UK Visa Fee in Nigeria: Your Complete Financial Guide for 2024

So, you’re planning a trip to the UK, maybe for school, work, or just to see the sights. The first question on most Nigerians' minds is, "Omo, how much will this thing cost me in Naira?"

Let's break it down. For a standard UK visitor visa for a six-month trip, you’re looking at around $150 USD. If you're planning a longer stay, like for work or studies, the price tag can easily climb past $1,200 USD. A crucial thing to remember from the start is that these fees are charged in US dollars. This means the final amount you pay in Naira will shift depending on your bank's exchange rate on the day you pay. And that's just the application fee—other compulsory costs will pop up along the way.

The True Cost of a UK Visa From Nigeria

Planning a UK journey from Nigeria is an exciting prospect, but it’s vital to get a clear handle on the finances from the get-go. The total UK visa fee in Nigeria isn't just one single payment. It's a collection of different costs that add up to the final amount you’ll spend.

Think of the main application fee as the base price—it's the biggest and most obvious expense. This fee is set directly by the UK Home Office and is always charged in a foreign currency, usually US Dollars (USD). Because of this, the final Naira amount that leaves your bank account can change daily, thanks to our fluctuating exchange rate.

Understanding the Financial Scale

The number of Nigerians applying for UK visas is massive. Between June 2023 and June 2024, the UK processed over 225,000 visa applications from Nigerian citizens alone. Those applications brought in more than $40 million in visa fees. This just goes to show how many of us are making this investment every single year for travel, work, or study. For more details on these trends, you can find some great insights on the volume of Nigerian visa applications from sources like Africa Briefing.

To give you a practical starting point for your budget, let’s look at the standard visitor visa fees.

Quick Look at Common UK Visa Fees for Nigerian Applicants

Here's a straightforward table showing the application fees for the most common UK visitor visa types. Remember, these are the official Home Office fees charged in US Dollars and don't include any other costs like your TB test or the TLS service charge.

Visa Category	Visa Duration	Fee in US Dollars (USD)
Standard Visitor Visa	Up to 6 months	$150
Long-term Standard Visitor	Up to 2 years	$565
Long-term Standard Visitor	Up to 5 years	$1,009
Long-term Standard Visitor	Up to 10 years	$1,260

This table gives you a clear baseline to work from. It's important to see these as just one piece of a bigger financial puzzle.

It's also crucial to realise that these figures only cover the cost of processing your application. They don't include other big-ticket items like the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for long stays, or any optional priority services you might choose to speed things up. We'll get into those a bit later.

A common mistake for first-time applicants is to budget only for the fee listed on the UK government website. The real cost is the application fee plus all the compulsory surcharges and third-party expenses like the TB test at IOM.

Getting a firm grasp on this initial cost is the first step to building a realistic budget. When you know the official fees upfront, you can plan your finances properly and avoid any last-minute "I need to borrow money" surprises, letting you focus on what really matters: putting together a strong application.

Navigating Fees for Different UK Visa Types

First things first, let's get one thing straight: the UK visa fee in Nigeria isn't a single, fixed price. Your reason for going to the UK is the biggest factor in what you'll pay. A quick trip for a holiday is a completely different ball game—and has a different price tag—than relocating for a new job or to start a university course.

Think of it like buying a plane ticket. A simple return flight to Accra is worlds apart, cost-wise, from a multi-city ticket for a business trip through Europe. In the same way, the purpose of your UK visit and how long you plan to stay directly shape the application fee you'll need to budget for.

So, let's break down the actual costs for the most common visa routes that Nigerians take. I'll use some real-world examples to help these numbers make sense in your own financial planning.

The Standard Visitor Visa Fee

This is the visa most people are familiar with. It’s your go-to for tourism, visiting family and friends, or attending short business meetings.

Imagine a family in Lekki planning a two-week summer holiday to explore London. Each person in that family—mum, dad, and the children—would need their own Standard Visitor Visa. The cost for this visa depends on how long you want it to be valid for.

Here’s the breakdown in Pounds Sterling (£), as shown on the UK gov website:

• Up to 6 months: This is the standard choice for most travellers, costing £115.
• Up to 2 years: If you're a frequent visitor, this option costs £400.
• Up to 5 years: For even longer-term flexibility, you're looking at £771.
• Up to 10 years: The longest validity available will set you back £963.

