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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. Its really frustrating when you submit all the requirements and still get rejected. So, if I want to apply again after being rejected. What are the requirements for someone that has been rejected.

  2. Can one apply for tourist with only hotel reservation without invitation letter since I don’t have a relative that can send me invite? Thank u

    • My passport get lost and i have 2yrs visa on it that hv already expired year 2012,have taken another new passport and love to renew my visa Wat can I do ? I only hv receipt visa payment,photocopy of my passport and police report also court affidavit for loss of my passport as evidence, is it possible for me to renew for five year or what can I do?

    • Hi Dipo,

      When did you lose your passport, if you have renewed your passport, you name and details will be on UK database.

    • Yes

  3. my son of less than 12 years is wants to apply as unaccompanied, what are the requirements and which aspect of the application form would be filled.

    thanks

  4. Hello, I want to apply for general visa. I have most of the documents required but At my work place we aren’t given pay slips, will that affect my application. My place of work have given me a letter to confirm I work with them. I also wanted to know what the minimum amount required in the account.

    • Hi Jumoke, You should contact your HR dept. for your payslip. They should be able to prepare one for you.

  5. Please what is the minimum amount that one must have in his/her account before applying for uk visa

  6. Hi I ve been travelling to Uk and I ve bn returning to Nigeria.how do I go about to renew my Visa all do I still ve to go through all d above procedures?thanks

  7. I have applied for a visiting visa to the uk before and was granted & now I want to reapply. What documents do I need for reapplication. Friends have been saying what I will doing thus time us “drop in” & that I don’t need to do much. Pls what is the process for me now & what documents do I need thus time? Thanks

  8. Hi Oluwakemi,

    I applied with my ghanaian passport last year and was refused, now I have a Nigerian passport, can I use that to apply for a visa now and mention that I have been denied on my gh passport before? Also do I need to submit my ghanaian n Nigerian passport when applying this year?

    • Hi Thomas, Are you a Nigerian or a Ghanaian? Are you located in Nigeria?

  9. Pls ow will I know if my visa was granted through the mail

    • Hi Ladi,

      Do you mean online?

  10. What class of UK visa do I apply 4 my wife. I’m applying 4 a student visa and I want my wife 2 accompany me for details 12 months il be in different UK.

  11. What class of UK visa do I apply 4 my wife. I’m applying 4 a student visa and I want my wife 2 accompany me for d 12 months il be in studying in d UK.

    • Hi Victorio,

      Your wife can only for a Visitor’s visa and that won’t even be for 12 months.

  12. Hi pls i want to start buying clothes, shoes, & Pam sandals, watchies, from UK to nigeria, but the problem here is that i don’t no how much it cost on the ticket tole and flow, pls help me out how much in going to the UK.

  13. Good mornin ma,plz,what is the website that i will use to track my application online to know when to go and collect my visa result and how do i do it because i am expecting my Visa application reply.God bless

  14. I understand we can no longer submit application at the VFS office in VI. Can you please let me know where we can submit applications in VI if any rather than going to Ikeja.

    Thank you

    • Hi Nana, VFS office is at Billings Way, Oregun – Ikeja.

  15. Hi Kemi,

    Pls kindly clear me on this. I want to apply for UK visa asap. but there’s this error on my passport which i have tried to correct but the immigration office services has been a nightmare lately. They made error on my year of birth but month/date is ok. Now i’m also married and my marriage cert has d original yr.

    My company is sending me on training and they are sponsoring my trip but i’m scared if this error may affect them granting me visa. Pls i neeed your urgent response because i plan using VFS.

    Regards
    amaka

    • Hi Amaka,

      You should take the original copy for your birth certificate along when you are going to submit your application, just in case they ask you.

  16. Hello Kemi,

    I have been trying to reach you to no avail. I want to apply for the first time but have some questions to ask. I work with a bank here in Nigeria, and have been issued a letter of introduction from the bank to take to the high commission.
    Please what is the minimum amount I have to sshow in my account in order not to be refused.

    A swift response would be highly appreciated

    • Hi Eze, I guess you want to apply for a Visitor’s visa, You should have a minimum of N500,000 in your account.

  17. My friend I met online long ago want me to come and visit him, please what and what do I need? He will be the one to sponsor me.

  18. Pls where are you located?

    • Hi lanre, We are located at 38, Opebi Road, Adebola House, Rear Wing, 2nd Floor, Opebi-Ikeja.

  19. Hello, Please I intend to travel to UK for a conference to hold September 18th VISA. thank you

  20. I will like to travel to Uk with my wife and new born twins to stay, how do I go about it?

  21. Pls I wanted to ttavel to uk with my wife next month,and I’m confussed about travel insurance pls must we attached it b4 we submit?

  22. Thank you for the info…I wish to scan the required documents to my siblings in Nigeria but don’t know if photocopied document are acceptable when applying for a visa. Is this method acceptable please?

  23. Hi oluwakemi,pls I want to apply for the uk visa(student visa) how do I go about it,and I don’t really know where ur office at ikeja is.

    • Hi David,

      Please, submit your application to VFS Global, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja.

  24. How much is the visa fee ? do i need to print out the online form ?

  25. How much is the visa fee please?

  26. How much is the visa fee, please?

    • Happy weekend Oluwakemi, I want to travel with my wife to uk & we need a working visa. Please can I get some information about their requirement thanks.

