This comprehensive guide covers every UK visa fee in Nigeria for 2026, with costs shown in both US Dollars and Nigerian Naira. Whether you're applying for a visitor visa, student visa, work visa, or spouse visa, you'll find accurate fee tables, processing times, and step-by-step guidance for Nigerian applicants. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (β¦251,340), while the Student visa is $731 (β¦1,038,020) and the Spouse visa is $2,703 (β¦3,838,260). All UK visa applications from Nigeria are now processed through VFS Global centres in Lagos and Abuja.
Understanding UK Visa Fees in Nigeria 2026
The UK visa fee in Nigeria is charged in US Dollars by the Home Office, though Nigerian applicants often want to know the equivalent cost in Naira. Throughout this guide, fees are shown in both USD and NGN using the current Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rate of approximately β¦1,420 per $1 USD. Note that exchange rates fluctuate daily, and parallel market rates may be 3-5% higher than official rates.
Nigeria UK Visa Statistics 2025
Nigeria is one of the UK's largest visa markets globally. According to Home Office Immigration System Statistics (year ending September 2025), Nigerian nationals submitted over 247,000 visa applications across all categoriesβmaking Nigeria the 4th largest source country for UK visas worldwide.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
How Much is UK Visa Fee in Nigeria for Visitors?
The UK visa fee for 6 months in Nigeria is $177 (approximately β¦251,340). For frequent travellers, long-term visitor visas are available: 2-year visa costs $662 (β¦940,040), 5-year visa costs $1,183 (β¦1,679,860), and the 10-year visa costs $1,477 (β¦2,097,340). All visitor visas allow stays of up to 6 months per visit. In the year ending September 2025, Nigeria ranked #4 globally for visitor visa applications with 171,933 submissions and a 61% grant rate.
The Standard Visitor visa is the most common visa type for Nigerians travelling to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Regardless of which visa duration you choose, each visit to the UK is limited to a maximum of 6 months.
According to Home Office statistics, 67,533 Nigerian visitor visa applications were refused in the year ending September 2025βthe 3rd highest refusal volume globally after India (120,531) and Pakistan (68,358). The 61% grant rate is significantly lower than countries like South Africa (96%) and China (91%), reflecting stricter scrutiny on financial evidence, travel history, and ties to Nigeria.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Nigeria 2026
Transit Visa Fees from Nigeria
Nigerian nationals transiting through UK airports require a transit visa. The Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) costs $54 (β¦76,680) for passengers who remain in the airport transit area. For those passing through UK border control, the Visitor in Transit visa costs $98 (β¦139,160).
UK Student Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2026 is $731 (approximately β¦1,038,020). Additionally, Nigerian students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of Β£776 per year of study (approximately $963 or β¦1,367,460 per year). Nigeria is the 4th largest source country for UK student visas, with 36,839 visas granted and a 93% success rate in the year ending September 2025.
The UK Student visa allows Nigerian students to study at UK educational institutions. Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
Nigerian students account for 8% of all UK student visas globally, alongside India (23%), China (20%), and Pakistan (9%)βtogether these four countries represent 62% of all sponsored study visas. The 93% grant rate for Nigerian students compares favourably to Bangladesh (84%) and Ghana (85%), though 2,094 applications were still refused in the year ending September 2025.
UK Work Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK work visa fee in Nigeria depends on the visa type and duration. A Skilled Worker visa for up to 3 years costs $1,072 (β¦1,522,240), while visas over 3 years cost $2,118 (β¦3,007,560). Health and Care Worker visas have reduced fees of $424 (β¦602,080) for up to 3 years. Nigeria ranks #4 for total work visa applications (19,106) and #3 for Skilled Worker visas (14,862) with a 69% grant rate.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for Nigerians seeking employment in the UK. This visa requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. Healthcare professionals may qualify for the reduced-fee Health and Care Worker visa.
Home Office statistics show a significant disparity in work visa grant rates between nationalities. Nigerian applicants achieved a 69% grant rate for Skilled Worker visas (4,306 refused), compared to 98% for US nationals and 96% for French applicants. This reflects stricter verification of salary thresholds (minimum Β£38,700), English language requirements, and genuine vacancy assessments for applicants from certain countries.
Skilled Worker & Health Care Visa Fees
Global Business Mobility Visa Fees from Nigeria
The Global Business Mobility routes enable Nigerian professionals to transfer to UK branches of their companies:
- Senior or Specialist Worker (up to 3 years): $1,072 (β¦1,522,240)
- Senior or Specialist Worker (over 3 years): $2,118 (β¦3,007,560)
- Graduate Trainee: $445 (β¦631,900)
- UK Expansion Worker: $445 (β¦631,900)
- Service Supplier: $445 (β¦631,900)
UK Spouse & Family Visa Fee in Nigeria 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from Nigeria is $2,703 (approximately β¦3,838,260). This covers the 33-month initial visa for partners, fiancΓ©(e)s, and children joining family members settled in the UK. Processing takes up to 12 weeks for standard applications, or 6 weeks with priority service ($697 additional). Nigeria ranks #14 for family visa applications with a 76% grant rate (447 refusals from 2,069 applications).
The UK Spouse visa enables Nigerian nationals to join their British citizen or settled partner in the UK. After two visa extensions (totalling 5 years), successful applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The 76% family visa grant rate for Nigerian applicants is lower than the global average (85%) and significantly below the 95% grant rate enjoyed by US applicants. The increased minimum income requirement of Β£29,000 (April 2024) presents challenges for UK-based sponsors, and genuine relationship verification remains a focus of Home Office scrutiny for Nigerian applications.
