In a move aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency for Nigerians seeking to travel to the United Kingdom, the UK government has opened two new Premium Visa Application Centres (PVACs) in Enugu and Port Harcourt. This significant development will provide enhanced visa services for applicants in the southeastern and southern regions of Nigeria. The new centres, located at Omedel Luxury Hotel in Enugu and Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, are now operational, offering a more convenient way for prospective travelers to apply for UK visas without the need to travel long distances to the already established centres in Abuja and Lagos.
According to a statement from the UK Home Office, Nigeria remains one of the leading countries globally in terms of UK visit visa applications, contributing about six percent of the total applications. The launch of these new PVACs responds to the growing demand, particularly during peak travel periods like the summer season, when the number of Nigerians applying for UK visas rises sharply.
The UK Minister of State for the Home Office, Rt. Hon. Lord Hanson, acknowledged the growing importance of these centres. “We are pleased to be able to reopen the Premium Visa Application Centres in both Port Harcourt and Enugu. In 2024, we received more than 230,000 visa applications from Nigerian nationals, and these new centres will provide greater convenience for applicants,” he said. The expansion is seen as a testament to the strong and evolving relationship between the UK and Nigeria.
These new centres offer a range of services designed to improve the visa application process. Applicants will have access to expedited processing options, including document upload assistance, application status notifications, and the option to keep their passports while their applications are processed. Furthermore, the centres provide a courier service for document return, ensuring that the application process is as seamless as possible.
Alok Singhal, the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, which manages the visa application process for the UK government, emphasized the value of these additions. “We are pleased to open these additional, conveniently located touchpoints in Enugu and Port Harcourt. This expansion allows us to cater to more travelers and continue delivering high-quality service, similar to what applicants receive at our existing centres in Abuja and Lagos.”
VFS Global has been a key partner for the UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and was awarded the global contract to manage UK visa services in 142 countries in 2023. With over 3,500 application centres in 158 countries, VFS Global has processed more than 309 million applications since its inception. The company’s extensive experience and network ensure that Nigerian applicants can expect world-class service at the new visa centres.
Nigeria’s strategic importance as a source of visa applications for the UK cannot be overstated. With a growing middle class and an increasing number of individuals seeking educational, business, and leisure opportunities in the UK, the country remains a top market for UK visa services. These new centres are set to serve not only applicants from Enugu and Port Harcourt but also individuals from nearby regions, making the visa application process more accessible and less time-consuming.
Appointments for visa applications at the new Premium Centres can be booked online through the VFS Global website. This online system is designed to simplify the appointment scheduling process and allow applicants to select the most convenient time for their visa submission.
The opening of the Premium Visa Application Centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt marks a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s connectivity with the United Kingdom. By providing more accessible and efficient visa services, the UK government continues to strengthen ties with Nigeria, one of its key partners in Africa. For residents of Enugu, Port Harcourt, and surrounding regions, this new development is a welcome relief, offering improved services for their travel and visa needs.
As the demand for UK visas continues to grow, these new centres represent a critical move towards easing the application process, helping to foster stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.