Nigerians wishing to travel to the United Kingdom will have to pay more for its visas, following the British Government�s approval of new visa rates.
A statement from the British High Commission in Abuja, made available to our correspondent on Thursday, said the new fees were a result of consultations in the UK, overseas and market research.
According to the statement, the new price regime will take effect from April 1, 2007.
It said for Direct Airside Transit Visas, which previously cost N7,800 now attracts N11,450, while six months visit, formerly N13,000, will now attract N16,400. Student visas, which costs N22,100, has now been increased to N52,000.
Other increases include longer term visit, work permit and highly skilled programme, previously going for N22,000, will now cost N52,000, while the fee settlement visa formerly N67,600, will now attract N130,000.
The statement reads, �The British Government is committed to providing a modern, effective visa service which protects the UK and delivers a world class service to the customers the UK is trying to attract in a competitive world.
�To remain good we now need further investment, and so visa fees need to rise.�
The statement added that the British Government was making the visa fees flexible to ensure that UK remained attractive and competitive.
�A visa system which combines mobility and exchange between UK and Nigeria and effective controls is good for the UK and for Nigeria,� it said.
The statement noted that visa fees were set globally in sterling, but were charged in local currency.
It said, �Our commercial partner, VFS, will no longer charge facilitation fees. So, in practice the full cost of the most frequently sought visas, which are Direct Airside Transit Visa and in transit, Visit for six months and student visas will scarcely change.�
It added that applications for visas in Nigeria should be submitted through VFS, adding that the high commission�s website, www.ukinnigeria.com, had full details of the process of visa application centres and information about how to apply for a visa.