UK Standard Visitor Visa for Nigerian Passport Holders
UK Standard Visitor Visa
⚠ Visa Required — You must apply before travel
38.65%Rejection Rate
4/5Difficulty
15–21dProcessing
NGN 224,000Total (~$165)
Quick Facts
RequirementVisa Required
Visa Fee
NGN 224,000
(~$165)
Processing Time15–21 working days
Appointment Wait~3 weeks
Stay DurationUp to 180 days
UK Standard Visitor Visa is one of the most sought-after and hardest to obtain for Nigerian applicants. With a ~15% rejection rate, the Home Office applies strict scrutiny on intent to return and financial capability.
Key Warnings
UK uses TLScontact — NOT VFS Global. Do not book through VFS for UK applications.
The UK Home Office is particularly strict about proof of ties to Nigeria — property, active employment, and family responsibilities are crucial.
A 6-month UK visa allows multiple visits within that period — it does NOT mean 6 months in the UK.
Insider Tips
Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel — 3-week standard processing plus 1-week buffer.
Nigerians with US, Canada, or prior UK visa stamps have significantly higher UK approval rates.
If visiting UK AND Europe, apply for both visas separately — they are completely independent. Plan applications to run in parallel.
Step-by-Step Guide
Apply online at gov.uk and pay the fee
The UK Standard Visitor application is completed and paid for online. Keep the reference — the biometrics appointment is booked against it.
Book biometrics at the visa application centre
Fingerprints and a photograph at a VFS or TLScontact centre. The processing clock does not start until this is done, so book it as soon as you have paid.
Assemble the financial and ties evidence
Six months of bank statements, an employer's letter with approved leave and a return date, and evidence of what you are returning to. UK refusals turn overwhelmingly on documentation rather than on the trip itself.
Submit documents and wait
Around 15 working days is standard for a visitor visa, longer in peak season. Priority services exist at extra cost where the post offers them.
Collect the passport
The centre notifies you when the passport is ready. Check the visa's validity dates and entry count before travelling.
Required Documents
Valid passportValid for duration of stay. UK accepts passports with less than 6 months remaining but must cover your visit.
Completed UK visa application form (VAF)Apply online at gov.uk. Print confirmation page.
Biometric photo (35×45mm)
Bank statement (last 3 months)Sufficient funds for your stay. No official minimum but ₦500,000+ typically expected for 2-week trip.
Employment letterMust confirm salary, position, and approved leave dates.
Accommodation confirmation
Flight itinerary
Recommended (Optional)
Property ownership documentsC of O or Land Certificate — strongly recommended for Nigerian applicants.
Invitation letter from UK host
Additional savings evidence
Why Applications Get Rejected
United Kingdom rejected 38.65% of applications. Avoid these mistakes:
Insufficient ties to Nigeria
The UK Home Office scrutinises Nigerian applicants' intent to return. Property ownership, active employment, and family responsibilities are the strongest counters.
Fix: Include property documents, active employment letter, children's school records.
Unclear purpose of visit
Applications without a detailed explanation of the purpose, itinerary, and contacts in the UK are frequently refused.
Fix: Write a detailed cover letter explaining purpose, itinerary, who you're visiting, and why you'll return.
Insufficient funds
Bank statements showing insufficient funds or inconsistent income raise concerns about ability to support oneself in the UK.
Fix: Show 3 months of consistent salary credits plus savings.
38.65% rejection rate — UK Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026 — 167,753 visitor applications from Nigeria, 61.35% granted, 38.65% refused. Cross-checked against 2025 calendar-year figures (66,143 refused against 105,039 issued = 38.6%).
Latest Updates
2026-05
UK visitor visa refusal rate now 38.65%
Home Office immigration statistics published 21 May 2026 put the UK visitor visa refusal rate at 38.65% for this nationality. The figure previously shown on this page was 15%, drawn from 2023–2024 data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply for a UK visa through VFS Global in Nigeria?
No. UK visa applications in Nigeria are handled by TLScontact, not VFS Global. TLScontact has centres in Lagos (Victoria Island) and Abuja. Book your appointment at tlscontact.com — not vfsglobal.com.
How long can Nigerians stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa?
A Standard Visitor Visa is typically issued for 6 months and allows multiple entries. However, you can stay a maximum of 6 months per visit — not 6 months total per year. Most Nigerians receive a 6-month multiple-entry visa.
How much does a UK visa cost in Nigerian Naira?
The UK Standard Visitor Visa fee is £115 (~₦197,000 at current rates). Adding TLScontact service fees (~₦27,000), the total is approximately ₦224,000. A priority service adding 5-business-day processing costs an extra £500 (~₦1,022,000).