For our Lekki family, every single person would have to pay the £115 fee (or its dollar equivalent) for a six-month visa. It’s a straightforward cost, but you can see how it adds up quickly for a group. For a family of four, that's already £460 before you've even booked a flight.

The Student Visa Fee Breakdown

For countless young Nigerians, studying in the UK is the ultimate goal. Imagine a recent graduate from Abuja who’s just been accepted into a Master's programme at the University of Manchester. Her path to the UK is through the Student Visa.

The Student Visa has a single, flat fee, no matter how long the course is. But be warned, this fee has been climbing. Not long ago, the UK government hiked the cost for Nigerian students applying from outside the UK to £490. This jump makes careful budgeting absolutely essential. You can get more details on these recent changes from this BusinessDay report on UK visa fee hikes.

And that £490 is just for the application itself. The student from Abuja also has to factor in the huge cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is a compulsory fee we'll dive into in the next section.

The big lesson for students is this: the visa application fee is just the tip of the iceberg. When you add in the mandatory IHS, the total cost can easily run into thousands of pounds. It's a serious financial commitment that you need to plan for well in advance.

Work Visa Costs for Professionals

The UK is a massive draw for Nigerian professionals looking to take their careers to the next level. Let's take a software developer from Port Harcourt who's landed a job with a tech company in London. She'll be applying for a Skilled Worker visa, and the costs here are a bit more complicated.

The fee hinges on two things: how long the visa is for, and whether her job is on the UK's official Shortage Occupation List.

• Visa up to 3 years: The standard fee is £719 per person.
• Visa more than 3 years: This bumps the fee up to £1,420 per person.
• Shortage Occupation List: If the role is on this special list (meaning the UK needs more people with those skills), the fee is discounted to £551 for up to three years and £1,084 for longer periods.

If our developer’s initial contract is for three years, her fee is £719. But what if she’s bringing her husband and two children? Every single one of them has to pay the same visa fee. That brings the family's total application cost to a hefty £2,876 (£719 x 4), and that’s before any other expenses like the IHS are even considered. For a deeper look at these costs, check out our guide on the UK work visa cost.

Family and Settlement Visa Fees

For those planning to join family, like a spouse, who are already settled in the UK, the visa fees are the steepest. These are called 'settlement' visas because they are a direct path to long-term residency, and their price reflects that.

If you're in Nigeria and applying to join your partner in the UK, the application fee is a staggering £1,846. This single fee is much higher than any other category because it offers a longer initial stay and puts you on the track towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It’s a price that reflects the long-term commitment and your future access to public services in the UK.

By getting a handle on these different categories, you can figure out exactly which UK visa fee in Nigeria applies to you. Having that clarity is the foundation for a smooth and successful application.

Uncovering the Hidden Costs of Your Application

Thinking that the main application fee is the only expense you need to cover is one of the quickest ways to bust your budget. The true UK visa fee in Nigeria is much more than just one payment. To get a realistic picture, you have to look beyond the headline price and uncover the additional, and often mandatory, costs that every applicant faces.

These extra charges aren't just small change; they can sometimes add up to more than the visa application fee itself. Ignoring them is like planning a road trip from Lagos to Abuja and only budgeting for fuel—you've completely forgotten about money for food, tolls, and potential car trouble. A successful application requires a complete financial checklist.

This quick comparison shows the base application fees for some of the most popular visa categories to give you a starting point.

As you can see, the base fees vary a lot depending on why you're travelling. But remember, these are just the starting point of your total expenses.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The most significant extra cost you'll almost certainly face is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is a compulsory fee for most people applying to stay in the UK for more than six months, including students and skilled workers. It's essentially your ticket to using the UK's National Health Service (NHS), so you can see a doctor or go to a hospital without paying each time.

You'll need to pay the IHS if you are:

• A student coming for a course that's longer than six months.
• A professional on a work visa, like the Skilled Worker visa.
• A family member joining relatives already settled in the UK.

The total cost depends on your visa type and how long it's valid for. As of early 2024, the rates are a hefty £1,035 per year for most adult applicants and £776 per year for students and applicants under 18. So, for a student on a two-year Master's course, that’s an extra £1,552 on top of their visa fee. A professional on a three-year work visa would be looking at an additional £3,105. It’s a massive expense you have to factor in from day one.

Think of the IHS as a mandatory health insurance plan for your entire stay, and you have to pay for it all upfront when you submit your application. The good news? If your visa is refused, the IHS is fully refundable. The main application fee, however, is not.

