UK Visa Application: How to Apply

Updated: 8 August 2018

This information applies to the UK visitor visa. You can find more information about the business, study, work, and diplomatic visas, and information about immigration to the UK on the GOV.UK website

If you are planning to travel to the United Kingdom for education, tourism, business, or to live and work, and you do not know how to get your visa, do not worry any longer. We have put together this detailed guide to the UK visa application that will make your visa application a lot easier.

london nightlife

Before you can begin the application process you will need to familiarise yourself with the different types of visas so you choose the right one and ensure you have an international passport that is valid for at least 1 month after your intended stay in the United Kingdom. You can easily apply for your passport online or at the nearest immigration office in any state in Nigeria.

Note: the ECOWAS passport is not a valid travel document if you are applying for a UK visa.

Please check your eligibility before beginning the application process and submitting your application well in advance of flight departure. Once you have your visa, all that’s left to do is pack your bags!

london eye

Which UK Visa do I Need?

The most common UK visa is the Standard Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa). The Visitor Visa is issued for a short stay of up to 6 months. This visa will allow you to visit friends and loved ones, go on a holiday or vacation, study, conduct business, attend conferences and training programmes, or transit through the country (if you will be staying for more than 48 hours).

The Standard Visitor Visa has replaced the Family Visitor / General Visitor / Child Visitor / Business Visitor / Sports Visitor / Entertainer Visitor / Prospective Entrepreneur visa.

Find detailed information about the Standard Visitor Visa.

uk travel

UK Visa Requirements

  • A valid international passport with a page that is blank on both sides
  • Completed visa application form (this is filled in online)
  • One passport photograph that meets the requirements
  • Visa fee
  • Proof of finances (e.g. original bank statement that is not older than 3 months)
  • Confirmation of accommodation and flight bookings
  • A letter of invitation if you are being sponsored by a friend or family member
  • Original marriage certificate if you are travelling with your spouse
  • Birth certificates for your children if you are travelling together
  • Recent utility bills
  • If you are travelling for business you will need to include: a letter of invitation/confirmation of training/confirmation of conference; and full details for an authorised representative from your company and their contact details.

Note: A consistent income of about ₦200,000 and above is considered a safe amount. Anything less and the embassy may find it hard to trust that you will return to Nigeria.

You can also include supporting documents to strengthen your application.

the shard london

How to Apply for UK Visa

Step 1: Register a user account on the GOV.UK website. You will also be able to double check what type of visa you will need for your trip on the website.

Step 2: Fill out the application form, pay the visa fee, and book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (see below). You will receive an email confirming your appointment and what documents you will need to take along. You will also be given a GWF number which you will need for the next step.

Step 3: Register your details on the TLScontact website. If you don’t register, you will not be allowed to attend your appointment. You can track your application on the TLScontact website after you have registered.

Step 4: Attend your appointment and submit your biometrics at a UK Visa Application Centre. To avoid any delays in the application process you should bring along the following:

  • Your original passport
  • Printed copies of your online application form and appointment confirmation
  • Receipt of payment of visa fees
  • All the required documents as stated above
  • Supporting documents

Important: Your visa fee will no longer be refundable after you have submitted your biometrics. You must also ensure you are not late for your appointment. If you are late, your application process may be delayed as you will have to rebook your appointment.

Step 5: Wait for your visa application to be processed. You will be able to track your visa application on the TLScontact website.

Step 6: Collect your passport at the specified Visa Application Centre. You will be notified when it is ready for collection.

According to TLScontact, “Children under 5 years old are now required to attend the Visa Application Centre in order for them to have their photo taken at the centre. Please note that minors are not allowed to submit applications by themselves, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.”

london visa

UK Visa Fees

The cost of a Standard Visitor Visa is currently about ₦45,000 ($125). The UK visa fees are different for each visa category. These can be found on the GOV.UK website.

UK Visa Application Submission

UK visa applications can be submitted at one of the Visa Application Centres in Lagos or Abuja from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 and 16:30, except on public holidays.

The earliest you can apply for a UK visa is 3 months before your intended departure date.

