This guide answers how much the UK visa fee in Nigeria costs for 2026, in US dollars and naira. The 6-month visitor visa is $191 (about ₦256,300), the Student visa $791, the Skilled Worker visa $1,162 and the spouse visa $2,927. The Home Office charges in dollars — the naira figure moves with the exchange rate. And weigh the odds before paying: Nigeria's visitor grant rate is 62%.
UK Visas from Nigeria
UK Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026: How Much in Dollars & Naira
UK Visitor Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026: How Much It Costs
The UK visa fee in Nigeria is charged in US dollars: $191 (about ₦256,300) for a 6-month visitor visa, $791 for the Student visa, $1,162 for the Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years) and $2,927 for the spouse visa. Priority processing adds about $709. Naira figures use the August 2026 rate of roughly ₦1,342 per $1 and move with the exchange rate.
The fee is the mandatory government charge paid to UK Visas and Immigration when you submit the application — non-refundable even if you are refused or withdraw. You pay in dollars on GOV.UK, then give biometrics at a VFS Global centre in Lagos (Ikeja or Victoria Island) or Abuja, VFS having replaced TLScontact in November 2024. Confirm the live dollar figure on the official fee calculator before paying.
The Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and short courses, and under the multiple-entry rules every stay is capped at 180 days. Frequent travellers often choose a long-term 2, 5 or 10-year visa instead. The current prices:
UK visitor visa fees from Nigeria in dollars and naira (2026)
| Visa Duration | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months (single/multiple entry) | $191 | ₦256,300 |
| 2 years (long-term) | $718 | ₦963,600 |
| 5 years (long-term) | $1,281 | ₦1,719,100 |
| 10 years (long-term) | $1,600 | ₦2,147,200 |
| Marriage Visitor visa | $191 | ₦256,300 |
| Visiting Academic (6–12 months) | $332 | ₦445,500 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, 8 April 2026 schedule; naira at ~₦1,342/$1 (CBN official rate, August 2026)
UK visa fee for 6 months in Nigeria
The 6-month visitor visa — the fee most Nigerians ask about — costs $191, about ₦256,300. It covers single or multiple entries within its validity, each stay up to 180 days, and the Marriage Visitor visa costs the same. This is the fee for tourism, family visits and business trips alike; there is no cheaper short-stay option.
UK visa fee for 2 years, 5 years and 10 years in Nigeria
Long-term visas allow unlimited trips over their validity, each stay capped at 6 months. At $191 per 6-month visa, the 2-year option ($718) pays for itself after about four trips, and the 10-year ($1,600) after about eight. Approval is assessed to the same standard whatever the duration — the scrutiny falls on your application, not the length — so the refusal risk is identical across all of them.
UK visa fee in naira — how the dollar rate works
The Home Office charges Nigeria's fees in US dollars, so there is no fixed naira price. At the August 2026 rate of roughly ₦1,342 per dollar, the 6-month visa works out around ₦256,300 — but the parallel market was nearer ₦1,405 in August 2026, so the amount your bank debits depends on the rate you get on the day you pay. Budget from the dollar figure, not a quoted naira one.
Those fees are non-refundable, which makes Nigeria's refusal numbers part of the calculation:
What strengthens a visitor application from Nigeria:
- Sponsor evidence: if visiting family, include a clear invitation letter from a UK host with proof of the relationship
- Financial history: six or more months of bank statements showing steady balances, not last-minute deposits
- Ties to Nigeria: employment, property or business records that show clear reasons to return
- Document checklist: follow our supporting documents guide for your category
- Clear itinerary: confirmed accommodation and return travel matching the stated purpose
Transit visa fees from Nigeria
Nigerian nationals passing through UK airports may need a transit visa. The Direct Airside Transit visa costs $59 (about ₦79,200) for travellers staying within the airport transit area; the Visitor in Transit visa, for those passing through UK border control, costs $106 (about ₦142,300).
UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The Student visa costs $791 (about ₦1,061,500) from Nigeria. Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, proof they meet the English language requirement, and funds for tuition and living costs. Nigeria is the third-largest student source after India and China, and the 88% grant rate is the country's strongest — though 4,059 applications were still refused, usually on finances.
