UK opens Africa’s largest visa application centre in Lagos

UK opens Africa’s largest visa application centre in Lagos

The United Kingdom has inaugurated its largest visa application centre (VAC) in Africa, located in Lagos, through its commercial partner, VFS Global.

According to a statement from the UK High Commission in Nigeria, the new facility serves Nigerian residents travelling to the UK. Visa applicants can now book appointments at state-of-the-art VACs in Abuja, Ikeja, and Victoria Island, Lagos. These centres began operations on November 19, 2024.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter expressed his delight at the launch, emphasizing Nigeria’s importance as a UK partner. “This is the largest visa application centre in Africa. We look forward to VFS Global delivering even better services for UK visa applicants,” he said.

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Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), highlighted the milestone for UKVI and VFS Global. “This new VAC in Ikeja enhances our commitment to offering world-class visa services in Nigeria and across Africa,” he said.

In the 12 months to June 2024, the UK processed over 225,000 visas for Nigerian nationals, covering all categories. Nigeria is one of the largest sources of UK visa applications globally, accounting for 5% of the total.

The UK remains a popular destination for African travellers, and the new partnership with VFS Global aims to ensure visa services remain accessible, efficient, and tailored to applicants’ needs.

 

UK opens Africa’s largest visa application centre in Lagos