The United Kingdom (UK) has officially announced changes in its visa application centres in Nigeria, bringing forth a major shift in the process of visa application for Nigerians looking to travel to the UK. This announcement was made public by the UK Embassy in Nigeria as part of an ongoing effort to enhance and streamline the visa application procedure for Nigerian applicants seeking UK visas. According to the embassy, the transition, set for 2025, will see the UK visa application process move to a new service provider, VFS Global, marking a shift in the way applicants interact with the system for submitting and collecting their visa applications.
The embassy clarified that these changes will not only involve the shift to VFS Global but also a change in the locations where applicants will need to submit and collect their visa applications. With the new arrangements, applicants will be required to visit one of three designated locations in Abuja and Lagos. These centres will now serve as the official points for all visa-related needs. The UK Embassy in Nigeria further emphasized that these updates were designed to make the entire visa process more efficient, with a goal to reduce delays and make the experience smoother for applicants.
The embassy assured that Nigerian applicants would be properly informed about the process and any further steps via email. This communication will provide applicants with detailed instructions on how to proceed with their visa applications during the transition period. It also confirmed that this transition is part of broader efforts to improve and modernize the visa application process across Nigeria.
Following the announcement, VFS Global – the new supplier in charge of handling UK visa applications in Nigeria – has also published the new addresses for the visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos. Applicants are now encouraged to visit the updated locations to process their visa needs. VFS Global also stressed the importance of booking an appointment online ahead of time to avoid any disruptions or delays. Walk-in applications will not be accepted during this transition period, so it is imperative for applicants to schedule their appointments well in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
The newly designated addresses for the UK Visa Application Centres in Nigeria are:
- Abuja – Mezzanine Floor, Tower C, Churchgate Plaza, Plot 473, Cadastral Zone AO, Constitution Avenue, Central Business District.
- Lagos (Ikeja) – 2nd Floor, Ile Oja Opebi Mall, Opebi Link Road.
- Lagos (Victoria Island) – 2nd Floor, Churchgate Plaza Tower 2, PC 31 Churchgate St.
The statement issued by VFS Global further reminded applicants to strictly follow the appointment booking procedure to avoid any inconveniences. It emphasized that all applicants should ensure they book their appointments online via the official VFS Global website. As the new system is rolled out, applicants must adhere to these procedures for a hassle-free experience.
In summary, the UK visa application process in Nigeria is undergoing significant changes, all aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring a better overall experience for applicants. This new collaboration with VFS Global and the opening of the designated visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos are key steps toward achieving these goals. Nigerian visa applicants looking to visit the UK in 2025 and beyond are urged to keep an eye out for further communication and to prepare accordingly.