Priority & Super Priority Visa Services in Nigeria
The UK visa priority service fee in Nigeria is $697 (β¦989,740) for a 5-working-day decision. Super Priority service costs $1,395 (β¦1,980,900) for a next-working-day decision. These services are available for most visa categories but subject to availability at VFS Global centres.
Standard UK visa processing time from Nigeria is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas. For urgent applications, priority processing services can significantly reduce waiting times.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Nigeria
The UK visa application process from Nigeria involves completing an online application on gov.uk, paying the visa fee, and attending a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre. For guidance on completing the application form, see our UK visa application form guide.
- Step 1: Complete online application on gov.uk and pay visa fee (USD)
- Step 2: Book biometrics appointment via VFS Global Nigeria portal
- Step 3: Get TB test certificate from approved clinic (if staying 6+ months)
- Step 4: Attend VFS Global appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard) and collect passport
VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres in Nigeria
UK visa applications in Nigeria are processed at VFS Global centres in Lagos and Abuja:
- Lagos (Ikeja): Ile Oja Opebi, No. 2 Opebi Road, Ikeja β Africa's largest UK VAC
- Lagos (Victoria Island): 2nd Floor, Churchgate Tower 2, Plot PC 31, Churchgate Street
- Abuja: Churchgate Plaza, Tower C, Plot 473, Constitution Avenue, Central Business District
TB Test Requirement for Nigerian Applicants
Nigerians applying for UK visas of 6 months or longer must provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a Home Office approved clinic. The TB test fee ranges from $46-$150 USD depending on the clinic. Approved clinics include IOM centres in Lagos (Ikeja) and Abuja, plus private hospitals like St. Nicholas Hospital and The Consultants Practice in Lagos.
- 6-month Visitor visa: $177 (β¦251,340) β 61% grant rate, 67,533 refusals
- Student visa: $731 (β¦1,038,020) plus IHS β 93% grant rate, #4 globally
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,072-$2,118 β 69% grant rate, #3 globally
- Spouse visa: $2,703 (β¦3,838,260) β 76% grant rate, 12-week processing
- Priority service: $697 (β¦989,740) for 5-day processing
- VFS Global now handles all UK visa applications in Nigeria
For the most current fee information, check the official Home Office visa fee calculator. If your application is refused, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons and chances of approval after refusal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is UK visa fee in Nigeria 2026?
The UK visa fee in Nigeria depends on the visa type. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (β¦251,340), 2-year visitor visa is $662 (β¦940,040), Student visa is $731 (β¦1,038,020), and Spouse visa is $2,703 (β¦3,838,260). All fees are charged in USD and can be paid via the VFS Global payment portal.
How much is UK visa fee for 6 months in Nigeria in Naira?
The UK visa fee for 6 months in Nigeria is $177, which equals approximately β¦251,340 at the current NFEM exchange rate of β¦1,420 per dollar. Note that exchange rates fluctuate daily, and parallel market rates may be 3-5% higher. The Home Office charges fees in USD, so the Naira equivalent may vary when you make payment.
How much is 10 years UK visa fee in Nigeria?
The 10-year UK long-term visitor visa fee from Nigeria is $1,477 (approximately β¦2,097,340). This multiple-entry visa allows unlimited visits to the UK over 10 years, with each visit limited to 6 months maximum. It's cost-effective for Nigerians who travel frequently to the UK for business or family visits.
How much is UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2026?
The UK student visa fee in Nigeria 2026 is $731 (approximately β¦1,038,020). Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of Β£776 per year of study (around $963 or β¦1,367,460 annually). The total cost for a 1-year master's programme would be approximately $1,694 (β¦2,405,480) including visa fee and IHS. Nigeria has a 93% student visa grant rate according to Home Office statistics.
How much is priority UK visa in Nigeria?
The UK visa priority service fee in Nigeria is $697 (β¦989,740) for a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service costs $1,395 (β¦1,980,900) for a next-working-day decision. These fees are in addition to the standard visa application fee. Priority services are subject to availability at VFS Global centres.
How long does UK visa take from Nigeria?
Standard UK visa processing from Nigeria takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas. Settlement/family visas take up to 12 weeks. With Priority service ($697), processing is 5 working days; Super Priority ($1,395) gives a decision by the next working day. Processing may take longer during peak seasons (June-September for students).
Where can I apply for UK visa in Nigeria?
UK visa applications in Nigeria are submitted through VFS Global Visa Application Centres. There are three locations: Lagos Ikeja (Africa's largest UK VAC at Ile Oja Opebi, 2 Opebi Road), Lagos Victoria Island (Churchgate Tower 2), and Abuja (Churchgate Plaza, Constitution Avenue). Book appointments via the VFS Global Nigeria portal after completing your online application on gov.uk.
What is the UK visa success rate for Nigerians?
UK visa success rates for Nigerians vary by visa type according to Home Office statistics (year ending September 2025). Student visas have the highest grant rate at 93% (36,839 granted, 2,094 refused). Family visas have a 76% grant rate. Skilled Worker visas have a 69% grant rate. Visitor visas have the lowest success rate at 61%, with 67,533 applications refusedβthe 3rd highest refusal volume globally. To improve your chances, provide comprehensive supporting documents, demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria, and show clear evidence of funds.