The United Kingdom has increased visa fees for students, tourists, and other travelers, a move that will affect Nigerians and other international applicants seeking entry into the country.
According to the UK Home Office, the fee for a student visa has been raised from £363 to £490, a 35% increase and it woll take effect from April 9, 2025.
The revision affects multiple visa categories, including study, visit, sponsorship, and transit, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate immigration numbers.
Under the new fee structure, the cost of a six-month tourist visa will rise from £115 to £127, reflecting an almost seven per cent hike. A visitor visa valid for up to two years will increase from £432 to £475, while a five-year visitor visa will go up from £771 to £848. Meanwhile, a 10-year visitor visa will now cost £1059, up from £963.
For prospective students, the cost of a study visa has been raised by 10 per cent, moving from £490 to £524. This new rate applies to all students and their dependants.
Transit visa fees have also been affected by the revision. Air transit travellers will now pay £39 instead of £35, while those transiting by land will be charged £70, up from £64.
Other affected categories include naturalisation applications, visa extensions, skilled worker visas, and electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). However, fees for premium services such as fast-track applications and premium sponsorships remain unchanged.
This latest visa fee adjustment follows the UK government’s introduction of several measures aimed at reducing immigration numbers.
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