Mandatory Tuberculosis (TB) Test Fee

For applicants from Nigeria, another non-negotiable step is the Tuberculosis (TB) test. If you plan to be in the UK for more than six months, you must get tested at a UK Home Office-approved IOM clinic in Nigeria before you apply.

There are only a handful of approved clinics, located in Lagos and Abuja, so you'll need to book an appointment and pay their fee directly. This payment covers the medical screening and the certificate you receive, which is a required document for your visa application.

Currently, the cost for the TB test is:

• $130 for adults (aged 11 and over)
• $50 for children (under 11)

This fee is paid directly to the clinic, and there's no way around it. Without this certificate, your visa application will be automatically refused, making it a critical part of your budget.

Biometric Appointment and Centre Fees

After submitting your application online, the next step is a mandatory in-person appointment at a TLScontact Visa Application Centre (VAC). This is where you'll give your fingerprints and have your photograph taken (your biometrics). A standard appointment is included in your visa fee.

However, TLScontact offers a whole menu of optional services for an extra fee. These are all about convenience and can include:

• Prime Time Appointments: To book a slot outside of regular 9-to-5 working hours.
• Premium Lounge Access: For a more comfortable and private experience at the centre, like a "big man".
• Document Scanning Assistance: If you'd rather have them scan and upload your supporting documents for you.

While these services are completely optional, many applicants choose them for peace of mind or to fit their schedule, adding another potential layer of costs to the total UK visa fee in Nigeria.

Optional Priority and Super Priority Services

Waiting weeks for a visa decision can be incredibly stressful, especially if your travel is time-sensitive. To help with this, UKVI offers paid services to get a much faster decision.

• Priority Visa: This service aims to get you a decision within 5 working days.
• Super Priority Visa: This is the fastest option, aiming for a decision by the end of the next working day.

These services are very popular but come with a hefty price tag, often adding hundreds of pounds to your total bill. It's crucial to understand that they don't guarantee your visa will be approved—they only guarantee you'll get a decision much faster.

Comparing Standard vs Priority Visa Processing Costs

To help you weigh the options, this table breaks down the typical costs and benefits of choosing a faster service. Is the extra expense worth the time saved? That's a decision only you can make based on your personal circumstances and urgency.

Service Type	Typical Additional Cost (USD)	Estimated Processing Time	Best For
Standard Service	$0 (Included in visa fee)	3-15 weeks, depending on visa	Applicants who are not in a rush and want to keep costs down.
Priority Visa	$600 – $700	5 working days	Applicants with a fixed travel date, such as for a new job or university start date.
Super Priority Visa	$1,200 – $1,300	Next working day	Applicants facing a genuine emergency or those who need an extremely fast decision and can afford it.

Ultimately, choosing a priority service is a trade-off between money and time. For many, the peace of mind that comes with a quick decision is well worth the extra expense.

How to Successfully Pay Your Visa Fee From Nigeria

You’ve done the hard work. The forms are filled, your documents are in order, and now you’re at the very last step: payment. For so many Nigerian applicants, this is precisely where the real headache begins. Successfully paying the UK visa fee in Nigeria can feel like a mission in itself, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare if you know what to expect.

First things first, this is an online-only affair. All payments are processed through the official UK government portal. You can't just walk into a bank or the application centre with cash. It all comes down to using the right card online to avoid those frustrating "payment declined" messages.

And we're talking about a staggering amount of money. A recent report revealed that Nigerians spent over ₦62 billion on UK visa applications in the 12 months leading up to June 2024. This huge financial flow highlights why a smooth payment system is so vital, supported by major facilities like the UK's largest Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. You can read more about this massive spend on Neusroom.

Choosing the Right Payment Card

The UKVI payment gateway is built to accept major international cards like Visa and Mastercard. The catch? Not all Nigerian bank cards are up to the task, especially when it comes to paying for large sums in a foreign currency.

Honestly, your best bet is to use a card linked directly to a USD domiciliary account. Why? Because the visa fee is charged in USD or GBP. Using a dollar card sidesteps all the drama of Naira-to-dollar conversions and, more importantly, blows past the very restrictive international spending limits that cripple most Naira cards.

