UK opens Africa’s largest visa application centre in Lagos

The United Kingdom opened its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos.

The facility, operated by VFS Global, aims to streamline and enhance the visa application process for Nigerians travelling to the UK, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos.

The opening of the new centre, alongside additional facilities in Abuja and Victoria Island operational since November 19, is part of a broader effort to meet the growing demand for UK visas among Nigerian nationals.

Speaking at the launch, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter stated, “I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa.”

Baxter noted that Nigeria remains one of the “UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

Meanwhile, Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, described the development as a milestone in providing world-class visa services across Africa.

According to Owen, over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in June 2024, indicating a growing demand for travel to the UK.

Owen said, “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants.”

The new Ikeja facility offers applicants various new features, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.

Meanwhile, Abuja residents can now utilise a Mobile Visa Service for submissions from preferred locations, while a Premium Lounge offers personalised services with dedicated staff.

These optional features are designed to enhance convenience without affecting processing times or application outcomes.