UK study visa fees from Nigeria (2026)
| Study Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (main applicant) | $791 | ₦1,061,500 |
| Child Student visa | $791 | ₦1,061,500 |
| Short-term study (6–11 months English) | $323 | ₦433,500 |
| Parent of a Child Student | $1,030 | ₦1,382,300 |
| IHS (per year of study) | £776 | Paid in GBP |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, 8 April 2026 schedule; naira at ~₦1,342/$1 (CBN official rate, August 2026)
How much is the IHS for a UK student visa?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is £776 per year of study, always paid in pounds during the online application — separate from the $791 visa fee. A one-year master's therefore costs $791 plus £776 IHS, alongside the TB test for stays over six months. It covers full NHS access for the length of the visa.
Student dependants — the January 2024 rule
Since January 2024, most international students cannot bring dependants to the UK. Only students on research-oriented postgraduate programmes or government-sponsored scholarships can bring family members — a change that contributed to the sharp fall in Nigerian student applications from the 2023 peak.
UK Work Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The Skilled Worker visa — the main employment route for Nigerians — costs $1,162 for up to 3 years or $2,295 for longer, and needs sponsorship from a licensed UK employer at the route's salary threshold or the going rate, whichever is higher. After five years, holders can apply for ILR.
UK work visa fees from Nigeria (2026)
| Work Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | $1,162 | ₦1,559,400 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | $2,295 | ₦3,079,900 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | $459 | ₦616,100 |
| Health & Care Worker (over 3 years) | $891 | ₦1,195,700 |
| Global Talent (visa stage) | $1,086 | ₦1,457,400 |
| Global Business Mobility routes | $482 | ₦646,800 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, 8 April 2026 schedule; naira at ~₦1,342/$1 (CBN official rate, August 2026)
Why Nigerian work applications face extra scrutiny
Nigeria's 64% work grant rate is among the lowest for high-volume nationalities, against 98–99% for US, Australian and French applicants. The gap reflects closer verification of salary thresholds, sponsor genuineness and care-sector compliance since the 2024 rule tightening. Before applying, confirm your sponsor's licence status and that the salary meets the going rate — those two checks are where most refused applications fail.
UK Spouse & Family Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The spouse visa costs $2,927 (about ₦3,928,000) from Nigeria, covering the initial partner visa for spouses, fiancé(e)s and children joining family settled in the UK, with standard processing up to 12 weeks. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 minimum income requirement set in Appendix FM.
UK family visa fees from Nigeria (2026)
| Family Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner/Child visa | $2,927 | ₦3,928,000 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | $2,927 | ₦3,928,000 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | $5,155 | ₦6,918,000 |
| Parent of a Child Student | $1,030 | ₦1,382,300 |
Source: Home Office fee calculator, 8 April 2026 schedule; naira at ~₦1,342/$1 (CBN official rate, August 2026)
Nigeria's family grant rate is 81%, below the 86% global average. The £29,000 income threshold is the most common sticking point for sponsors, followed by gaps in relationship evidence — so sponsors should confirm their income category under Appendix FM before the fee is paid.
UK Priority Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
Standard UKVI processing times from Nigeria runs about 3 weeks for visitor and student visas. For urgent travel, the priority visa service shortens the wait where slots are available at the Lagos or Abuja centres.
UK priority processing fees in Nigeria (2026)
| Service | Processing Time | Fee (USD / NGN) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | About 3 weeks | Included in visa fee |
| Priority service | 5 working days | ~$709 (~₦951,500) |
| Super Priority service | Next working day | ~$1,418 (~₦1,903,000) |
| Settlement priority | About 6 weeks | ~$709 (~₦951,500) |
Source: Home Office fee calculator — priority fees derive from the £500 / £1,000 GBP rates
Because the dollar figures convert from £500 and £1,000, the exact amount moves with the exchange rate. Priority buys speed, not approval — the fee is not refunded on refusal, and the service may be paused for some categories during peak demand, so check availability when booking.
Nigeria UK Visa Statistics 2026 (Success Rate)
Nigeria is one of the UK's largest visa markets, lodging 168,040 visitor applications in the year ending June 2026 — fourth globally. Grant rates sit below the global average in most categories, and alongside other African markets such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Egypt, scrutiny differs sharply by route. Cross-country context is in our UK visa success rate breakdown.
