How to book biometric appointment for UK visa in Nigeria

If you’re applying for a UK visa in Nigeria – especially visas longer than six months, you’ll be required to submit your biometrics.

Unfortunately, you can’t walk into any visa application centre and do your biometrics – you have to book an appointment.

And, then visit the visa application centre (in person) on your appointment date and do your biometrics.

Read also: How do I cancel my biometric appointment for a UK visa

Usually, you’ll receive instructions to do your biometrics from the UK immigration authorities after submitting your visa application.

Upon receiving this instruction, follow the steps below to book your biometric appointment.

How to book biometric appointment for UK visa in Nigeria

To book a biometric appointment for a UK visa in Nigeria, you go through TSLcontact or VFS Global.

They’re third-party service providers that handle some aspects of the UK visa application on behalf of the UK government.

These companies operate Visa Application Centres (VACs) in different countries, including Nigeria.

It is at these centres that applicants in Nigeria do their biometrics submission.

TSLcontact or VFS Global collect your biometric data and send it to the UK authorities for processing.

Aside from submitting your biometrics, you can also upload your supporting documents and carry out other visa application services through these service providers.

Read also: What happens if you get a visa and don’t use it?

You can book your biometric appointment through any of them – you can’t use the two at the same time.

One is enough!

I love to work with TSLcontact because they’re more efficient and reliable.

How to book a biometric appointment for a UK visa in Nigeria through TLScontact

If you want to book your biometrics appointment through TLScontact:

• Visit TLScontact website: Go to the TLScontact website here: https://hmpo.uk.tlscontact.com/ng/los/index.php (they’re authorized by the UK government, therefore, you have nothing to worry about).
• Click start to an account: Click on the “Start” option at the menu bar to create an account with them. You’ll provide your email address and create a password. You’ll need this account to book your biometric appointment and track your application.
• Login to your TLScontact account: Once your account is created, log in using your details.
• Book an appointment: After logging in, select “Book an Appointment.” Choose a visa application centre in Nigeria (Lagos or Abuja) and select an available date and time for your biometric appointment.
• Opt for additional services (this is optional): TLScontact offers extra services like document scanning, SMS notifications, or premium lounges.
• Confirm your appointment: After selecting your preferred time slot and any other services, confirm your appointment details and submit.
• Receive confirmation notification: Upon submitting your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, including the date, time, and location.

If you encounter any issues or need assistance, you can contact TLScontact Nigeria directly.

• •  Ikeja Application Centre: Ground and First Floors, Etiebets Place, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Abuja Application Centre: Third floor, Murkhtar El-Yakub Place beside Metro Plaza, on Plot 1129 Zakariya Maimalari Street, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria
  • Lagos Victoria Island Application Centre: Ground Floor, Ivie House, 4/6 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Before you book your appointment, read the guidelines provided by TSLcontact by clicking here.

Read also: What happens if you overstay your visa?

TLscontact opening hours

• • Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 16:00

How to book a biometric appointment for a UK visa in Nigeria through VFS Global

If you want to submit your biometric through VFS Global, you can book your appointment with them.

The process is the same as TLScontact.

To start:

• Register with VFS Global: Go to the VFS Global website (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/irl/register) and create an account with them – you need your email address and a password.
• Access your account: After creating an account, log in with your passport and email address.
• Book your appointment: On your dashboard, click on “Schedule Appointment.” and select a visa application centre.
• Pick date: From the available options, choose a date and time for your biometric appointment and submit.
• Get the appointment details: After submitting your booking, you’ll get an email from VFS Global confirming your appointment.

VFS Global’s visa application centres in Nigeria

VFS Global operates two main centres in Nigeria:

• • Abuja-Visa Application Centre: Sterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor Plot No 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District Abuja Nigeria
  • Lagos Visa Application Centre: Ground Floor, The Manor Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase 1 Lagos Nigeria

VFS Global working hours

• Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 17:30

What to bring to a biometric appointment for a UK visa?

When coming for your biometric appointment, bring:

• Your passport.
• A printed copy of your biometrics appointment confirmation email with a QR code.
• The visa application payment receipt.
• Other specified supporting documents according to UK authorities.

What happens at a UK visa biometrics appointment?

Upon arriving at the visa application for your biometrics, the staff will:

• • Scan your fingerprints.
  • Take a photograph of your face.
  • Scan your passport and supporting documents.
  • Collect your digital signature.
  • Finally, all your documents will be verified and submitted to the UK immigration authorities for processing.

The biometric services providers do not make decisions on your application, their job is to collect and submit your information including biometrics data.

What happens after submitting your biometrics?

After you submit your biometrics, your information (fingerprints and photo) will be sent to the UK authorities.

The UK authorities will verify your biometric data to confirm your identity.

Read also: What happens if I withdraw my UK visa application?

Once your biometrics are verified, your visa application moves to the processing stage.

This is when the UK authorities will review all your documents and make a decision on your visa.

You can track the progress of your application online.

If you used TLScontact or VFS Global to submit your application, log in to their portal to see the progress of your application.

When a decision is made on your visa application, you’ll be notified via email or SMS.

If your visa is approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa.

Read also: How to cancel a UK visa application

If not, they’ll let you know why and explain your options.

You can then collect your passport with the visa  (if approved) or have it delivered to you (depending on the service you selected).

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, you can do so through your TLScontact account.

Do not forget that some visa application centres, especially those that offer priority services charge for these services.

How many days does a UK visa take after biometrics?

After attending your biometrics appointment, it takes from 3 to 8 weeks to receive a decision on your UK visa application, depending on the type of visa you applied for.

If you’re applying for a UK visa in Nigeria, you can submit your biometrics through VFS Global or TLScontact.

Read also: A complete list of requirements for international passport in Nigeria

Both are trusted options, and you can choose whichever one is more convenient for you.