How to Apply for UK Visa in Nigeria (2025 Guide)

Did you know that about 130,000 Nigerians visit the UK yearly for leisure, business and to spend time with family members who immigrated to the United Kingdom?

The UK is one of the top destinations Nigerians prioritize for work, study, tourism and if we’re being honest, almost every Nigerian has a Big Mummy or an Uncle who has lived in the UK all their lives.Despite the UK being an easy choice for Nigerians to visit, all Nigerian passport holders need a UK visa to travel or visit the United Kingdom and the visa application process isn’t a walk in the park. It can feel complicated but this guide has simplified it just for you.

In this guide, you’ll:

1. Learn how to apply for UK Visa in Nigeria
2. Understand the requirements for UK Visitor Visa in Nigeria
3. Learn how to apply for UK Student Visa
4. Learn how to apply for UK Work Visa from Nigeria
5. Learn how to pay UK Visa fees
6. See the documents required for UK Visa in Nigeria
7. How to track your UK Visa application.

Step 1: Determine the Right Visa Type

There are various UK visa types and they cater to different categories of people who meet certain requirements. The common types of UK visa for Nigerians include: 

• Work & Business Visas: These visa types are for Nigerians who want to work or do business in the UK. The common UK work visas are Skilled Work Visas for professionals who have a job offer in the UK, Temporary Work Visa for people who want to work or do business-related activities in the UK for a year, Business Visitor Visa which is a six-month visa for business professionals. There are about 7 to 8 other types of work and business visas and all of them are on the UK Immigration Website.
• Student Visas: If you have an admission to study in a UK university and can prove that you can financially support your education, the student visa is perfect for you. There are about four types of student uk visas, one of which include a two-year post-study work visa.
• Tourist & Visiting Visas: These are short stays visas for people who want to visit the UK to do tourist stuff, visit loved ones and have a good time, the standard visitor visa is perfect for you. If you also have a creative or professional event to attend in the UK, this is the kind of visa you should be applying for. 
• Family Visas: If you have family in the UK - a spouse, fiance or fiancee, child, parent or a relative who can provide and help you settle in the UK, this is the visa to apply for. There are about 6 kinds of UK family visas and all of them apply to people differently. 

Step 2: Check Eligibility and Requirements

There are some common documents required to apply for a UK visa no matter the kind of visa you’ve decided to apply for. You need: 

• Government-issued International Passport 
• Passport photograph
• Bank statements
• Utility bills
• Proof of employment
• Proof of accommodation 
• Tax information 
• Travel details 
• Driving License 
• Biodata information
• Educational Certificates
• Paid UK visa fees

P.S: If you are underage, you’ll need extra documents such as: 

• Proof of parental consent if you’re not travelling with your parent 
• Birth certificate 

You can also check your eligibility for a UK visa on the UK Government website here.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

After gathering the essential documents needed to apply for a UK visa, create a checklist for the specific documents you need for the specific visa you want. 

One of the essential requirements to apply for a UK visa is to prove you have sufficient funds that will sustain you throughout your stay. If you also don’t have a sufficient bank balance, you can use a family member’s or relative’s financial support.  

Tips to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your UK visa application

• Make sure your bank statements don't have large deposits of money that aren't your income or salary. 
• You can also use your assets and savings as proof of being financially capable to sort out whatever needs may arise in the UK 
• Try to have twice the amount of money needed for the trip 

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

This is a step by step process on completing your online UK Visa application 

• Create an account on the GOV.UK website
• Fill up the application form and ensure you input the right information and details as seen on your documents. 
• Pay your visa fee and book an appointment at the application centre of your choice in Lagos or Abuja. 
• Register your details on TLSContact website. This is how you’ll also track your application. 
• Attend your appointment and submit your biometrics at the UK Visa application centre. Remember to take along physical copies of your documents such as original copies, printed visa application documents, receipt of visa fees, and other supporting documents. 

UK visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and you can see all the cost on the GOV.UK website here

Step 5: Wait for a Decision & Track Your Application

There are different wait times for a UK visa to be granted and they are all stated on the GOV.UK website here

How Zole Helps Nigerians Traveling to the UK

You can send proof of funds from Canada to Nigeria for visa applications with Zole. The more money you send on Zole, the better exchange rates you get and more money to the receiver. Zole helps you stay connected to your family and loved ones abroad as it’s one of the fastest and most reliable platforms for international money transfers.