Important Information

Biometric Procedure

The Embassy of Nigeria requires that all individuals applying for a Nigeria visa in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland provide biometric data, specifically fingerprints, as part of the visa application process. To facilitate this, applicants will be required to appear in person at the Visa Application Centre in London. The only exceptions to this rule are applicants under the age of 5 years and those holding a diplomatic passport

It is now even more imperative that the application, supporting documents and payment be in complete conformance to consular requirements so as to avoid the potential rejection and thus avoid subsequent visits, costs and inconvenience. To this end, VisaCentral offers a fully comprehensive service to ensure documents are correctly checked and verified prior to the application being submitted to the Visa Application Centre.

VisaCentral visas will provide the following: 

  • Provision of application forms, requirements and instructions on how to obtain your necessary visa
  •  Quality checking of your application and supporting materials to ensure it is complete, and minimising the risk of refusal at the Embassy
  •  Provision of the compulsory appointment for your documents to be submitted to the Visa Application Centre
  •  Meet and Greet at the Visa Application Centre to support the collection of your biometric data and assistance with payment for their fees.
  • Collection of the completed passport and visa and secure delivery back to the applicant

The processing time of your visa application starts from the date of the appointment. The current waiting time for an appointment is approximately three weeks.

Processing times may vary,  and are at consular discretion.

Sample of the Business Travel Requirements for an Nigeria Visa for UK Citizens

  1. Visa Eligibility

    A business visa is required by all those who intend to visit Nigeria to attend conferences, for business discussions, business meetings, business-related issues, meetings with government officials, academic, educational or institutional activities, parastatal activities, or to meet with NGOs.

  2. Application Procedure

    Applicants should apply for the visa no more than 45 days prior to travel

  3. Fees Summary

    Listed below is a breakdown of all potential fees charged by the Nigeria Embassy which will be detailed on your final invoice:


    Nigeria Consular Admin fee: From £20.00 to £100.00 (payment will be submitted by the applicant at the Visa Application Centre)

    Nigeria Visa Application Centre fee: From £41.67 + VAT to £91.67 + VAT (payment will be submitted on your behalf)

    Nigeria Online Consular fee: From $0 to $2360, plus $20 online transaction fee (payment will be submitted on your behalf if you use our Document Preparation Service)


    A definitive list of visa fees can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the following URL link https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/pages/visaguidelines

  4. Passport

    The applicant's actual signed passport. The passport must:

    • Have two blank facing visa pages
    • Be valid for at least six months beyond the exit date

  5. Photograph

    You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://visacentral.co.uk/photo-service to upload your photo.


    Alternatively, you may provide two colour, passport type photographs that meet the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against a white background and printed on high quality photo paper; be 35mm by 45mm in size; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photographs should not be affixed to your application and may not display evidence of adhesive or staples.

  6. Business Introduction Letter

    You must provide a Business Introduction Letter from the applicant's UK employer. Be certain your letter meets the specific requirements of the consulate by using our Digital Business Introduction Letter. Visit https://visacentral.co.uk/bcl-order to get started.

    Alternatively, please use the sample Business Introduction Letter provided at http://cibtvisas.co.uk/forms?formname=Nigeria%20Business%20Introduction%20Letter%20Sample.pdf using the exact language and format provided in order to prevent a rejection and possible delays with your visa request. 

    Note that most consulates require the Business Cover Letter to be dated within one month of application submission.

    In addition to the language provided in the sample, your Business Introduction Letter must:
    • Specify the exact nature of the business activities during your stay
    • Specify the agenda and all attending parties if the activities include business meetings
    • Specify that the Company takes full financial responsibility for the applicant

     

  7. Letter of Invitation

    A letter of invitation from the company the applicant is visiting. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:

    • Be addressed to the High Commission
    • Be on company letterhead paper
    • Include the name of the applicant
    • Specify that the Company takes full immigration responsibility for the applicant
    • Specify the exact nature of all business activities during your stay
    • Specify the agenda and all attending parties if the activities include business meetings
    • Specify the requested number of entries and the length of visa required
    • Be signed by the inviting party (the signature must be the same as in their passport)
    • Include the Inviting party's passport and visa if applicable

  8. Proof of Travel Arrangements

    Details of travel arrangements. These must be provided as:

    • A copy of the hotel reservation   
    • A copy of the flight confirmation showing onward/return travel

  9. Supplementary Form

    One fully completed and signed supplementary form

  10. Visa Application Form

    The Nigeria High Commission has instituted a web-based visa appointment system and visa application form. The visa appointment and application form must be completed online and then printed in colour.

