Entry to the UK from Nigeria

Want to Move to the UK?

We have helped many Nigerian citizens with their UK visa applications. If you need advice about which visa is appropriate for your needs and information about the eligibility requirements, then get in touch with us at IAS. We can provide you with comprehensive support by handling the steps of your application and ensuring that your visa application is correctly managed.

Nigerian Emigration

For Nigerian emigration matters, please call +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013306361

Other Immigration and Emigration Matters

For immigration/emigration to/from other countries, please call:

US –  +1 844 290 6312

Ireland –  (+353) 061 518 025

UK –  (+44) 333 4149244

Entry to the UK from Nigeria – UK Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

You will need an up-to-date passport and the appropriate visa for entry to the UK from Nigeria whether you are visiting or you intend to work or study. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Currently, you do not have to take a test for Coronavirus (COVID-19) or fill in a passenger locator form from Nigeria to the UK whether or not you have been vaccinated.

Children under 18 can visit the UK from Nigeria with a standard Visitor Visa without being accompanied by an adult as long as they have written consent and can provide full contact details and proof of where they will be living during their stay.

If you are using a Visitor Visa to get medical treatment, then you may apply to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months. For those who apply whilst still in Nigeria, the visa will last 11 months and if you apply to extend your stay once you are in the UK the extension lasts a further 6 months. There isn’t a limit on how many times you can apply to extend your stay.

Visa Categories

There are several visa categories you can apply to, depending on your reasons for entering the UK.

The visas are:

• Visitors Visa (for a stay of up to 6 months)
• Skilled Worker Visa
• Temporary Worker Visa
• Student Visa
• Settlement Visa

The Visitors Visa allows you to stay in the UK from Nigeria for up to 6 months. You can visit for tourism, study, or business. If you want to know more about visa categories, have a look at our visa information.

Applying for a Standard Visitors Visa

You can apply for a Standard Visitors Visa 3 months before you intend to travel. You need to apply for the visa online and then you will be asked to attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre.

Visa Fees

There are 6 tiers for visa fees and currently, these are:

• Standard Visitor Visa for a maximum stay of 6 months – £115
• Standard Visa for Medical Reasons with a maximum stay of 11 months – £200
• Standard Visa for academics with a maximum stay of 12 months – £200
• 2-year Standard Visa with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit – £400
• 5-year Standard Visa with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit – £771
• 10-year Standard Visa with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit – £963

If you apply for a long-term visa of 2, 5 or 10 years when you are under 18 the visa will only last up until you are 18 and you will not be offered a refund.

Do you want to know more about the documents and the eligibility criteria for the job offer you have received? Then get in touch with us at IAS either by email or at +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013306361.

Other Visas

Skilled Worker Visa

Applicants from Nigeria who want to come to England for up to 5 years to work, can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. This visa requires applicants to score 70 points. 50 of the 70 points will be awarded if you have sufficient language proficiency, the necessary skill level, and an approved offer for work. The rest of the points will be awarded if you meet the minimum salary requirements.

You will need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer who needs to be on the list of licensed sponsors approved by the Home Office, and it must be a genuine occupation. You can find the list of eligible jobs on the UK government website.

The work offered must meet your skill level and the salary cannot be less than £26,200 per year. Your English language proficiency should be at least B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), but if you have a qualification that was taught in English then this will be adequate.

Finally, you must prove that you can support yourself whilst you are in the UK.

Temporary Workers Visa

If you are a creative worker, a seasonal worker or a religious worker then you may apply for a Temporary Worker Visa. To be eligible you must have a number of points which are earned according to the criteria for each type of visa.

Student Visa Application

If you have an offer to study short-term at a UK institution, you can apply for a UK Study Visa. You need to have 70 points that you can accumulate by having an offer to study, holding a B2 or equivalent English language qualification and meeting the financial requirements.

Settlement Visa

If you are the spouse of someone legally residing in the UK you make a visa application for a Settlement Visa, which will enable you to come to the UK and live with your partner.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

A Yellow Fever Certificate is not required for entry into the UK from Nigeria. Still, it is recommended for all citizens travelling to the UK from Nigeria who are aged 9 months and over. This is because of the rules concerning travelling through countries with a high risk of Yellow Fever.

Yellow Fever vaccinations are available at Port Health Services Public Health Department offices throughout Nigeria.

To obtain a certificate to prove you have had the Yellow Fever vaccination you must contact the Port Health Services of the Public Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria. They will issue you (at a cost) with a paper certificate that can be read electronically called an e-Yellow Card.

Those with certain health conditions may be exempt from the Yellow Fever Vaccination and should seek professional medical advice on the issue.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

In certain countries, including Nigeria, it is often the case that you can travel on an emergency passport if your original passport has been lost or stolen. However, this does not apply to entry to the UK as you must have your original passport documents.

How Can IAS Help?

Thousands of Nigerian citizens apply for visas to enter the UK from Nigeria each year. If you have completed your application forms correctly and submitted the correct paperwork, you will have minimum delays.

However, in many cases, it is advisable to seek professional advice to ensure you do not risk your UK visa being rejected, as this could have a long-term impact on your future immigration plans.

Our team of experienced lawyers are able to provide a whole host of support to ensure your application is successful. Reach out to IAS on +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013306361 and we can help you with any questions or concerns. If you prefer you can contact us via our online form.