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.

Search for cheap flights

Return
One way
Day
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Day
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Select
1 Traveller
2 Travellers
3 Travellers
4 Travellers
5 Travellers

485 thoughts on “UK Visa Application: How to Apply

  1. @Kemi, you are doing a great job. Well done.

  2. Goodmorning oluwakemi, please I need to know the process to follow to get a copy of my refusal letter in 2011 to enable me claim my part payment of the school. I need urgent reply please Ms kemi. Uk embassy.

  3. Hi Kemi,
    Quick question: How much exactly is the Visa application fee for a 5 year Family Visitor Visa, and can the payment be made at the application centre or must it be made online?
    Thank you.

    • Hi Oluwatoyin,

      Payments are online now and cannot be made at the application center. Fees for family visitor Visa is $849 for up to 5 years. Please note that this fee will increase as from April. I hope this helps. Goodluck

  4. I understand that the UK Immigration will be collecting health surcharge from non EA applicants travelling to Uk or more than six months from April 6 2015 in addition to visa fees (also to be increased from April 6, 2015). How much is this health surcharge? At what point are you required to pay it, during application or when visa has been given? If during application, will it be refunded if application is refused? Urgent information is needed on the above

    Kemi, i commend you for the good job you are doing. Cheers…

  5. Nice going an Thnks for this post. Pls I’ll like to know; when filling a business visitor visa application form (UK), where I’m asked how much I think the trip will cost, what currency should the amount be? GBP or NGN?

  6. Please leave your comment…My husband and my 7year old son have a british passport but i don’t,we all want to travel to uk by july for a visit but my son will be enrol in school in the uk.Pls what are the requirements i need to go with besides i aapplied last year and i was refused due to some documents.Though i wanted to travel with my son alone but my husband decided that we should all go together.Thanks in advance for your expert advice.

  7. what can i do to my application, after confirmed my application then i realised have made mistake in answering some questions with my family application, can i still correct my application?

  8. Hi kemi,do i have to appear at d embbasey for my interview or DHL my document?

  9. Hi oluwatoyi.
    If applying for a dependent visa,do my sponsor need to have a stipulated amount in d bank for bank statement. If yes, like how much. Thank u

  10. I want to make enquiry about family visitor visa to uk,cost and guidelines.

  11. Please am still waiting for your reply thanks

    • Hi Taiwo, How can I help you?

  12. I applied for UK visa 2 year ago i was band 5 to ten year I used a false document and I want to re apply want can I do because am expecting invitation letter from my brother for UK this mouth

    • Hi Taiwo, you will need to appeal before you can start another application process.

  13. Hi Kemi, Kindly let me know how much it cost for a 2yr visa application an d5 years, for a family visitor visa.
    Prompt response will be appreciated.

  14. Please what do I do, I am finding it difficult in paying the visa fee online, can someone assist me. I appreciate

    • Hi, register an account with mypaga.com and transfer the required fund from your bank account into mypaga company account number on their website. You will notify them of payment using the notification channel o you registered account with paga. It takes some hours for your account with my paga to be credited. Once your account s credited, you’ll then go to your visa application page and initiate the payment.

      Select pay with paga and not paga verve. It will request for your paga user name and password. I used this process today to make payment.

      I will suggest you make another application. I did the same too

      I will have you know it took me so many days and several Mastercard before eventually using the medium stated above. I even got someone who charged ne N3k to help do the pyt without success.

  15. Hi Kemi. Pls I want to find out which medium is proper to receive invitation letter from UK (Fax, E-mail, courier or post)? I have about a week to apply for visa (general visitor’s visa). Many thanks

    • I received mine by e- mail and was not refused.

  16. Good day oluwatoyim, pls i am trying to get a UK visa for my daughter of 8yrs but don’t know the right link to log in. Pls kindly help send d link.the previous one am using asking for employment details , since i don’t have information forthat s not submitting it. She is just 8yrs i want to be there latest by July.

  17. quick question…please what are the requirements for fast track visa processing (business visitor).

  18. Pls Aunty, I hv a serious issue and dnt knw wot to do. I applied for visiting visa in some yrs back with 30yrs as age and dey didn’t grant me visa but I was told to appeal and add more document which I did but now I hv changed d passport to d real age gng to 31 now. Pls can I reapply with my new passport for another visa? Pls wot can I do? Pls I need ur express feedback. Thankz

  19. Pls Aunty, can u send ur phone number to my mail? I hv sometin to discuss with u pls. Thanks

  20. hi I what to no how much it will cost me if I what my document back by post.

    • About 9.25 pounds.