    VisaCentral can assist the traveller in completing the online application form and/or payment as a Premium Service for an additional fee. In order to facilitate this, please complete the VisaCentral Nigeria Document Preparation Service request which can be found within the VisaCentral Application Pack. All questions must be answered including supplying a valid phone number for the applicant as they are mandatory fields on the Nigerian High Commission website.


    Online application document preparation service requests must be received at VisaCentral before 12.00 hours the day prior to lodging. Once VisaCentral have completed your online application we will email it to you for your signature. A copy of your signature is accepted which may be scanned and emailed back to us.


    Alternatively, the visa application form can be completed by the applicant. When completing the online application form, the visa fee must be paid for at the time using a credit or debit card which is compatible with the "Verified by Visa" process. The Consulate will not accept visa applications and documentation where the online form has not been completed and the online payment has not been made.

    To do this, please use the URL link https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/ and follow the instructions.

    Please ensure that once the form has been completed, you print out the following components from the online portal and include them with the rest of your application pack:

    • The Visa Payment Receipt
    • The fully completed Visa Application Form

     

  11. VisaCentral Order Confirmation

    Provide the VisaCentral Order Form included in this kit.

  12. Multiple Entry Applicants

    Applicants requesting a  one year multiple entry visa must:

    • Have held at least one previous and used multiple entry Nigerian visa issued by the High Commission in London

    or

    • Have held at least two previous and used single entry Nigerian visas issued by the High Commission in London 


    Multiple Entry Applicants must supply a current or expired passport that was used for previous travel to Nigeria. Only previous visas that have been used will be considered. Please note that should applicants applying for a multiple visa not satisfy the above conditions, the Nigeria High Commission may issue a single entry visa but at the cost of a multiple. The High Commission's decision will be final and cannot be contested by VisaCentral

  13. Repeat Visitors

    Repeat visitors must supply any current or expired passport that was used for previous travel to Nigeria

  14. Visa Conditions

    When applying for a Nigerian visa, it is extremely important that the information supplied in all supporting documentation is consistent with that submitted on the online application. Failure to do this will result in the application being rejected. In these instances, the online application process will need to be completed again with all previous payments being non-refundable.


    Business Visas are only issued for eligible activities and at the discretion of the Nigeria High Commission. This information should be consistent within the:

    • Online Application where it asks for the purpose of your trip
    • Business Introduction Letter
    • Invitation Letter


    The High Commission have the discretion to decline a business visa and request the applicant apply for a Temporary Work Permit. Applicants who are declined a business visa will not be entitled to a refund and will be subsequently obliged to pay a new fee for the Temporary Work Permit.  Where a decision cannot be reached, the applicant will be requested to attend a mandatory interview at the High Commission in London to discuss their application

    OR

    They must instead submit documentation for a Temporary Work Permit

  15. Advised Traveller Service (Highly Recommended)

    Stay informed and safe by having VisaCentral subscribe you to the Government Foreign Travel Advice Email Alerts. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. VisaCentral will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow

  16. Conference Participant

    Applicants attending a conference must include a conference agenda. This agenda must:

    •  Be provided by the conference organisers
    •  Include the conference schedule
    •  Include the contents of the conference

  17. Self Employed Applicants

    Self-employed applicants must additionally provide the following documentation:

    • An original statement stating the purpose of the travel to Nigeria. This must be typewritten, addressed to the Nigerian High Commission, 9 Nortumberland Avenue, Westminster, London, WC2N 5BX
    • The applicant's most recent bank statement showing the applicant's name, address and a minimum balance of £500 in credit at the time of submission of the visa application.