If a domiciliary account isn't an option, some Naira debit cards might work—often the ones banks brand as "platinum" or "dollar" cards. But success here can be hit-or-miss. The golden rule is to call your bank before you attempt the payment. Confirm the card’s international spending limit and make absolutely sure it’s enabled for online foreign transactions.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Payment Process

Once you’re prepared, navigating the actual payment portal is pretty straightforward. Here's a quick rundown of what you’ll see when you reach that final stage.

1. Review the Final Cost: The system will show you a complete breakdown of everything you owe. This includes the main application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if it applies to you, and any priority services you’ve opted for.
2. Select Payment Method: You'll be asked to pick your card type, usually Visa or Mastercard.
3. Enter Card Details: This is the crucial part. Carefully type in your card number, expiry date, CVC code (those three little numbers on the back), and the name exactly as it appears on the card.
4. Complete 3D Secure Verification: Your bank will then step in for security, most likely sending a One-Time Password (OTP) to your phone or email. Make sure you have that device handy.
5. Receive Confirmation: Success! A payment confirmation page will appear. Do not close this window. Save a digital copy and print one out for your records immediately.

Overcoming Common Payment Problems

It’s incredibly stressful to get to the finish line only to be met with a "payment declined" error. But don't panic. It's usually down to a few common issues that you can fix.

The number one culprit for a failed transaction is your bank's international spending limit. Many Nigerian banks cap monthly online foreign spending on Naira cards to as low as $20 – $100 USD, which is nowhere near enough for most visa applications.

Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for when things go wrong:

• Bank Limits: If the fee is higher than your card's monthly limit, it's a guaranteed failure. Your best move is to call your bank and ask for a temporary limit increase. The far easier solution is to use a domiciliary account card, which has much higher limits by default.
• Insufficient Funds: This sounds simple, but it catches people out. You have to factor in your bank’s exchange rate, which is always much higher than the official CBN rate. Always have more than enough Naira in your account to cover the dollar cost plus any bank charges.
• Card Not Activated: Some banks require you to manually enable your card for international or online payments. You can often do this in your banking app or with a quick call to customer service.
• Incorrect Information: Double and triple-check every detail. A tiny mismatch between the billing address you enter and what your bank has on file can trigger a security decline.

By getting your payment method sorted out ahead of time and knowing these potential roadblocks, you can make sure the final step of your UK visa application is the easiest one.

Protecting Your Budget From Exchange Rate Changes

One of the biggest headaches when applying for a UK visa from Nigeria is the ever-shifting Naira exchange rate. You can do all your homework, calculate the fee down to the last kobo based on the official GBP or USD price, and still get a debit alert that makes your eyes water.

Why? Because the Home Office sets the fee in a foreign currency, but your bank charges you in Naira. The problem is, the final amount you pay has nothing to do with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rate you see on the news. It’s all down to your bank's parallel market rate at the very moment you hit the 'pay' button. This rate is almost always higher and can change from one day to the next, throwing your careful budget completely off course.

It’s a frustrating situation, but you're not helpless. With a bit of know-how and a smart approach, you can shield your finances from these unpleasant surprises and maybe even save yourself a decent chunk of cash.

Why Your Bank's Rate Is The One That Matters

Think of it like this: you’re buying something from an overseas website. The item has a dollar price tag, but you pay with your Naira debit card. Your bank handles the conversion, and they do it at a rate that works for them, which is often 10-15% higher than the official CBN rate. It’s the exact same process for your visa fee.

Let's say your visa fee is $500. You might budget for it using a rate of ₦1,450 to the dollar, expecting a total of ₦725,000. But when you get to the payment page, your bank might be using a rate of ₦1,550. Suddenly, the amount debited from your account is ₦775,000—that's an extra ₦50,000 you never planned for.

Practical Tips To Manage The Rate Rollercoaster

While you can't control the foreign exchange market, you absolutely can control how you interact with it. A little foresight goes a long way in determining the final UK visa fee in Nigeria that leaves your account.

Here are a few strategies to keep you in the driver's seat:

• Check the Rate Right Before Paying: Don't assume the rate you saw last week is still valid. Just before you're ready to make the payment, do a quick online search for the current parallel market (or "black market") exchange rates. This will give you a much more realistic estimate of the final charge.
• Watch the Daily Trends: Rates can bounce around significantly, even within 24 hours. If you notice the rate is unusually high today, it could be worth waiting a day or two. A slight dip could save you thousands of Naira.
• The Domiciliary Account is Your Best Friend: Honestly, this is the ultimate solution. If you pay the fee directly from a USD domiciliary account, you cut out the Naira conversion completely. You pay the exact dollar amount, no questions asked. This gives you total control and lets you sidestep your bank's inflated exchange rates altogether.

