Information and Culture Overseas.

You may stay for a maximum of 6 months, and the cost for this visa is £83. An extension to stay longer is conceivable, however, the entire time you may stay in the UK cannot exceed more than 6 months. This visa also permits for your children to study in the UK for a short period.

The requirements for this visa are having sufficient funds to support yourself all through your stay in the UK and having the funds to be able to pay for your return trip home. Money is typically proven through bank statements.

You must also show that you will be visiting an area with Nigerian communities, that you have solid ties to family, and that you have a reason to return to Nigeria. You may likely need to gather a large number of documents supporting this. These are birth or marriage certificates, letters from family members, and a letter from your employer expressing that you will return to your work in Nigeria after spending time in the UK.

2. Student Visa

The student visitor visa is intended for individuals who must travel to the UK for a brief educational program or research, as well as for those assuming the role of child visitor. These categories of tourist visas allow you to remain in the UK for a maximum of 6 months, or 11 months if you are enrolled in an English language program.

The subsequent visa category is the Tier 4 (General) student visa. This is for individuals who are 16 years old or older and are interested in studying in the UK for a longer duration. Essentially, you can remain on this visa for up to five years! This visa allows entry into the UK one week before the course starts and stays for four months after it finishes. After finishing your studies, take some time to relax and explore the UK while grabbing some English tea and crumpets. This visa provides you with adequate coverage.

3. Work Visa

Do you have a Nigerian passport and a dream to travel to the United Kingdom to work? It is common information that the UK, alongside many other countries, has a pretty complex visa system. The UK has more than five types of work visas, which permit foreigners to take up employment. The UK work visa system is run under the UK points-based system. This strategy is used to control immigration from outside the EU/EEA. It is divided into three categories:

Tier 1 is for highly skilled migrants who can seek work or self-employment opportunities.

Tier 2 is for skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in the United Kingdom workforce, and Tier 3 is for temporary workers. In summary, the method is usually a long and complicated one due to immigration policy and work permit laws.

The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) provides great assistance in helping individuals determine their visa status and eligibility. The user will be asked a series of questions that will make a personal immigration status assessment. After replying to these questions, it either leads to advice or redirects to a particular page on the UKVI site.