  18. Certificate of Incorporation

    A Certificate of Incorporation or the Business License from inviting company in Nigeria.

  19. Passport copy of Inviting Company Signee

    A clear copy of the passport of the person signing the invitation letter in Nigeria, if the signee is a Nigerian national or a copy of the residence permit of the person signing the invitation letter in Nigeria if the signee is not a Nigerian natonal.

Important Information

Biometric Procedure

The Embassy of Nigeria requires that all individuals applying for a Nigeria visa in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland provide biometric data, specifically fingerprints, as part of the visa application process. To facilitate this, applicants will be required to appear in person at the Visa Application Centre in London. The only exceptions to this rule are applicants under the age of 5 years and those holding a diplomatic passport

It is now even more imperative that the application, supporting documents and payment be in complete conformance to consular requirements so as to avoid the potential rejection and thus avoid subsequent visits, costs and inconvenience. To this end, VisaCentral offers a fully comprehensive service to ensure documents are correctly checked and verified prior to the application being submitted to the Visa Application Centre.

VisaCentral visas will provide the following: 

  • Provision of application forms, requirements and instructions on how to obtain your necessary visa
  •  Quality checking of your application and supporting materials to ensure it is complete, and minimising the risk of refusal at the Embassy
  •  Provision of the compulsory appointment for your documents to be submitted to the Visa Application Centre
  •  Meet and Greet at the Visa Application Centre to support the collection of your biometric data and assistance with payment for their fees.
  • Collection of the completed passport and visa and secure delivery back to the applicant

The processing time of your visa application starts from the date of the appointment. The current waiting time for an appointment is approximately three weeks.

Processing times may vary,  and are at consular discretion.

Sample of the Tourist Travel Requirements for an Nigeria Visa for UK Citizens

  1. Application Procedure

    Applicants should apply for the visa no more than 45 days prior to travel

  2. Fees Summary

    Listed below is a breakdown of all potential fees charged by the Nigeria Embassy which will be detailed on your final invoice:


    Nigeria Consular Admin fee: From £20.00 to £100.00 (payment will be submitted by the applicant at the Visa Application Centre)

    Nigeria Visa Application Centre fee: From £41.67 + VAT to £91.67 + VAT (payment will be submitted on your behalf)

    Nigeria Online Consular fee: From $0 to $2360, plus $20 online transaction fee (payment will be submitted on your behalf if you use our Document Preparation Service)


    A definitive list of visa fees can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the following URL link https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/pages/visaguidelines

  3. Passport

    The applicant's actual signed passport. The passport must:

    • Have two blank facing visa pages
    • Be valid for at least six months beyond the exit date

    Applicants who hold a passport that was issued less than six months ago, and have previously visited Nigeria are obliged to provide their previous passport containing all visas and entry stamps to Nigeria.

  4. Photograph

    You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://visacentral.co.uk/photo-service to upload your photo.


    Alternatively, you may provide two colour, passport type photographs that meet the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against a white background and printed on high quality photo paper; be 35mm by 45mm in size; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photographs should not be affixed to your application and may not display evidence of adhesive or staples.

  5. Letter of Introduction

    An original letter of introduction from the applicant. This must:

    • Be typed
    • Be addressed to the Nigeria High Commission in London
    • State the exact purpose of the trip and include a complete itinerary for the duration of stay

  6. Proof of Employment

    An original letter of employment from the applicant's UK employer. Students must submit a letter with similar content from their school/college/university. This letter must:

    • Be addressed to the High Commission
    • Be on company letterhead paper
    • Include the name of the applicant
    • Include an acceptance of immigration responsibility for the applicant
    • Include the start date and position held in the company
    • Confirm that the applicant is an employee of the company
    • Specify the purpose of journey
    • State the applicant's expected date of leave and return to work date
    • Be signed by the applicant's supervisor/tutor

  7. Proof of Financial Means

    This must be provided as a copy of a recent non-online current account bank statement showing a minimum credit balance of at least £500.00 having been issued no more than three months prior to visa submission and showing the applicants' name and address   

    The original will be required for visa submission.

