The British High Commission has suspended visa applications in Nigeria pending the removal of Nigeria from the Covid-19 Red List.
A letter by the British High Commission on UK visa application stated that the suspension was to support the UK government’s aim to protect public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern.
On the announcement on the suspension of processing visitor visa applications in Nigeria, the UK said the decision will be in effect until the travel ban is lifted.
“To support the UK Government’s aim to protect public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern (VOC), UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will pause deciding on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria, until travel restrictions are lifted,” the statement reads.
“Visit visas cover travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, undertaking short-term business activities (for example, attending meetings), undertaking short-term studies (under 6 months), taking part in research or exchange programmes as an academic, medical reasons (for example, receiving private medical treatment).
“If you apply for a visit visa in a red list country and you meet the UK Immigration Rules, your application will be paused. You will not receive a decision on your visit visa application whilst red list travel restrictions remain in place.
“You will not be able to request a refund of your visa fee once you have given your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). If you already hold a valid visit visa and are intending to travel to England as a visitor from a red list country, you will not be allowed to enter.
The British High Commission further stated that only when there are compelling and compassionate circumstances will visas be issued or entry permitted to visit England from a red list country whilst travel restrictions remain in place.
