The British High Commissioner in Nigeria announced a new UK visa application centre in the ports of Enugu and Harcourt aims to improve access for Nigerian travelers ahead of the busy summer travel season.
According to a statement issued in Abuja, the new center will allow applicants to submit documents and recruit biometric technology near their homes, mitigating the process for residents of Enugu and Rivers.
A new advanced application center operated by VFS Global joins existing facilities in Abuja and Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island). These additional locations are expected to help manage the growing demand for UK visas, especially during peak periods.
Lord David Hanson, the Secretary of State for the Home Office, confirmed that the senior visa application centres have been reopened in Port Harcourt and Port Enugu and emphasized their significance amid a surge in visa applications. He said: “In 2024, we have received more than 230,000 visa applications from Nigerian nationals on all visa routes. These new centres will provide greater convenience for applicants and reflect the strength of the UK-Nigeria relations.”
Alok Singhal, VFS Global’s Sub-Saharan Africa director, said the new center will maintain high-quality service standards for existing locations. “We are pleased to open these convenient contact points that allow us to cater to more British travelers from Nigeria,” he said.
Applicants using the new center can access other services, including help with document uploads, real-time updates to application status, and express delivery of documents. They also have the option to keep my passport when applying, which allows them to retain their passport after submitting their application and biometrics, only when they are ready.
VFS Global, which has worked with UK visas and immigration since 2003, has previously provided services in 58 countries and was awarded a contract in 2023 to expand its operations to 142 countries around the world.