The smartest move any Nigerian applicant can make is to plan ahead by opening and funding a USD domiciliary account. It eliminates all the guesswork and protects you from the daily volatility of the Naira.

By taking these steps, you can transform a moment of financial stress into a predictable transaction. Understanding how this all works means that final debit alert won't come as a shock, allowing you to manage your visa budget with confidence.

It’s the one question that keeps every Nigerian applicant up at night: what happens to all that money if my UK visa is refused?

Let's get straight to it, because the answer, while simple, isn't always what people hope for.

The main UK visa fee in Nigeria is non-refundable. This often comes as a shock, but there’s a solid reason behind it. The fee isn’t for the visa itself; it’s to pay for the work an official does to process your application. They review your documents, verify your details, and make a decision—all of which costs time and resources, whether the final answer is yes or no.

Think of it like paying to sit for a university exam. You pay the fee to have the university set the paper and mark your script. If you don't pass, you don't get a refund because the service was still delivered. The visa fee operates on the exact same principle.

This is why getting your application right the first time is so critical. Every Naira spent is an investment in your future, and the best way to protect that investment is by submitting a flawless application from the start.

Understanding Your Next Steps

Getting a refusal is tough, but it doesn't always mean it's the end of your journey. The very first thing you need to do is sit down and carefully read the refusal letter. This document is your roadmap—it will spell out the exact reasons why the Entry Clearance Officer turned down your application.

Once you know the "why," you can figure out the "what next." Your options typically include:

• Reapplying: If the problem was a simple error—maybe you forgot a document or your financial proof wasn't clear enough—you can fix the mistakes and submit a fresh application. This is often the most straightforward path.
• Appeal or Administrative Review: For certain types of applications, especially those involving family or human rights, you might have the right to formally challenge the decision. This is a more complex legal process.

Getting a clear understanding of the refusal grounds is everything. For a deeper dive into common mistakes, check out our guide on the top UK visa rejection reasons to make sure you don't fall into the same traps.

Knowing the no-refund policy from the get-go helps you set realistic expectations and shows why being meticulous isn't just a good idea—it's your best financial strategy.

Answering Your Top Questions About UK Visa Fees

After going through all the details, you probably still have a few specific questions bouncing around in your head. That's perfectly normal. Let's tackle some of the most common queries we see from Nigerian applicants about the UK visa fee in Nigeria.

Think of this as your final go-to checklist to clear up any confusion.

Can I Pay the UK Visa Fee in Naira at a Bank?

Simply put, no. You can't just walk into a Nigerian bank and pay your visa fee in Naira. The entire process is handled online through the official UK government website.

You'll need a debit or credit card that's cleared for international payments, typically in USD or GBP. Honestly, your best bet for a smooth, hassle-free transaction is a card linked to a USD domiciliary account.

The most important thing to remember is that the payment system is 100% digital. Trying to pay with cash or at a local bank just isn't an option and will only slow you down.

Is the Immigration Health Surcharge Refundable?

Yes, it is! If your visa application is refused, the full Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you paid will be automatically refunded to the card you used. It usually takes a few weeks for the money to show up after you receive the decision.

But here’s the critical part: the main visa application fee itself is never refunded, no matter what the outcome of your application is. Once you pay it, it's gone for good.

Do I Pay Extra for My Biometric Appointment?

The standard appointment for your fingerprints and photograph at a TLScontact centre is already covered by your visa fee. There's no extra charge for this basic, mandatory step.

However, TLScontact does offer a menu of optional, paid services if you're looking for more convenience. These include things like:

• Prime Time appointments outside of regular office hours.
• Access to a more comfortable Premium Lounge.
• Help with scanning and uploading your supporting documents.

Which Exchange Rate Is Used for the Payment?

This is where things can get tricky. The final Naira amount that gets debited from your account is based on the exchange rate your bank uses at the very moment you click "pay."

It’s not the official CBN rate you see on the news. Banks have their own, often much higher, rates for international transactions. This is why the final cost can fluctuate daily and usually ends up being more than you initially expected.

For a complete breakdown of all the steps in the application journey, our guide on UK visa requirements for Nigerian citizens covers everything in more detail.

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