🇳🇬 → 🇬🇧

UK Visa Photo from Nigeria (35×45mm Standard Visitor)

Updated May 2026 · For Nigerian applicants · UK Standard Visitor visa

⚠ Nigerians need full visa, NOT ETA

The UK ETA (GBP 20) is for visa-exempt nationalities. Nigeria is on the visa-required list — you need a full Standard Visitor visa with VFS Global biometric appointment, physical photo, GBP 115 fee, and ~3 weeks processing.

UK Standard Visitor visa photos are 35×45 mm with plain cream or light grey background, per HM Passport Office. For Nigerian applicants the format is identical at all 3 VFS Global UK visa centres in Nigeria — Lagos Ikeja, Lagos Victoria Island, and Abuja.

Spec at a glance

Size	35 × 45 mm (NOT 35×35 mm Nigerian passport)
Pixels (300 DPI)	413 × 531 px
Background	Plain cream or light grey (UK unique)
Face height (chin to crown)	29-34 mm (70-80% of frame)
Glasses	Not allowed (banned 2018)
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed
File format (online portal)	JPEG / PNG, 50 KB - 10 MB
Photo age	Last 6 months

VFS Global UK visa centres in Nigeria

Lagos Ikeja — Lagos mainland and surrounding areas
Lagos Victoria Island (VI) — Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikoyi, southern Lagos
Abuja — Federal Capital Territory and northern Nigeria

Where to get the photo in Nigeria

VFS Global on-site photo service (NGN 3,000-5,000). Photographer knows UK 35×45 mm cream/grey spec.
Local studio (NGN 1,000-2,500). Specify "UK visa 35×45 mm rectangular, cream or light grey background, no glasses". Nigerian studios default to 35×35 mm square white background — need explicit instructions.
Free online tool at home (NGN 0). IDPhotoSnap UK visa tool — 35×45 mm с correct cream/grey background plus print-ready PDF.

Common rejection reasons

Wrong size (35×35 mm) — using Nigerian passport photo for UK visa. Most common rejection.
Wrong background colour — Nigerian passport photos use white; UK accepts cream or grey, not tinted off-white.
Glasses worn — banned 2018, no exceptions.
Smiling or open mouth — strict neutral.
Photo too old — must be within last 6 months.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UK visa photo size for Nigerian applicants?

UK Standard Visitor visa photos are 35×45 mm with a plain cream or light grey background — same format as a UK passport photo. The same spec applies at every VFS Global UK visa application centre in Nigeria: Lagos Ikeja, Lagos Victoria Island, and Abuja.

Do I need a UK ETA or a Standard Visitor visa as a Nigerian citizen?

Nigerian citizens need a Standard Visitor visa, NOT an ETA. The UK ETA system (Electronic Travel Authorisation, GBP 20 since April 2026) is for ~85 visa-exempt nationalities (US, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Gulf, etc). Nigerian passport holders are on the visa-required list and must complete a full visa application: online form + biometric appointment at VFS Global + photo + fee (GBP 115 for 6-month single-entry).

Where are VFS Global UK visa application centres in Nigeria?

VFS Global operates UK visa application centres at three locations in Nigeria: Lagos Ikeja (covers Lagos mainland and surrounding areas), Lagos Victoria Island (covers VI, Lekki, Ikoyi, and southern Lagos), and Abuja (covers the Federal Capital Territory and northern Nigeria). All three accept the same 35×45 mm UK Standard Visitor visa photo. Biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) is captured at the VFS centre during your appointment.

How is the UK visa photo different from a Nigerian passport photo?

Size is different. Nigerian passport photos are 35×35 mm (square) with a white background. UK visa photos are 35×45 mm (rectangular) with cream or light grey background. The two formats are NOT interchangeable. Using your Nigerian passport photo for a UK visa application will result in rejection at VFS Global.

Where can I get a UK visa photo in Nigeria?

Three options: (1) VFS Global on-site photo service at Lagos Ikeja, Lagos VI, or Abuja (NGN 3,000-5,000). Photographer knows the UK cream/grey background spec. (2) Local studio at NGN 1,000-2,500 — specify "UK visa 35×45 mm rectangular, cream or light grey background, no glasses". Nigerian studios default to passport 35×35 mm square white background. (3) Free online tool at home — IDPhotoSnap generates a UK-compliant 35×45 mm photo with correct background.

Can I wear glasses in a UK visa photo?

No. HM Passport Office banned glasses in UK biometric photos since 2018. Religious head covering is permitted as long as facial features (chin to forehead, both sides of face) are clearly visible without shadows.

How many photos do I need at the VFS Global appointment in Nigeria?

UK Standard Visitor visa applications typically require 1-2 photos at the VFS Global biometric appointment plus a digital upload during the online application. Our print-ready PDF lays out 6 photos per A4 sheet — extra copies useful for re-applications.

What is the UK visa fee from Nigeria in 2026?

UK Standard Visitor visa fees in 2026: GBP 115 for 6-month single-entry, GBP 432 for 2-year multi-entry, GBP 798 for 5-year, GBP 998 for 10-year. Visa fee is separate from VFS Global service fee (~NGN 30,000-60,000). Decision typically takes 3 weeks.

Free UK Standard Visitor visa photo tool

Generate 35×45 mm UK-compliant photo with cream or light grey background. Free, browser-only.

Open UK visa photo tool →