  27. I Will like to make much inquiry about meeting my fiancee for just an Holiday in England and i really don’t know how to go about it… Please i will be glad if you can let me know steps to take

  28. I WANT TO BRING MY GIRLFRIEND OVER FROM NIGERIA AT CHRISTMAS FOR 6-8 WEEKS ,I AM A ENGLISH GUY IN FULL TIME JOB AND HAVE A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE…AS WE ARE GETTING ENGAGED AT CHRISTMAS…IF MY GIRLFRIEND PUTS ME DOWN AS A SPONSOR AND I AM SUPPORTING HER AND SHE IS STAYING WITH ME WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO HELP HER GET A 3 MTH HOLIDAY VISA….

  29. Hello, how can I contact the uk visa office in Nigeria, been trying to get their number. I want to rebook my appointment. How can I do that?

    • Hi Kimberly,

      If you want to reschedule or rebook your appointment online. If you have your application number and security details, go to Visa4UK, login your details (check your confirmation email you got when you submitted your online application form), select ‘change you appointment’ and choose your preferred date.

  30. what other requirement is needed by an applicant who is self employed?

  31. Please i am a student and my older brother is inviting to UK for visiting, but my brother who is inviting me to UK does not have bank statement up to six months because He just change his job, can my brother in Nigeria provide his bank statement to support my application.

    • yes you can use your brother bank statement here but don’t collect your brother bank statement over there it might affect u when applying OK

  32. Hi , I have submitted my tier4 application at idea office since 08/08/2014, but yet to get a response till now. Is it normal? Cos I’m kinda confused. School resumes 15th of Sept. Solomon

  33. Hi Oluwakemi, I have a brother who is coming to uk with is wife and they need a working visa so how do they go about it.

  34. Hi I want to re apply for my student visa, as my last one has expired but my school starts in one week. How long does it take before I get my visa ? Last time it took about 3 weeks so I’m a bit worried. Is there anyway I can speed it up ? Also do I need to book an appointment to submit my visa application can I not just come to the office in ikeja and hand it in ? If so is the wait for it very long ?

  35. Hello Kemi,
    please I need to know if yellow fever certificate is necessary for someone traveling to UK at the time of checking in at the airport.

    thank you

  36. Pls my hubby has always studied in d uk for over four years, hes going back 2 futher n he wants me and our two sons to go with him, what requirements do we need? Plus how long does it take 2 get a visa approved? Thank you

    • Hi Ada,

      You can’t go with him if he is travelling to UK to further his studies. If you want to go and visit him, you can apply for a visitor’s visa and go with your kids.

  37. Is marriage certificate requirement a must if married? Mind you I have all other requirement.

    • Applying for visitor’s visa. Is marriage certificate a must? Just to attend a seminar.

    • Hi Johnson,

      Yes, if you are married, you should provide your marriage certificate, just to show them that you will be coming back home to be with your family.

  38. Please I would like to know if it is possible to fast-track a UK student visa and how much that might cost. Thank you.

    • Hi Ugo

      No Fast track and be careful so as not to be duped. If you provide authentic documents for your application, you visa will be granted within some days.

  39. Hello Kemi,
    Please when will september booking date be made available for Ikeja office and how long does it take for me to make payment after i book my appointment.
    Thanks

  40. Please I have already submitted my application online and booked for an appointment to submit my supporting documents.

    On my application form I stated that I intended staying with my sister in law but I have had a change of mind and have decided to stay in an hotel.

    What do I do now or how can I make a change . Would I have to write a note addressed to the consular and make a reference to the applicable application section as part of the supporting documents stating my change of plans?

    Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

    • Hi Tommy,

      Did your sister send you an invitation letter? If she did, they may contact her to find out if she truly wants to host you.

  41. U’re doing a great job. Pls just want to confirm if d British council send mail to applicant’s if their application as been approved and visa issued on a regular basis, or does it means if u don’t get any mail of such then u have been denied. How long does it take for ur application to be returned?

  42. pls ca I make use of three month bank statement. Is it acceptable?

  43. i apply for student visa for uk after paying i book for standard appointment. when i got to vfs at ikeja i was told i needed to book for pbs student appointment. when i went to my login page i didnt see any where to re-book or reschedule my appointment. so i am lost on what next to do. please help shed more light

  44. Hi oluwakemi I applies for a visiting visa last year and I was refused,want to apply this year again need to know what I can do.thanks

  45. Hello kemi
    Please why is it taking so much time to get my reply or can’t I get the assistant I need

    • Hi James, Could you please send your enquiries to info@travelstart.com.ng, we will reply immediately.

  46. what is minimum amount somebody must have in account before he can be grant visa

  47. Pls can I be granted a visa , I am a student in unn, my inlaw wants to sponsor me to the uk for holiday, I hav an invitation letter from my friend in the uk and I will be using my inlaws statement of account. Will it be possible since I am not working.

    • please, I want to know if your application centre is different from vfs

  48. i want to know the procedure of making online payment bcos there are lots of fraud on online payment how do i know its authencity and genuiness also are 1st timer going to face interview related matters

  49. Do I fill the Uk visa form manualy or online. Also do I need to bring utility bill along for document citing. Thanx

  50. I want to apply for a business visitor visa..is a letter of invitation compulsory here because I don’t have any.

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