Nigeria Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

This article contains an up-to-date information for British citizens seeking a visa to enter Nigeria.

Nigeria Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least six months from arrival, with at least 2 blank pages
Landing & departure cards: Now fully digital, required to be completed before arrival and departure .

Visa Requirements

1. e‑Visa (short‑stay)

Launched May 1, 2025; Nigeria phased out visa-on-arrival.
Available for tourism, business, family visits, and other short stays.
Single-entry, valid up to 90 days, with 30-day stay per visit, to be used within 90 days of issue.
Apply at least one week before travel, though two weeks is advisable

2. Embassy-issued visa

Available via Nigerian High Commission in London, following similarly stringent documentation

Required Documents

Typical checklist for British tourist visa application:

Completed online application form (Nigeria Immigration portal).
Passport (valid 6+ months, 2 blank pages).
Recent passport-style photos (white background, 35‑40 mm)
Flight itinerary (round-trip).
Accommodation confirmation or invitation letter from a Nigerian host
Bank statements (last 3–6 months) showing sufficient funds
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for all visitors older than 9 months.
Digital landing card – complete online prior to departure

Fees & Processing

e‑Visa cost: Varies by type; e.g., tourist e‑visa ~£118–£144 for single entry, multi-year options more expensive .
Application centre fees: Additional service charges (~£20–£100), plus VAT
Processing times:
- e‑Visa: typically 48 hours, apply at least one week ahead.
- Consular/standard applications: 2–3 working days if proposed via High Commission, or up to 3 weeks through third-party agents

Application Steps

Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service portal to start your e‑visa application.
Upload all required documents and make payment.
Once approved, download and print your e‑visa approval letter.
Complete and print your digital landing card (separate from visa).
On arrival in Nigeria, undergo biometrics (photo + fingerprints) at immigration

Tips & Warnings

No visa on arrival for UK citizens after May 30, 2025
Use a trusted service (like iVisa) if you have trouble with the gov portal or payments
Be aware of scam risk—confirm any payment requests are legitimate through official channels .

Quick Summary Table

Requirement	Details
Passport validity	6+ months
Visa type	e‑Visa required (no visa on arrival)
Stay duration	30 days, valid 90 days from issue
Required documents	Form, passport, photos, flight, accommodation/invitation, bank statements, yellow‑fever cert, digital landing card
Processing time	48 hrs – 3 weeks (depending on route)
Fees	Approx. £118–£144 (plus fees)

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Nigeria?

Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Nigeria—visas must be obtained before travelling.

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Nigerian Visa?

1. E‑Visa (online short‑stay visa)

Nigeria introduced a new e‑Visa system on May 1, 2025, replacing visa‑on‑arrival for short‑stay. This yields approval within 24–48 hours, with an e‑Visa delivered via email.
UK travelers have experienced:

“I applied online, and two days later my visa was in my inbox”

Recommendation: Apply at least 1 week before travel to allow buffer for any delays .

2. Embassy/Visa Application Centre (London-based)

If you opt for a traditional visa via the High Commission or outsourced centres like OIS/VAC:

Service	Standard	Express
UK-based OIS/VAC	~5 working days	2 – 3 working days
NHC via OIS	~6 business days	~3 business days
Some UK agencies	Average 2 weeks, up to 3 weeks

Note: You must attend an appointment to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

3. Traveler Reports & Reddit Insights

Tourist visa processing times vary. One traveler (USA-based) waited 4–6 weeks, though completed in 3 weeks after full documentation and biometrics.
Another UK case: appointment early March → visa promised by March 11 → flight March 16 → still delayed by March 13 — showing tight timelines are risky.

Summary Recommendation

E‑Visa is fastest and most convenient: 1–2 days for approval, fully online (no appointment).
Embassy/VAC standard: 5–6 working days; express ~2–3 days.
Plan buffer: Aim for at least one week ahead (e‑Visa) or two weeks (traditional), and 3+ for peak seasons or complex cases.

Action steps:

Choose e‑Visa unless you need multiple entries or longer validity.
Apply online via official portal; upload all documents and pay fees.
If using e‑Visa, no embassy visit needed—visa is emailed.
For traditional visa, book biometrics appointment early and select express if time-sensitive

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Nigeria

Moving to Nigeria as a British citizen is a journey that blends cultural immersion, business potential, and personal discovery. Nigeria, known as the “Giant of Africa,” offers an experience filled with vibrant cities, warm hospitality, and a rich blend of traditions and modernity. Whether you’re relocating for work, joining family, starting a business, or simply seeking a change of environment, settling into life in Nigeria is both exciting and deeply rewarding.

