All visitor visa applications from countries on the red list, including Nigeria, have been suspended by the British High Commission.
This was announced in a statement issued just hours after the United Kingdom added Nigeria to its travel blacklist due to concerns about the Omicron COVID variant.
The suspension of processing visitor visa applications will be lifted only when the country’s travel ban is lifted.
“To support the UK Government’s goal of protecting public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern (VOC), UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will pause making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria, until travel restrictions are lifted,” the statement reads in part.
“Visit visas cover travel to the United Kingdom for tourism, visiting family and friends, short-term business activities (such as attending meetings), short-term studies (under 6 months), academic research or exchange programs, and medical reasons (such as obtaining private medical treatment).”
Those who applied for a visit visa in a red list nation and satisfied the UK Immigration Rules will have their applications halted, according to the EU.
“While the red list travel restrictions are in force, you will not get a decision on your visit visa application.”
“Once you have given your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), you will not be allowed to request a refund of your visa cost,” it stated.
Those who have a valid visit visa and plan to visit England as a visitor from a red-listed nation will also be denied entry.