  8. Proof of Travel Arrangements

    Details of travel arrangements. These must be provided as:

    • A copy of the hotel confirmation showing applicant's name
    • A copy of the flight confirmation showing onward/return travel

  9. Letter of Invitation

    A letter of invitation from the applicant's host. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:

    • Be typed
    • Be addressed to the Nigeria High Commission London
    • Include the full name, address and contact details of the host
    • Specify the purpose and duration of stay
    • Include an acceptance of financial responsibility for the applicant
    • Be signed by the applicant's host (the signature must be the same as in their passport)
    • Include the host's passport and visa if applicable
    • Be supplied by a Nigerian passport holder

    If the inviting party is not a Nigerian passport holder then the invitation must be from the host's employer stating they are employed with said company and will be inviting the applicant over with the exact dates of stay quoted

  10. Proof of Immigration status of Host

    This must be provided as a copy of the information page(s) of the host's valid signed passport

    If the host does not hold a national passport then they must also supply a copy of their residency permit valid at least six months. 

  11. Supplementary Form

    One fully completed and signed supplementary form

  12. Visa Application Form

    The Nigeria High Commission has instituted a web-based visa appointment system and visa application form. The visa appointment and application form must be completed online and then printed in colour.

    VisaCentral can assist the traveller in completing the online application form and/or payment as a Premium Service for an additional fee. In order to facilitate this, please complete the VisaCentral Nigeria Document Preparation Service request which can be found within the VisaCentral Application Pack. All questions must be answered including supplying a valid phone number for the applicant as they are mandatory fields on the Nigerian High Commission website.


    Online application document preparation service requests must be received at VisaCentral before 12.00 hours the day prior to lodging. Once VisaCentral have completed your online application we will email it to you for your signature. A copy of your signature is accepted which may be scanned and emailed back to us.


    Alternatively, the visa application form can be completed by the applicant. When completing the online application form, the visa fee must be paid for at the time using a credit or debit card which is compatible with the "Verified by Visa" process. The Consulate will not accept visa applications and documentation where the online form has not been completed and the online payment has not been made.

    To do this, please use the URL link https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/ and follow the instructions.

    Please ensure that once the form has been completed, you print out the following components from the online portal and include them with the rest of your application pack:

    • The Visa Payment Receipt
    • The fully completed Visa Application Form

     

  13. VisaCentral Order Confirmation

    Provide the VisaCentral Order Form included in this kit.

  14. Repeat Visitors

    Repeat visitors must supply any current or expired passport that was used for previous travel to Nigeria

  15. Visa Conditions

    When applying for a Nigerian visa, it is extremely important that the information supplied in all supporting documentation is consistent with that submitted on the online application. Failure to do this will result in the application being rejected. In these instances, online payments are non-refundable.

  16. Minors

    Applicants under 18 years of age must provide the following additional supporting documents:

    • Original and copy of long birth certificate must be supplied showing the names of both parents
    • Copy of the information page of both parents' valid passports
    • Letter of consent signed by both parents named on the birth certificate. The letter must be typed, signed, dated and addressed to the High Commission. It should also include the full acceptance of immigration responsibilities along with the applicants' address of stay.    

  17. Proof of Relationship

    Applicants travelling to visit a spouse/child must provide a copy of the marriage/birth certificate of spouse/child

  18. Multiple Entry Applicants

    Applicants requesting a  one year multiple entry visa must:

    • Have held at least one previous and used multiple entry Nigerian visa issued by the High Commission in London

    or

    • Have held at least two previous and used single entry Nigerian visas issued by the High Commission in London 


    Multiple Entry Applicants must supply a current or expired passport that was used for previous travel to Nigeria. Only previous visas that have been used will be considered. Please note that should applicants applying for a multiple visa not satisfy the above conditions, the Nigeria High Commission may issue a single entry visa but at the cost of a multiple. The High Commission's decision will be final and cannot be contested by VisaCentral

  19. Advised Traveller Service (Highly Recommended)

    Stay informed and safe by having VisaCentral subscribe you to the Government Foreign Travel Advice Email Alerts. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. VisaCentral will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow

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