UK visa grant rates for Nigeria (year ending June 2026)
| Visa Category | Applications | Granted | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 168,040 | 105,187 | 62% |
| Student visa | 41,155 | 33,080 | 88% |
| Work visa | 13,456 | 8,641 | 64% |
| Family visa | 2,140 | 1,379 | 81% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending June 2026
The 62% visitor rate means nearly four in ten applications are refused — 66,956 in the year, among the highest volumes globally behind India and Pakistan. Student visas remain Nigeria's strongest route at 88%, work sits at 64%, family at 81%. Refusals usually turn on financial evidence and proof of intent to return, so review the common refusal grounds before applying.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Nigeria
Every application starts with the online form on GOV.UK — our application form guide walks through it — with the fee paid in dollars and biometrics given at VFS Global in Lagos or Abuja. The steps:
- Step 1: complete the online application on GOV.UK and pay the fee in USD
- Step 2: pay the Immigration Health Surcharge online for stays over 6 months
- Step 3: book a biometrics appointment via the VFS Global Nigeria portal
- Step 4: get a TB test certificate from an approved clinic for stays of 6+ months
- Step 5: attend the VFS centre with your passport and document checklist
- Step 6: wait for the decision (about 3 weeks) and collect your passport or use courier
TB test requirement for Nigerian applicants
Nigerians applying for a visa of 6 months or longer must hold a tuberculosis test certificate from a Home Office approved clinic. Approved providers include IOM centres and panel clinics in Lagos and Abuja, with fees varying by clinic. The certificate is valid for 6 months, so time the test within that window before submitting.
If your application is refused
A refusal letter sets out the specific grounds for the decision. Our guide on your chances after a refusal explains whether to reapply with stronger evidence, request an administrative review, or take another route. Given the 62% visitor grant rate, addressing the exact refusal reason before reapplying is the single most useful step.
Sources: fees from the Home Office visa fee calculator under the 8 April 2026 schedule, with naira shown as indicative at roughly ₦1,342 per $1 (CBN official rate, August 2026); grant rates and volumes from the Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending June 2026. Figures verified 29 August 2026 at the August 2026 Home Office exchange rate.
Frequently Asked
Questions about UK Visa Fees in Nigeria
It depends on the type: 6-month visitor visa $191 (about ₦256,300), Student visa $791, Skilled Worker visa $1,162 for up to 3 years, and spouse visa $2,927. All fees are charged in US dollars by the Home Office under the 8 April 2026 schedule and paid through the GOV.UK portal.
The 6-month visitor visa is $191 — about ₦256,300 at the August 2026 rate of roughly ₦1,342 per dollar. The Home Office charges in USD, so the naira amount depends on the exchange rate on the day you pay; the parallel market was nearer ₦1,405 in August 2026. Confirm the live rate with your bank before budgeting.
The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $191, about ₦256,300 in naira. It covers tourism, family visits, business and short courses, with each stay capped at 180 days. The Marriage Visitor visa costs the same $191. Add about $709 if you need the 5-working-day priority service.
The 2-year long-term visitor visa costs $718 (about ₦963,600). It allows unlimited trips over two years, each stay capped at 6 months, and pays for itself after about four trips compared with repeated $191 single visas. The refusal risk is the same as the 6-month visa — the scrutiny falls on your first application.
The 10-year long-term visitor visa is $1,600 (about ₦2,147,200); the 5-year option is $1,281 (about ₦1,719,100). Both allow multiple entries with each stay capped at 6 months. Against repeated $191 visas, the 10-year option breaks even after about eight trips, so it suits genuinely frequent travellers with UK family or business.
The Student visa fee is $791 (about ₦1,061,500), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of study, always in pounds, plus the TB test for stays over 6 months. Nigeria is the #3 source country for UK students with a 88% grant rate — the strongest of any Nigerian route.
The Immigration Health Surcharge for students is £776 per year of study, paid in pounds during the online application — separate from the $791 visa fee. A one-year master's pays £776; a three-year degree pays £2,328. It covers full NHS access for the length of the visa.
The application fee is the government charge paid to UK Visas and Immigration when you submit the online form — for Nigeria, $191 for a 6-month visit, $791 for study, $1,162 for skilled work, $2,927 for a spouse. It is non-refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn, and separate from the IHS and TB test costs.
Applications are submitted online on GOV.UK, then biometrics are given at VFS Global centres in Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island) or Abuja — VFS has been the UK's commercial partner in Nigeria since November 2024, replacing TLScontact. There is no direct application at the British High Commission.
Standard processing is about 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas, and up to 12 weeks for settlement and family visas. Priority service (about $709) reduces this to 5 working days; Super Priority (about $1,418) gives a next-working-day decision. Peak seasons, especially June to September for students, can extend timelines.