UK Visa Processing

Visa application processing can take four to six working days. However, some visa applications can take up to 30 days if documents are missing or they require special attention because of crime or a history of rejection.

shopping london

UK Visa Collection

You will be able to collect your passport and visa between 10:00 and 16:00 from Monday to Friday (except public holidays). You will be alerted through an SMS when your application has been sent to the UK Embassy on the submission day, and you will be alerted when your passport arrives back at the UK Application Centre and is ready for collection.

You will need to bring copies of your application documents, an original photographic ID, and a copy of the biodata page in your passport.

Note: Someone else cannot collect your documents on your behalf, except if you are a government representative, a parent collecting for your child or children, or you are collecting on behalf of your family if you applied together.

camden uk

UK Visa Rejection

The most common reasons for UK visas being rejected are:

  • Submitting false documents
  • The applicant has received a deportation order
  • The applicant was found guilty of a crime that warrants four years or more of jail time
  • Withholding documentation of a criminal background
  • Insufficient funds
  • Overstaying a previous visit to the United Kingdom
  • Submitting fraudulent documents on a previous trip to the United Kingdom
  • Not complying with all the application requirements
  • Lack of a valid passport or travel documents
  • Invalid reason for wanting to visit the United Kingdom

Using a visa service is recommended if you are unsure about the process and requirements. It will cost extra but will give you peace of mind that everything is in order.

You will not be refunded if you miss your appointment or your visa application is rejected.

london travel

UK Visa Application Centre Addresses

UK Visa Application Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos
First Floor, Churchgate Building, Tower 2,

Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Website: TLScontact Victoria Island, Lagos

UK Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos
Ground & First Floors, Etiebets Place,

21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way

Website: TLScontact Lagos

UK Visa Application Centre, Abuja.
Third floor, El-Yakub Building (beside Metro Plaza), Plot 1129

Zakariya Maimalari Street, Central Business District

Website: TLScontact Abuja

British Deputy High Commission, Lagos
11 Walter Carrington Crescent

British High Commission, Abuja
Plot 1137, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District

Have you travelled to the United Kingdom? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below. And sign up for our newsletter for exclusive access to the latest flight deals and travel articles.

uk visa application

All information on this page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information from this website.

Travelstart does not provide advice or assist with processing visas. The content of this article is listed as recommended by research and the UK embassy. Kindly check the embassy’s website BEFORE applying for your visa.

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485 thoughts on “UK Visa Application: How to Apply

  1. If I don’t have a relation residing in uk, what are the requirements i need to apply for uk visa.

    • You will need to apply for a Visitor/Tourist Visa, which means, you are sponsoring yourself on the trip. Your hotel accommodation for the duration of stay in UK is an important document. You should also provide a six months bank statement which shows that you can sponsor your trip. Your employment – payslip and tax documents will also be required.

  2. Good day sir/madam,pls I do I apply 2 get a philipin visa,as a Tourist

  3. Sir am indeed very grateful for this kind information. Thanks. Sir but I am leaving in qatar and I wish to move to united kingdom, is there any help you can render? And I want to apply for student visa or tourist visa how am I going to do it sir. Much regards sir.

  4. I’m highly interested in d UK visiting Visa,though i travelled to Uk in the 80s . Now ur office is not here in Ibadan. How do we go about it now.

    • You don’t need to come to our office. All you need is to make sure you have the complete documents required for a UK Visa, then you can personally apply at the application centre.

  5. My boss who he is a business man has been going to the UK to purchase cars, he does that on a yearly basis, but he is currently in the US and he is wiling and eager to send me being his personal assistant to the UK to purchase some cars, please kindly avail me with necessary information on documents to present to the UK embassy for Visa. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

    • If your employer is sponsoring your trip to Uk, you can apply for Business Visitor visa – visa is given to people going to UK to carry out permitted activities relating to their job.

  6. I need a visa

  7. I will require an Assistant for uk study visa and in your specifications here. Study visa is not included

  8. after av been refused 2 times what do i do?
    my type of VISA APPLICATION is visiting. Pls ., i need your advice.

