How to Contact and Visit the UK Embassy in Nigeria
Seeking consular services or visa appointments at an overseas embassy can often be confusing and stressful. When you need to visit the UK Embassy in Nigeria for a pressing matter like a UK visa application, having the right information prepares you for success.
This comprehensive guide provides all the key details you need for contacting, locating and visiting the UK Embassy in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Whether you have questions about UK visa categories, requirements and fees, booking embassy appointments or simply need to legalize a document, you’ll find the essential information right here.
Below we cover everything from the embassy’s location, contact information, hours of operation, appointment bookings, required documents for UK visa applications, visa fees in Naira, and even specifics on appropriate attire and arrival times for your appointment. Read on for 25+ helpful, in-depth answers to all your pressing questions about obtaining UK visas as a Nigerian passport holder.
Where is the UK Embassy Located in Nigeria?
The British High Commission, which serves as the UK Embassy in Nigeria, has two office locations in the cities of Abuja and Lagos.
British High Commission Abuja
Physical Address: Plot 1193 Julius Nyerere Crescent, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja
The UK Embassy is centrally located in the Wuse 2 district of Nigeria’s capital city. It resides on Julius Nyerere Crescent in a large gated compound near Aminu Kano Crescent.
Surrounded by tall office buildings, finding the embassy entrance can be tricky for first-timers. Using GPS or the geo-coordinates provided below makes locating it much easier:
GPS Coordinates: 9.067388, 7.487476
Nearby landmarks: The Hilton Transcorp hotel is located next to Wuse 2 district where the embassy resides. Landmark Plaza shopping mall is also close by.
UK Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria – Location Map
British Deputy High Commission Lagos
Physical Address: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central Business District, Abuja
The Lagos consulate office assists with limited consular services like document legalizations. Visa services are only provided in Abuja. The embassy in Lagos occupies a highly secure office building in the financial district along Diplomatic Drive.
GPS Coordinates: 6.5353° N, 3.3914° E
Nearby Landmark: Oriental Hotel Lagos
UK Embassy Nigeria Contact Information
Contacting the embassy via phone or email may be necessary when preparing your visa application or booking appointments. Here are the main communication channels and embassy department contacts:
General Enquiries Phone: 07008220005
General Enquiries Email: General.Enquiries@fco.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-abuja
Visa Application Centre Phone: 09 462 1300
Facebook: UKinNigeria
Twitter: @UKinNigeria
Consular Services: Consular.Nigeria@fco.gov.uk
Legalization Office: Legalisation.Nigeria@fco.gov.uk
Media Enquiries: Press.Office@fco.gov.uk
The embassy is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. You can reach out on social media or call the numbers above during working hours for assistance. Email is best for written inquiries.
How to Book an Appointment at the UK Embassy Nigeria
The UK Visa Application Centre handles appointment bookings for submitting visa applications and enrolling biometrics at the British High Commission in Abuja.
Follow these steps to book your embassy visa appointment:
- 1. Create an account on the Visa4UK website operated by TLScontact. Complete the registration form with your details.
- 2. Log in to your Visa4UK account using your newly created username and password.
- 3. Click “Apply for a UK visa”. Then complete the online application questionnaire until you reach the appointment booking page.
- 4. Select the visa application center location as Abuja or Lagos, Nigeria.
- 5. Pick an available appointment date & time. Check the calendar carefully as slots fill up quickly.
- 6. Print out your appointment confirmation containing the QR code after booking your slot.
When attending your appointment, bring digital copies of any required supporting documents on a flash drive or mobile device. Hard copies are also accepted. Avoid bringing prohibited items and arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
What Types of UK Visas Are Issued in Nigeria?
The British High Commission in Abuja processes a wide range of UK visa applications for Nigerian citizens and residents, including:
Visitor Visas: for tourism, visiting family/friends
Family Visas: for partners, children and dependent relatives
Work Visas: Skilled worker, temporary worker, representative of overseas business
Student Visas: for university, English language programs
Transit Visas: for passing through the UK en route to another country
Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and processing fees. Be sure to review the policies on gov.uk thoroughly before applying. Some visas like fiancé, business investor and Global Talent require additional evidence.
The quickest and easiest option is typically the Standard Visitor visa. With a Standard Visitor visa letter in your Nigerian passport valid for 6 months, you can:
- Visit the UK for up to 6 months
- Attend business meetings, conferences, internships
- Receive private medical treatment
- Participate in research, exchange programs
- Handle administrative affairs like filing taxes
Check if you meet all the standard visitor visa requirements before applying to boost chances of approval.
What Documents Are Required for UK Visa Application in Nigeria?
The specific documents you must submit alongside your visa application depend on the visa type you are applying for at the UK Embassy Nigeria.
However, these documents are commonly required for ALL UK visa categories:
- Valid Nigerian passport
- Confirmed appointment with QR code
- Printed online application form
- Passport photos as per UK visa photo guidelines
- Tuberculosis test results from an approved clinic
- Bank statements covering the last 6 months
- Visa fee payment receipt
In addition, you may need:
Visitor Visas – Invitation letter, travel itinerary, proof of accommodations
Work Visas – Certificate of Sponsorship, employer letter, skills assessment
Student Visas – Unconditional offer letter from UK university, CAS statement for study in uk.
Family Visas – Proof of relationship certificates, English test certificate
Business Visas – Business establishment registration documents
All documents not originally in English must be accompanied by certified English translations completed by approved translators.
Remember to only submit copies of documents unless otherwise instructed. Use high quality scans or photographs. Discuss your specific evidentiary requirements with the embassy when booking your appointment.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a UK Visa in Nigeria?
UK visa application fees at the British High Commission Abuja vary depending on the visa type and length of stay you apply for. Current fees in Nigerian Naira include:
- Short-term visitor visa – 52,000 NGN
- Long-term Standard Visitor – 97,000 NGN
- Work visa – 152,000 NGN
- Student visa – 152,000 NGN
- Family visa – 114,000 NGN
- Settlement visa – 229,000 NGN
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge during your application which covers NHS health services while in the UK. This currently costs £624 per year.
Accepted payment methods include debit card, credit card or prepaid voucher. Cash and cheque payments are no longer accepted for security reasons. The UK government adjusts visa fees every April and October based on exchange rates. Recheck current pricing before submitting an application.
Conclusion
Whether you need to legalize your educational certificates, submit a visa application or simply have questions concerning UK-Nigeria relations, the British High Commission in Abuja and Deputy High Commission in Lagos are ready to assist.
By following the guidance in this article on contacting the embassy, scheduling your visa appointment, preparing your paperwork and understanding the visa categories and fees, your visit to the UK Embassy in Nigeria will go smoothly.
FAQs
Q: What should I wear for my appointment at the UK Embassy Nigeria?
Dress professionally as you would for a job interview. Men should wear trousers and a collared shirt. Women should wear modest dresses or trousers and a blouse. Avoid jeans, shorts or hats.
Q: How early should I arrive for my visa appointment?
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to clear through security. Late arrivals risk forfeiting their appointment slot.
Q: Can I enter the embassy with my mobile phone?
Yes, you can bring your cell phone. However, you cannot use phones, cameras or other devices once inside the embassy. Phones must be switched off.