This guide covers every UK visa fee in Nigeria for 2026, with costs in US Dollars and Nigerian Naira. Whether you are applying for a visitor, student, work, or spouse visa, you will find verified fee tables, the latest grant-rate statistics, and step-by-step guidance for Nigerian applicants. The 6-month visitor visa now costs $189 under the April 2026 fee schedule, the student visa is $783, and the spouse visa is $2,896. All Nigerian applications run through VFS Global centres in Lagos and Abuja, per Home Office statistics.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
Understanding UK Visa Fees in Nigeria 2026
The UK visa fee in Nigeria is charged in US Dollars by the Home Office, though most applicants want the equivalent in Naira. This guide shows each fee in USD with an indicative NGN figure at roughly β¦1,372 per $1 (May 2026). The Naira moves daily, so confirm the live rate before paying. Nigeria's outcomes sit alongside other African UK visa markets such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Egypt, where scrutiny and grant rates differ sharply.
Nigeria UK Visa Statistics 2026
Nigeria is one of the UK's largest visa markets worldwide. In the year ending March 2026, Nigerian nationals lodged 167,753 visitor applications, ranking #4 globally, alongside large student and work volumes. Grant rates sit below the global average in most categories, making Nigeria one of the more heavily scrutinised nationalities. For wider context, see our UK visa success rate breakdown by country.
| Visa Category | Applications | Granted | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa | 167,753 | 106,300 | 61% |
| Student visa | 41,103 | 35,192 | 90% |
| Work visa | 15,690 | 10,382 | 65% |
| Family visa | 2,134 | 1,452 | 78% |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending March 2026
The 61% visitor grant rate means nearly four in ten applications are refused, with 66,956 refusals in the year β among the highest refusal volumes globally, behind only India and Pakistan. Student visas remain Nigeria's strongest route at 90%, while work visas sit at 65%. Refusals usually turn on financial evidence and proof of intent to return, so reviewing common refusal grounds before applying is essential.
UK Visitor Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK visitor visa fee in Nigeria is $189 (about β¦259,000) for 6 months. Long-term options are $710 for 2 years, $1,267 for 5 years, and $1,583 for 10 years. Each visit is capped at 6 months whichever validity you hold. Nigeria's visitor grant rate is 61%, with 66,956 refusals in the year ending March 2026.
The Standard Visitor visa is the most common route for Nigerians travelling for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Under the multiple-entry visa rules, every visit is limited to 180 days regardless of duration. Frequent travellers often choose a long-term 2, 5, or 10-year visa for better value across repeat trips.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Nigeria 2026
| Visa Duration | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months (single/multiple entry) | $189 | β¦259,300 |
| 2 years (long-term) | $710 | β¦974,100 |
| 5 years (long-term) | $1,267 | β¦1,738,300 |
| 10 years (long-term) | $1,583 | β¦2,171,900 |
| Marriage Visitor visa | $189 | β¦259,300 |
| Visiting Academic (6β12 months) | $328 | β¦450,000 |
Strengthening a Nigerian Visitor Visa Application
- Sponsor evidence: If visiting family, include a clear sponsor's invitation letter 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 $58 (about β¦79,600) for travellers who stay within the airport transit area. The Visitor in Transit visa, for those passing through UK border control, costs $105 (about β¦144,100).
UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK student visa fee in Nigeria is $783 (about β¦1,074,000). Students also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of Β£776 per year of study, always in pounds. Nigeria is the #3 source country for UK student visas, with 35,192 visas granted and a 90% grant rate in the year ending March 2026.
The UK Student visa lets Nigerian students study at licensed UK institutions. Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, proof they meet the English language requirement, and evidence of funds for tuition and living costs. Nigeria is the third-largest student source after India and China, and the 90% grant rate is strong, though 4,059 applications were still refused.
| Study Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (main applicant) | $783 | β¦1,074,300 |
| Child Student visa | $783 | β¦1,074,300 |
| Short-term study (6β11 months English) | $320 | β¦439,000 |
| Parent of a Child Student | $1,019 | β¦1,398,100 |
| IHS (per year of study) | Β£776 | Paid in GBP |
UK Work Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK Skilled Worker visa fee in Nigeria is $1,149 (about β¦1,576,000) for up to 3 years, or $2,270 for over 3 years. Health and Care Worker visas are cheaper at $455. Nigeria ranks #4 for work visa applications with 15,690 lodged and a 65% grant rate in the year ending March 2026.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main employment route for Nigerians. It needs sponsorship from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence and a salary meeting the route threshold or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher. After five years, holders can apply for settlement. Nigeria's 65% work grant rate sits well below Anglophone and Central-Asian nationalities, reflecting tighter scrutiny of salary thresholds and genuine-vacancy checks.
| Work Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | $1,149 | β¦1,576,400 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | $2,270 | β¦3,114,400 |
| Health & Care Worker (up to 3 years) | $455 | β¦624,300 |
| Health & Care Worker (over 3 years) | $881 | β¦1,208,700 |
| Global Talent (visa stage) | $1,075 | β¦1,474,900 |
| Global Business Mobility routes | $477 | β¦654,400 |
UK Spouse & Family Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from Nigeria is $2,896 (about β¦3,973,000). This covers the initial partner visa for spouses, fiancΓ©(e)s, and children joining family settled in the UK. Standard processing runs up to 12 weeks. Nigeria's family visa grant rate is 78%, below the global average of 86%.
