The UK government has launched new Premium Visa Application Centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt to enhance accessibility for Nigerian travellers. Managed by VFS Global, the new centres are located at Omedel Luxury Hotel, Enugu, and Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
According to a statement from the UK Home Office, the centres are intended to meet the growing demand for UK visas, particularly ahead of the summer travel season. Appointments can be scheduled online via the VFS Global website.
These centres join existing facilities in Abuja, Ikeja, and Victoria Island, Lagos, which have been operational since November 2024. Nigeria ranks among the top four countries globally for UK visit visa applications, making up six percent of the total.
Rt. Hon. Lord Hanson, UK Minister of State at the Home Office, highlighted the strategic importance of reopening centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt. “In 2024, we received over 230,000 visa applications from Nigerians. These new centres show our commitment to convenience and the strength of UK–Nigeria relations,” he said.
Alok Singhal, VFS Global’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, added that the new centres would deliver the same high-quality service as those in Abuja and Lagos. Premium services available include document upload assistance, status updates, courier return of documents, and an option to retain passports during processing.
VFS Global has partnered with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and now manages services in 142 countries. It operates over 3,500 application centres globally and has processed more than 309 million applications since 2001.