    • Hi Emmanuel, It really depends on the reason why you were refused. Did you meet all requirements? Were you refused visa on the basis of serious misinformation or misleading or fake documents?

  9. This pple are doing a great work,you need to improve more tanx

  10. i want 2 study in uk. i hv a valid passport already. so how do i go abt it?

    • Hi Perry. You need to get an admission in a UK University first. You can apply for a student visa to study in UK if you’re 16 or over and you have been offered an admission to study your desired course and if you have enough money to support your self and to pay for your Tuition.

    • 01 2771346-50 or 08092373201

  11. I need ur direct lines

    • 01 2771346-50 or 08092373201

  12. IS GOOD

  13. i applied for a uk visa last year(tourist) and was refused because they said there was no assurance that i will come back. I want to apply again this year but am scared for refusal again and besides im no longer working and there is no bank statement i will use. Pls how do i go about it. I need your assistance

    • Hi Pamela, First of all, if you are going to apply again, you need to have complete documents required for UK travel and your financial proof, which is the bank statement is part of the required documents. Therefore, you need to have it. If you are working, maybe your employer can sponsor your trip.

  14. am working in dubai since one years nw and l want to move to uk pls l need ur help ma cose all the document they need l do have it with me pls help me

    • Hi Gbadamosi,
      I think your moving depends on what you are going to UK for, Do you want to move permanently or you just want to visit the UK?

  15. UK has been my desire for Bussines

  16. I got an admission into the university of Nothampton to study Top Up programme in engineering meaning I will be given only a year visa,my question is,hw can I extend my visa after my graduation cos I will like to live and work in the Uk. Ur response will b highly appreciated

    • Hi Anthony, Yes, You can apply for Work Visa after graduation without leaving the UK. But you must have been offered a skilled job from an employer – a UKBA licence sponsor before you can be granted visa. If you don’t get a job before your visa expires, I will advise you to come back home before it expires.

  17. Hello and good day. Please i need requirements for travelling to switzerland,germany,france

  18. I WILL LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO APPLY FOR US VISA

  19. can I call you now @ OJO

  20. apart from uk, do you proces Schengen Visa?

  21. Pls i nid a permanent visa into d uk…hw do i go abt it

  22. Pls ma, did you do germany visa? if yes what are the requirement for the visa

  23. Goodday,
    I need to know if its compulsory to fill application form online or can it be printed out Filled and submitted with all other documents.
    Thanks

    • Yes, You have to fill it online.

  24. Wat is d hope dat u’l b granted a visa?is it after submitting ur documents @ d counter?btw if u’v submitted must u receive. D1st sms dat ur doc hv been submitted to d embassy or is d sms 4 picking up your passport d only sms one must receive?

    • Hi, You will receive an Sms when you have submitted and you will receive an sms when your passport is ready for pick up.

  25. May you give the web address of where to fill the online UK Visa renewal? I ve google it but couldn’t find it. Many thanks

  26. Thanks for d information! But pls I need more enlightment on how to reapply for the Uk visa for tourist. I apply for student visa in year 2009 and 2010 but I was refuse on two occassions. But am now working and I wish to visit London and come back home. How do I do it? Thbanks God blees you

  27. Pls,after applying or uk visa only what step Do I need to take

  28. How long does it take for the processing of a uk visa, I already have a us visa and due to travel to the us on the 23rd of July, am afraid cos pple are telling me it now takes 4wks b4 ur passport is returned to u and my submission was done on the 3rd of July 2014

    • Awaiting ur reply

    • U r yet to respond to my question ma

    • Hi Oluwakemi,
      How come these numbers on your site are not going. The land line rings and no one answers while the mobile is always switched off. I tried to pay for flight I booked on your site because I don’t know how to go about it.

    • Hi Ray,

      I apologize for the inconveniences. However, you can reach us on any of these numbers – 01 2771346-50 / 08092373201 and if you still can’t get through to us, you can send us an email with your phone number on info@travelstart.com.ng, we will definitely call you back.