  21. I asked some questions on 3rd April but i did not a feedback. Pls respond. Thank you

  22. Quick answer pls: how much is the application fee for visa for a family visiting another family for holiday within a period of two weeks

  23. I want to relocate to the UK with three of my kids to join my sister who has been there for many years. Could you kindly advise me on what steps I need to take regarding the process of applying and successfully getting a visa?

  24. please how much would i need to get a short term visa?

  25. hello, please i am planning a vacation with my family for December 2015, can i start my visa application now?

  26. Dear am, please I want to apply for my 2 years family visa and I will be staying for 2 weeks do I need to pay any health surcharge

  27. My Uncles resides in the UK and has a British Red Passport, and wants to invite me, I am a student here in Nigeria and i want visit UK for only 6weeks, pls what are the things i need to arrange to be qualified?

  28. What is the step taking when one want to apply for UK Visa and what are the requirements. What is the British in Nigeria for Visa application forms? Thanks u.

  29. Hi Kemi. Pls I just want to know if after losing my first passport (which was still virgin after it expired years ago) to state in my application form that the current one is my first? I cant remember the details of that expired virgin passport anymore. Lastly, I live in a family house, so what can I tender as utility bills for my application – if necessary? Many thanks

    • There are some questions for you, have you every used the passport for a UK Visa application?

  30. Thank you. I want to travel to the UK for biz. Is it compulsory to get an invitation letter. If yes, from who? Does it mean that if I don’t know someone in the UK, I cannot travel?

    • If you are going for business, the company you are transacting with in the UK can send you a letter of invitation. If it’s a conference, they are also meant to send you a letter showing you are registered to attend the conference. But if it’s just for tourism purposes, all you need is your hotel booking and reservation.

  31. Morning,
    Is it Dropbox for renewal of ukVisas? Need to renew Visas for my kids and I, must the kids be present as their Biometrics were captured in 2013.

    Pls advise as they have Gone back to school.

    Thanks

  32. oh and hi kemi

  33. UK Visitor Visa please

  34. pls aunty i want you to enlight me.how much will it cost me if i want to live and work in united kingdom.quick response please

  35. Pls sister am 17yrs old…..am going on a visit to uk this year…do I. Need to do a medical report for 6month visa?seens is not more than six month….and also what are the requirement for visiting letter?am just 17yrs old underage…

    • Are you being invited by a family? If it’s just 6months, you do not need a medical report.

  36. HI KEMI HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR VISA ASSISTANCE CONSULTING AND WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE / ADVISE . KINDLY SEND MAIL

  37. Please all I want to know I want to go for business what and what do I need that is all

  38. I need to write an invitation letter for my friend to come and visit me in england. What information needs to be in this letter?

  39. I was refused just because I didn’t put my business registration certificate,that no any company existence that the business is real,immediately they refused me I did visa review but the outcome was that I should get the company registration certificate but now I have collected it and will soon apply,would they grant me visiting visa if I apply?

  40. i want to pay for visa in nigeria and they are asking for post code on the payment plateform. What do I do.

  41. Hello Sis Oluwakemi,
    Thanks for all the info. Please can you tell me by email, how much I need to have in my bank account before applying for a Uk and US visa. I’ve been to China(Nov, 2009) once and got a new passport just last year. Do I still need to travel to another country prior to my application for (tourist) visa at these embass?
    Thanks.
    Ify.

  42. Hi kemi ,

    I am having difficulties filling the forms on-line and i need assistance can you be of help ?? Please kindly get back to me

    Thanks

  43. Kindly brief me what it will take a family of 3 children including father and mother.(age range 5 below) to travel to UK for holiday and for how long would the process take including cost?Regards while I awaits your response.

  44. I have already gotten my general visitor’s visa. Would it be an offense to travel earlier than the date proposed in my sponsor’s invitation letter to the embassy? Thanks

  45. what requirement did i need for conference visa application and did i still need to book appointment. Thks

  46. Want to go sometime in September and now we are in May. What is the latest time that one can apply, please

  47. Please in the course of filling my visa type i clicked 6months instead of 5YRS,how do i make this change,i discovered when i was about paying…thanks

  48. Forgot my Mother’s date of birth as was filled in earlier application, can this disqualify an application on UK non immigrant visa.

    Thank you.

  49. I want to pay for a 6 month Business Visitor UK visa and I am informed that the total is $225, $133 for Visa application and $92 for User Pay Service. What does User Pay Service mean? Is it optional or compulsory?

  50. I’m a civil servant ,and I want to apply for uk visiting visa.What are the requirements ?

Leave a Reply to paul Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*
Website