How Much is UK Visa in Nigeria? 2025 Guide to Costs and Fees

Navigating the process of obtaining a UK visa from Nigeria can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the costs involved. We’ve crafted this detailed guide to provide you with a clear, up-to-date breakdown of UK visa fees in Nigeria, ensuring you have all the information needed to plan your application effectively. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, education, work, or family reasons, we’ll cover every aspect of the pricing structure, additional expenses, and key considerations to help you budget accurately.

Understanding UK Visa Fees in Nigeria: The Basics

The cost of a UK visa in Nigeria varies depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, its duration, and any optional services you choose. All fees are set by the UK Home Office and are typically quoted in British Pounds (GBP). However, when applying from Nigeria, you’ll pay in Nigerian Naira (NGN) based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time of application. As of April 2025, these rates fluctuate, so we recommend checking the official UK government visa portal or your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) for the most current conversion.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department oversees these fees, and they’re subject to periodic updates. For instance, a fee increase took effect on April 9, 2025, impacting Nigerians and other international applicants. Below, we’ll explore the specific costs for the most common visa categories sought by Nigerians.

UK Standard Visitor Visa Costs in Nigeria

The Standard Visitor Visa is one of the most popular options for Nigerians traveling to the UK for tourism, business meetings, or to visit family. Here’s a detailed look at the costs:

• 6-Month Visitor Visa: As of April 2025, this visa costs £127 (approximately ₦260,000, depending on the exchange rate). It allows a stay of up to 180 days per visit.
• 2-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: Priced at £475 (around ₦975,000), this option suits frequent travelers, though each visit is still capped at 6 months.
• 5-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: This costs £771 (roughly ₦1,580,000), offering flexibility for those with regular UK travel plans.
• 10-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: At £963 (approximately ₦1,975,000), this is the most expensive visitor visa, ideal for long-term planning.

These fees cover the application process, but additional costs may apply, such as biometric enrollment (included in the base fee) or optional priority services, which we’ll discuss later.

UK Student Visa Fees for Nigerians

For Nigerians pursuing education in the UK, the Student Visa is a critical expense. The costs vary based on the type and duration of study:

• Short-Term Study Visa: For courses up to 11 months (e.g., English language programs), the fee is £200 (around ₦410,000).
• Student Visa (Tier 4): For longer academic programs, such as university degrees, the cost is £524 (approximately ₦1,075,000) as of April 2025, reflecting a 7% increase from £490.
• Child Student Visa: For students aged 4-17 attending independent schools, the fee mirrors the standard Student Visa at £524 (about ₦1,075,000).

Beyond the visa fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). This is currently £776 per year (around ₦1,590,000) for students, prorated based on the course length. For example, a 3-year degree would incur an IHS fee of approximately £2,328 (over ₦4,770,000).

UK Work Visa Costs in Nigeria

Nigerians seeking employment opportunities in the UK typically apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, among other work-related categories. Here’s what you’ll pay:

• Skilled Worker Visa (Up to 3 Years): This costs £719 (approximately ₦1,475,000), assuming the job isn’t on the Shortage Occupation List.
• Skilled Worker Visa (Over 3 Years): Priced at £1,420 (around ₦2,910,000), this applies to longer-term roles.
• Shortage Occupation List Jobs: Reduced fees of £551 (about ₦1,130,000) for up to 3 years or £1,084 (around ₦2,220,000) for over 3 years apply if your role is in high demand.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: A subcategory of the Skilled Worker Visa, this costs £551 to £1,084 (approximately ₦1,130,000 to ₦2,220,000), depending on duration.

The IHS also applies to work visas, currently set at £1,035 per year (around ₦2,120,000), significantly increasing the total cost for multi-year stays.

UK Family and Spouse Visa Fees

For Nigerians joining family members or partners in the UK, the Spouse Visa or Family Visa is essential. The cost breakdown includes:

• Spouse Visa (From Outside the UK): This is £1,846 (approximately ₦3,785,000), valid for 33 months initially.
• Extension (After 33 Months): An additional £1,048 (around ₦2,150,000) extends the visa for another 30 months.
• IHS for Family Visas: At £1,035 per year (about ₦2,120,000), a 33-month visa requires roughly £2,840 (over ₦5,820,000) in health surcharges.

These fees reflect the complexity and long-term nature of family reunification applications, making them some of the priciest options.

Read also: How Much Is US Visa Fee in Nigeria? Your Complete 2025 Guide

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the base visa fees, several ancillary expenses can impact your total cost:

• Priority Service: For faster processing (5 working days), add £500 (around ₦1,025,000). The Super Priority Service (next working day) costs £1,000 (approximately ₦2,050,000).
• Document Translation: Non-English documents require certified translations, typically costing ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 per page.
• TB Test: Mandatory for stays over 6 months, this costs ₦75,000 to ₦100,000 at approved clinics in Nigeria.
• Travel to VAC: Visa Application Centres in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities may require travel expenses, depending on your location.

These extras can quickly add up, so we advise budgeting conservatively to avoid surprises.

How Exchange Rates Affect UK Visa Costs in Nigeria

The Naira-to-Pound exchange rate plays a significant role in determining the final cost in local currency. For example, at an exchange rate of ₦2,050 per GBP (a plausible rate in April 2025), a £127 visitor visa equates to ₦260,350. However, Nigeria’s volatile forex market means this could rise to ₦300,000 or more if the Naira weakens further. We recommend monitoring rates via platforms like Central Bank of Nigeria or consulting your bank before payment.

Payment Process and Refund Policies

Payments are made online via the UKVI portal using a debit or credit card. In Nigeria, you’ll book an appointment through TLScontact, the official VAC partner, where fees are finalized in Naira. Note that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected, unless you cancel before biometrics are submitted. This underscores the importance of submitting a complete, accurate application.

Tips to Manage UK Visa Costs in Nigeria

We’ve compiled practical strategies to help you minimize expenses and maximize approval chances:

• Apply Early: Submitting 1-3 months in advance avoids the need for costly priority services.
• Double-Check Documents: Errors can lead to rejection, wasting your investment.
• Explore Sponsorships: For students, scholarships or family sponsorships can offset IHS and visa fees.
• Use Official Channels: Avoid agents charging exorbitant markups; apply directly via GOV.UK.

Why UK Visa Fees Are Worth It

Despite the costs, a UK visa opens doors to world-class education, career opportunities, and cultural experiences. For Nigerians, the investment often pays off through access to the UK’s robust economy and global networks. Whether it’s studying at Oxford, working in London, or visiting loved ones, the value often outweighs the price tag.