The UK spouse visa lets Nigerian nationals join a British or settled partner. The UK sponsor must meet the Β£29,000 minimum income requirement, and after five years on the route the applicant can apply for settlement. The income threshold and relationship-genuineness checks are the main reasons Nigerian family applications fall below the global average.
| Family Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (NGN, indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner/Child visa | $2,896 | β¦3,973,300 |
| FiancΓ©(e) visa | $2,896 | β¦3,973,300 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | $5,101 | β¦6,998,600 |
| Parent of a Child Student | $1,019 | β¦1,398,100 |
The Β£29,000 income threshold is the most common sticking point for sponsors, followed by gaps in relationship evidence. The Home Office sets the financial rules in Appendix FM, so sponsors should confirm their income category before applying.
UK Priority Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK priority visa fee in Nigeria is about $702 (β¦963,000) for a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority is about $1,403 (β¦1,925,000) for a next-working-day decision. Both are added to the standard visa fee and are subject to availability at VFS Global centres.
Standard processing times after biometrics from Nigeria are around 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.
| Service | Processing Time | Fee (USD / NGN) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | About 3 weeks | Included in visa fee |
| Priority service | 5 working days | ~$702 (~β¦963,000) |
| Super Priority service | Next working day | ~$1,403 (~β¦1,925,000) |
| Settlement priority | About 6 weeks | ~$702 (~β¦963,000) |
Priority fees derive from the Β£500 and Β£1,000 GBP rates converted to dollars, so the exact figure moves with the exchange rate. These services may be paused for some categories during peak demand, so check availability when booking.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Nigeria
Applying from Nigeria means completing the online form on gov.uk, paying in USD, and giving biometrics at a VFS Global centre. For a walkthrough of the form, see our guide to the UK visa application form.
- 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 of 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 UK 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 your test within that window before submitting your application.
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 Nigeria's 61% visitor grant rate, addressing the exact refusal reason before reapplying is the single most useful step.
- 6-month visitor visa: $189 (about β¦259,300) β 61% grant rate, 66,956 refusals
- Student visa: $783 plus Β£776 IHS per year β 90% grant rate, #3 globally
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,149β$2,270 β 65% grant rate, employer sponsorship required
- Spouse visa: $2,896 (about β¦3,973,300) β 78% family grant rate
- Priority service: about $702 for a 5-working-day decision
- All fees paid in USD; confirm the live NGN rate before paying
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Visa Fees in Nigeria
How much is the UK visa fee in Nigeria 2026?
The fee depends on the visa type. The 6-month visitor visa is $189 (about β¦259,300), the student visa is $783, the Skilled Worker visa is $1,149 for up to 3 years, and the spouse visa is $2,896. All fees are charged in US dollars by the Home Office under the 8 April 2026 schedule and paid through the gov.uk portal.
How much is the UK visa fee for 6 months in Nigeria in Naira?
The 6-month visitor visa is $189, about β¦259,300 at the May 2026 rate of roughly β¦1,372 per dollar. The Home Office charges in USD, so the Naira amount depends on the exchange rate on the day you pay. Confirm the live rate with your bank before budgeting, as the Naira has moved between β¦1,350 and β¦1,400 through 2026.
What is the UK visa success rate for Nigerians?
In the year ending March 2026, Nigeria's visitor grant rate was 61%, with 66,956 refusals from 167,753 applications β one of the highest refusal volumes globally. Student visas were much stronger at 90%, work visas at 65%, and family visas at 78%. Comprehensive financial evidence and clear ties to Nigeria meaningfully improve the odds.
How much is the 10-year UK visa fee in Nigeria?
The 10-year long-term visitor visa is $1,583 (about β¦2,171,900). It allows multiple entries over 10 years, with each stay capped at 6 months. It works out cheaper than repeated 6-month visas at $189 each for frequent travellers. The 2-year option is $710 and the 5-year is $1,267.
How much is the UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2026?
The UK student visa fee in Nigeria is $783 (about β¦1,074,300). Students also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of Β£776 per year of study, always in pounds. A one-year master's therefore costs roughly $783 plus Β£776 IHS, alongside the TB test for stays over 6 months. Nigeria has a 90% student visa grant rate.
How long does a UK visa take from Nigeria?
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 $702) reduces this to 5 working days, while Super Priority (about $1,403) gives a next-working-day decision. Peak seasons, especially June to September for students, can extend timelines.
Where do I apply for a UK visa in Nigeria?
Applications are submitted through VFS Global centres in Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island) and Abuja, the UK's commercial partner in Nigeria since November 2024. Book an appointment on the VFS Global Nigeria portal after completing your online application on gov.uk. There is no direct application at the British High Commission.