One of the most enriching aspects of moving to Nigeria is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely different cultural setting. Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. From the bustling megacity of Lagos to the historic streets of Kano and the serene landscapes of Calabar, every region has something unique to offer. The people are known for their friendliness, humour, and a strong sense of community, which makes adapting to your new environment easier.

Understanding and appreciating local customs can make your transition smoother. Nigerians value respect and politeness in social interactions, and you’ll quickly notice the vibrant energy in everyday conversations, public events, and even casual encounters. You’ll also find that food plays a central role in society – dishes like jollof rice, suya, egusi soup, and puff-puff will likely become staples in your new routine.

Life in Nigeria can vary significantly depending on where you choose to live. Urban areas such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are fast-paced, cosmopolitan, and constantly evolving. They offer a wide range of housing, international schools, modern supermarkets, entertainment options, and tech infrastructure. These cities often attract expatriates due to their dynamic business environments and international communities.

However, rural areas and smaller towns present a more traditional lifestyle, with slower pace and tighter-knit communities. While these areas may not offer the same level of amenities as the big cities, they provide a more grounded experience and a deeper connection to Nigerian heritage.

In terms of accommodation, many expats opt for gated communities or serviced apartments, which often come with amenities such as security, backup power, and maintenance services. The cost of living can vary widely, but many British expats find that, with smart budgeting, it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Nigeria.

Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies, and it presents ample opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. The energy, tech, agriculture, and construction sectors are especially vibrant. For British citizens with an entrepreneurial spirit, Nigeria can be a fertile ground for launching new ventures or expanding existing ones.

The country’s growing startup ecosystem – especially in cities like Lagos – is supported by a tech-savvy youth population, innovation hubs, and increasing access to funding. If you’re employed by a multinational company or NGO, you may find opportunities to be posted to Nigeria or transferred there. Many expats also work in education, healthcare, oil and gas, and development sectors.

Networking is an important part of doing business in Nigeria. Personal relationships often play a big role in professional success, so engaging in business events, conferences, and community initiatives can open many doors.

British citizens moving to Nigeria will find numerous social groups, international associations, and expat communities to connect with. These can be excellent sources of support and friendship, especially in your first few months. From cultural events and sports clubs to language classes and charity groups, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

Many expats build meaningful relationships with locals as well, discovering that Nigerian hospitality is warm and welcoming. Music, dance, fashion, and film are integral parts of the culture, with Nigeria’s entertainment industry – especially Nollywood and Afrobeats – achieving global acclaim.

Public celebrations and festivals such as Lagos Carnival, Calabar Festival, and traditional ceremonies offer a chance to dive into local culture and make lasting memories. Religious life is also important to many Nigerians, and whether you’re spiritual or not, you’ll likely encounter the central role faith plays in everyday life.

Adapting to life in Nigeria will involve some adjustments, but it’s a rewarding experience. You’ll need to get used to things like traffic congestion, variable electricity supply, and occasional delays in services. However, you’ll also discover a strong spirit of innovation and resilience – Nigerians are incredibly resourceful and quick to find solutions.

Mobile banking, online shopping, and ride-hailing apps have grown rapidly in popularity, making many aspects of life more convenient. The local markets are an adventure in themselves – colourful, noisy, and full of bargains and fresh produce.

Healthcare facilities vary in quality, especially between urban and rural areas, but private clinics in major cities generally offer good services. It’s wise to invest in comprehensive health insurance and stay informed about local health recommendations.

Conclusion

Moving to Nigeria is not just a change of address – it’s an invitation to explore a country full of life, contrasts, and possibilities. As a British citizen, you’ll bring your own perspective while gaining a deeper understanding of Africa’s most populous nation. The journey will come with its challenges, but the rewards – cultural richness, friendships, business growth, and personal development – are well worth it.

Whether you’re staying for a few months or settling for the long term, Nigeria offers a life experience like no other. With an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unknown, your move to Nigeria can become one of the most transformative chapters of your life