UK Visitor Visa Requirements for Nigerians

The UK visitor visa is a temporary visa that comprises many reasons for visiting the country. Anyone with a valid reason like a holiday for visiting family members, private medical treatment, 6-month short study, business trip, or even marriage can apply for a visitor visa so long you plan to return to Nigeria within the said period.

The visitor visa has general requirements for all Nigerian visitors. However, these specific travel reasons may require you to get a few specialized documents to buttress your reasons for the visit. 

If you are briefly traveling to the UK from Nigeria, this sounds like the correct visa for you. Therefore, know that you are applying for the Standard Visitor Visa. 

Read on as I list out all the requirements you need. Any other information that will make your travel easy will be here, too.

How long does it take to get a UK visitor visa from Nigeria?

Except for unforeseen circumstances, the UK visitor visa application takes about 30 days if you apply from Nigeria. So, it is advisable to begin this process on time.

Starting your application early helps curb any extra things that may arise during the process. As early as three months before you are due to travel. That way, you will not be pressured and begin to make mistakes that are uncalled for.

How much is a UK visit visa for Nigerians?

The UK visitor visa application fees vary depending on how many years you are allowed to visit the country. Regardless of your visa’s validity, you must leave after six months of every visit. 

In February 2024, the current prices of these visas are listed as follows in Naira.

• UK visitor short term visa (6 months) 288,716 Nigerian Naira
• Long-term visitor visa (2 years valid) 826,410 Nigerian Naira 
• Long term visitor visa (5 years) 1,473,680 Nigerian Naira 
• Short study visitor visa (6 to 12 months) 439,400 Nigerian Naira 
• Private medical visit visa (six to eleven months) 439,400 Nigerian Naira 
• Short term child visit visa (six months) 219,700 Nigerian Naira
• Long term visitor visa (10 years) 1,793,767 Nigerian Naira
• Transit visa (passing to another country) 119,211 Nigerian Naira

To get a comprehensive detail of the cost of UK Visit visa in Nigeria, please click here.

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK visitor visa?

Before applying for this visa type, you must be convincing and truthful. If you must scale through, ensure your documents match your words. To check your eligibility for the UK visitor visa, you must present these documents:

• Proof that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit
• A valid passport that will not expire throughout your stay in the country
• Proof of funds from you or your sponsor. Meaning that you can sustain and take care of yourself during your visit
• Evidence that you will not at any point make the UK your home while you visit.
• Evidence that you have concrete travel back plans like a return or onward ticket.

These are the general requirements for a standard visitor visa to the UK. For those with specific reasons like private medical treatment, short academic or study stay, holiday, business trip, or marriage. An extra type of document must accompany these general ones.

Short study UK visitor visa extra requirements

• Evidence that you an accredited UK institution has offered you an admission
• Proof that you have been accepted into a program or course by that institution, and it is not more than six months.
• The UK-accredited institution must not be a state-funded institution or an academy.
• Scholars visiting for a research program must show that:

1. A UK-accredited higher education institution agreed to make you a part of their research team
2. Show a confirmation from your school that the research is relevant
3. This research must be relevant to the course you are studying
4. You must also prove that you are 16 or above
5. You must be enrolled in an academic institution in your country of residence that is equivalent to the UK’s

Private medical treatment UK visitor visa extra requirements

As a visitor visa holder going to the UK for medical treatment, you must prove that:

• You have enough money to cover your treatment
• Your medical condition is not dangerous to the public
• You have a medical diagnosis that requires private medical treatment or consultation in the UK
• Prove that you will exit the UK as soon as your treatment is done and your visa has expired
• Evidence of the hospital for the consultation or treatment
• A letter from a doctor or consultant stating
• The condition you have that requires treatment
• Estimated cost of the consultation or treatment
• Estimated duration of the treatment or consultation

Marriage visitor visa extra requirements

You already know that your general requirements and documents for a visitor visa must come alongside the following.

• Enough funds to see you through your stay. It might come from your sponsor, too.
• You are over 18 years old
• Prove that your relationship is genuine
• A proof that you are eligible to marry your partner or enter into a civil relationship with them within your six months of stay

What are you permitted or not permitted to do in the UK as a visitor visa holder?

As a visitor visa holder in the UK, you can not do the following:

• Work or get employment except it is a permitted paid event or engagement
• You can not get married or enter into a civil partnership during your stay
• Claim any public funds
• Live or settle in the UK during your visit

You can do the following as a visitor visa holder:

• Volunteer for 30 days or less to a registered charity
• See your family members and friends
• Attend a business meeting for business visitor visa holders
• Do a recreational activity or course for up to 30 days
• Pass through the UK on your way to another country
• Stay for your vacation or holiday
• Be a part of a school exchange programme

Can you apply for a UK visitor visa online?

Even as a Nigerian, you have to verify if you need to apply for your UK visitor visa online. If you are eligible, you can go ahead and begin your visa application.

• You must input your personal information
• Select your preferred language on the site
• Travel details
• Pay your visa fees
• Purpose of travel
• Accommodation

When you are done filling out the form, submit it and get your reference number.

How much bank balance is needed for a UK tourist visa?

The amount you need to have as proof that you can support yourself as a visitor on holiday in the UK is as follows:

• Single visitor 7,450,749 Nigerian Naira
• Two visitors, 11,176,123 Nigerian Naira
• Three visitors, 13,038,810 Nigerian Naira
• 4 visitors 16,764,185 Nigerian Naira

 Read Next: UK Dependent Visa Requirements, Cost & How to Apply