The United Kingdom has officially opened its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, located in Ikeja, Lagos, through its commercial partner, VFS Global. This development aims to provide Nigerians with more accessible and efficient visa application services.
The British Deputy High Commission announced this milestone on Wednesday, noting the establishment of additional VACs in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos. At the launch event, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter underscored the UK’s commitment to Nigeria, describing it as one of the country’s most crucial partners.
In the year leading to June 2024, the UK processed over 225,000 visa applications from Nigerians, showcasing the importance of these services. Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), emphasized the new centre’s role in providing world-class services tailored to applicants’ needs.
Enhanced Services for Applicants
The Ikeja centre offers various optional services, including:
- Document upload assistance
- Prime time application submission outside business hours
- SMS updates on application progress
- Courier return of passports after decision-making
- On-demand mobile visa services in Abuja, allowing applications from preferred locations.
Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the centre’s potential to bring convenience and efficiency to Nigerian travelers.
The VAC services are optional and do not affect visa processing timelines or outcomes.