      For payment on our website, you can pay with your card, via EFT or pay into our bank accounts, which are listed on the payment page on our website. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

  29. Please I need to attend a cousins wedding in London, should it fall under visiting visa? if so what are the necessary requirements for applying for the visa. Thanks in anticipation

  30. I have applied for uk visa with my husband twice two years ago, but they refused us. That time, I filled my own form as full housewife, that is my husband that want to sponsor me. Now is only me that want to apply because am now self employ with my business registration document and bank statement account. I want to ask maybe is possible for me to apply alone.

  31. hello kemi,pls I plan to apply for a uk visa with my wife and my 3 years old kid,but the balance that I have on my closing account balance is 1.1 million naira and my wife account balance is 750,000 naira total of our account is 1.8million and 50 thousand.so is there any hope of getting the visa.or what is the minimum account balance that I must have to travel with my wife and a 3 years old child,thank you.

  32. I want to know which is most appropiate for uk visa application, filling the forms online or submitting at vfs centre or do the application involve both process? where do an applicant pay is visa fee?

  33. What is the requirement for Liberian Visa?

  34. How do i get link to marry a white lady in the U.K. Why i’m in Nigeria?
    +2348130935223

    • Nigerian ladies are special and beautiful, You can find one here at home and travel to UK together for honeymoon or a vacation.

  35. I am a Nigerian, a Cambridge School proprietor. I want to travel to UK with my wife to attend Cambridge Schools Conference 2014. How do we apply for visa? Can another person do the application on our behalf at your Abuja Office? Your immediate response would be appreciated.

    • Hi Mr Ademiluyi, You can apply for a UK visa here in Lagos.

  36. What do I require to apply for a new UK Visa. I had a valid one but was stolen with my luggage. I have since written to the UK office in Nigeria notifying them of it

  37. Pls,i wnt 2 knw d procedure of getting uk visa bt d problem am having was that i don’t have any relatives reside there..i would be greatful only if u can lead me through.

  38. i need a requirement for UK student visa FOR MASTERS. and i did a TB testing January 2014 and its expires July, will i still do another TB testing?

  39. I want to apply for a visiting Visa to UK for a Professional training .I have already paid for the training. Is there any minimum cash possession I am expected to possess as allowance as I saw in one of the sections the question on how much I intend to spend there. The training is for 5 days. So I will only be spending 7 days. I intend to sponsor my self. Again is it compulsory to include a tax clearance certificate? My payslip shows the deductions of tax from my Salary. Thank you

  40. still waiting for you response

  41. hi kemi,
    where online can i get the visa forms to fill?

  42. you should provide a pay slip for the past six months to show that you’ll support yourself during the trip, a situation where you don’t have money in your account but the person you’re visiting is capable. what do you do?

  43. Been unable to complete my application because of difficulty paying online after making several attempts. Now it saw account not payable contact : reffering 2 my own reference no. Pls wot can I do?

  44. please the company i work with is sponsoring my trip for a seminar in uk,do i need to include my own bank statement too or only my company’s bank statement is enough?

    • The company’s bank statement is enough since they are sponsoring your trip.

  45. Thanks for your good post. I want to apply for a visiting visa to the UK to visit my elder sister (inviter) and also to attend my nephew(Elder sister’s son) uni graduation ceremony which comes up in a few months. The thing is that i am a business man registered as a sole proprietor with CAC. I have no business account as i use my savings account for business, mainly to accept payment from clients and funds transfer purposes. Nature of my Business: import goods from Asia(India precisely) and sell in Nigeria. My business was registered 5 months ago with CAC though i have started business much earlier also i have also registered with tax office Abuja and given a tax identification number but no tax clearance certificate yet. I have various records of transactions. I want to know if i am legible for the UK visitor visa application as i don’t not want to waste my time applying and then getting a refusal.Any useful information will be welcome. Thanks

  46. Pls how do l assess the UK form online for me to print, l am only seeing the downloaded PDF version.

  47. Pls how to l assess the online uk visa application form. l can only see the PDF version.

  48. Please i want to apply for a uk visa, but i want to use my uncle as my sponsor. Plz how sure am i sure that they can grant me the visa or whats the procedure?

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