Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Address: Nigeria House, 9 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BX
- Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7839 1244
- Visa applications run through the official portal at nigeriahc.org.uk/visa
- Categories include Visit, Business, Student, Transit and Official Visas
- Online booking is the standard route, walk in submissions are not accepted
The Nigerian High Commission in London is the primary diplomatic mission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the United Kingdom. It handles passport renewals, consular services and visa applications for travellers heading to Nigeria from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The mission also serves the Nigerian diaspora community in the UK with documentation, attestation, citizenship matters and emergency travel certificates. Most applicants register through an online appointment system before attending Nigeria House on Northumberland Avenue in central London.
Address and Contact Details
The Nigerian High Commission operates from Nigeria House at 9 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BX. The building is a short walk from Charing Cross station and is reachable by the Bakerloo, Northern and Jubilee lines via Embankment and Charing Cross. The main telephone number is +44 (0)20 7839 1244. The official website is nigeriahc.org.uk, where consular notices, public holiday closures and emergency announcements are posted. Office hours typically run on weekdays only, with submission and collection windows operating in separate time slots. Public holidays in both the UK and Nigeria affect opening times, and applicants should check the website before travelling to the building.
Visa Services Available
The High Commission processes several categories of visa for travellers to Nigeria. These include the Visit Visa for tourism, family visits and short personal trips, the Business Visa for meetings, conferences and short term business activity, the Student Visa for those enrolled at Nigerian institutions, the Transit Visa for passengers passing through Nigerian airports, and the Official Visa for diplomatic and government related travel. Nigeria also operates an e-Visa scheme for selected nationalities, although embassy lodgement remains common for UK based applicants. Each visa type carries its own document checklist, validity period and entry conditions, and the embassy website lists the most current requirements.
How to Book an Appointment
Visa applications start at nigeriahc.org.uk/visa. The portal asks for biographical details, intended travel dates and uploaded supporting documents. After registration, applicants receive an appointment slot for submission of biometrics and original documents at Nigeria House. Walk in applications are not accepted for most visa categories. Slots fill quickly during peak travel periods such as the summer holiday season and the Christmas window, so early booking is common practice. The portal sends confirmation emails with a reference number that must be presented at the appointment. Applicants attend with passport, printed application form, photographs and the appointment confirmation in printed form.
Documents and Requirements
Standard documents include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, two recent passport photographs meeting the embassy specification, a completed visa application form printed from the online portal, evidence of accommodation in Nigeria such as a hotel booking or letter of invitation, proof of funds covering the trip, a return flight booking, and the visa fee receipt. Business applicants also need a covering letter from the UK employer and an invitation letter from the Nigerian counterpart. Student applicants need an admission letter from the Nigerian institution. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Nigeria, and the certificate may be checked on arrival.
Processing Times and Fees
Standard processing usually takes between five and ten working days from the date of biometric submission, although times vary with seasonal demand and case complexity. Express services are sometimes offered at a higher fee, subject to embassy capacity. Fees depend on visa type, validity period and the applicant nationality. The Visit Visa is typically the lowest cost option, while multiple entry and longer validity visas attract higher fees. The embassy publishes the current fee schedule on its website and updates the figures periodically. Payment is taken through the online portal in pounds sterling, and refunds are not issued for refused applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Nigerian visa by post?
Postal applications are not the standard route. The online portal at nigeriahc.org.uk/visa is the main channel, and biometric submission usually requires attendance at Nigeria House in person.
Does the High Commission process passport applications?
Yes, the consular section handles passport renewals, new passport applications and emergency travel certificates for Nigerian citizens resident in the UK.
How far in advance should I apply for a Nigerian visa?
Most applicants apply at least four to six weeks before the intended travel date to allow for processing, biometrics and any document requests from the embassy.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for Nigeria?
Yes, Nigeria requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. The certificate is checked at the port of entry in Nigeria.
Where can I find the latest fee schedule?
The current fee schedule appears on the embassy website at nigeriahc.org.uk. Fees change periodically and the website carries the most up to date figures.
How We Verified This
Details in this article were checked against the Nigerian High Commission London official website, the GOV.UK travel advice page for Nigeria, and publicly available transport guides. Address, phone number and visa categories were cross checked against multiple official sources. Fees and processing times are illustrative figures, and applicants confirm current values on the embassy website.
