UK Transit Visa for Nigerians – How to Apply

Last updated on March 22nd, 2024

If you are traveling from Nigeria to another country but intend to pass through a UK Airport to that Country, you may need a transit visa. Basically, a transit visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 48 hours as you wait for an onward connecting flight.

While, it is important to understand the requirements for applying for a UK transit visa, in this article, I will provide the steps and process for applying for the visa from Nigeria. From filling out the application form to providing the necessary documentation, I will provide you with the necessary information to make your visa application process as seamless as possible. Now, let’s get started!

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Nigerian Citizens who wish to pass through the UK on their way to a third country will either need a Direct Airside Transit Visa or a Visitor in Transit Visa to do so.
• If you’re staying longer than 48 hours in the UK, you will need a Long-term Transit Visa.
• To apply for the UK Transit visa, you need a valid passport, proof of residence permit, or valid visa to the destination Country, and proof of onward flight such as an airline ticket or a boarding pass.
• A Direct Airside Transit Visa in Nigeria usually costs £35 (₦69,520) while a Visitor in Transit Visa costs £64 (₦127,122).
• It usually takes three weeks to get a UK transit visa from the date you file your application.

Types of Transit Visas

The UK typically has three types of transit visas for Nigerians, and you may fall into any of the categories.

Visitor in Transit visa: If you pass through UK border control when you enter the UK but leave the country within 48 hours, you will need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa.

Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV): If you are taking an onward flight on the same day and from the same UK airport where you arrived (without passing through UK border control), you may need a Direct Airside Transit Visa.

Long-term Visit visa: If you’re traveling from Nigeria and your trip involves your staying in the UK for more than 48 hours, you cannot use a Transit Visa. Instead, you will be required to obtain a long-term visit visa, which allows you to remain in the UK for more than 48 hours.

What are the UK Transit Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens?

As a Nigerian citizen, the documents you may be required to submit for a UK transit visa application depend on the type of transit visa you are applying for. You will need the following documents if you are applying:

Visitor in Transit visa Documents

• Current passport.
• Proof of Residence permit, Green card, or Valid visa to the destination Country.
• Proof of onward flight e.g. a flight booking, email printed tickets, or confirmation from a travel agent.
• Purpose of your visit to the country (for those not citizens or residents of the destination country).
• Details of where you intend to reside during your stay (for those not citizens or residents of the destination country).

Direct Airside Transit Visa Documents

• Valid passport/travel document
• Proof of onward flight, e.g., a valid airline ticket or a boarding pass.
• Proof of Residence permit, Green card, or Valid visa of the destination Country.
• If you are not a citizen or resident of the country that you are traveling to, you must provide proof of why you are traveling there and details of where you will stay.

Long-term Visit Visa Documents

• Proof that you have a legitimate reason to frequently transit through the UK.
• Proof that your reason to transit through the UK will not change while you are in the UK.
• Proof that the only purpose of your visit to the UK is transit.
• Proof that you will leave the UK within 48 hours.

Please Note: You should bring all the important documents when traveling through the UK.

How to Apply for a UK Transit Visa from Nigeria

Applying online for a UK transit visa is easy and simple. You only need to apply through the official visa website of the UK government.

To start your application, you will be asked to confirm your visa type and you should select ‘visit or transit visa’.

The application process is straightforward, it has three stages that you need to go through.

It involves:

• Completing the application form and answering the questions when prompted (this should be done in English).
• Paying the associated visa fee using your debit or credit card.
• Providing your biometric data (a copy of your fingerprints and a photograph of your face).

Please note that when submitting your application online if you leave the application window inactive for 25 minutes, the system will log you out and you will have to start over.

Biometric Data Capturing

To complete the application for a transit visa, you will be required to submit your biometrics data (fingerprints and a facial photograph) to a visa application centre (VAC) that is operated by one of the British government’s commercial partners in Abuja, Lagos, or any other VAC close to you.

The UK visa centres can be found in the following locations:

• Abuja Visa Application Centre

Third floor, Murkhtar El-Yakub Place beside Metro Plaza, on Plot 1129 Zakariya Maimalari Street, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria

• Lagos Ikeja Visa Application Centre

Ground and First Floors, Etiebets Place, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

• Victoria Island Visa Application Centre

Ground Floor, Ivie House, 4/6 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

• Port Harcourt Visa Application Centre

Présidential hôtel, 5141 Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

• Enugu Visa Application Centre

Omedel Luxury Hotel 4/6 Link Rd, Independence Layout 400271, Enugu, Nigeria

After, submitting your documents and biometric data, you will be notified about the decision on your visa after the appointment.

How much is the UK transit visa fee in Nigeria?

Once you complete the application form online, you will need to pay the visa fee online.

• A Direct Airside Transit Visa usually costs £35 (₦69,520).
• A Visitor in Transit Visa costs £64 (₦127,122).

How long does it take to get a UK transit visa in Nigeria?

Generally, it takes three weeks to get a UK transit visa from the date you file your application.

However, if there is a larger number of applications, the processing time could be extended to six weeks or longer. So, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip if you know it is upcoming.

And, in case where you need to get your visa approved on time you should check with your visa application centre to find out about the services. Remember, staying informed and being prepared is key when it comes to getting your visa approved on time.

How long is the UK transit visa valid?

The validity of the UK Transit visa is based on the types of visas you are applying for,

• Direct Airside Transit visas are valid for up to 24 hours.
• Visitors in Transit visas are valid for up to 48 hours.
• Visit visa validity is six months for long-term and frequent transit via the UK.

Can I get a UK transit visa at the airport?

No, you will need to apply for the transit visa at the UK embassy or visa application centre in Nigeria before you travel.

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