H.E DR Tafida and the CGI meeting the people

NIGERIA HAS INTORODUCED NEW MACHINE READABLE PASSPORTS

This process is going on at the Nigeria High commision i London; to

Ease the stress of travelling and be prepared in advance by confirming that you have all the correct documentation.

The Comptroller General of immigration Mr. Chukwurah Udeh was in London to check on how the new system is working

The Controller General fo Immigration was at hand to provide information on emergency applications, Fast track, applying for a first passport (adult or child), replacing a lost or stolen passport, checking on the status of your application, reporting problems, changing any details and the locations of Nigeria passport offices.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has witnessed series of changes since it was extracted from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in 1958. The Immigration Department as it was known then, was entrusted with the core Immigration duties under the headship of the Chief Federal Immigration Officer (CFIO). The department in its embryo inherited the Immigration Ordinance of 1958 for its operation. At inception the department had a narrow operational scope and maintained a low profile and simple approach in attaining the desired goals and objectives of the government. During this period, only the Visa and Business Sections were set up.

On August 1st, 1963, Immigration Department came of age when it was formally established by an Act of Parliament ( Cap 171, Laws of the Federation Nigeria ). The head of the Department then was the Director of Immigration. Thus, the first set of Immigration officers were former NPF officers. It became a department under the control and supervision of the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs ( FMIA ) as a Civil Service outfit.

Immigration: Citizens of Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) do not require entry permit into Nigeria. All visitors not exempted from entry permits are advised to apply and obtain appropriate visas from the nearest Nigerian Diplomatic Mission - Embassy, High Commission or Consulate before entry into Nigeria. Early application is advisable to avoid delay.
Vaccination: Health authorities recommend vaccination against cholera and yellow fever from all visitors. Anti-malaria prophylactic is also recommended.
Export of Antiquities: No art treasure may be taken out of the country without written approval from the appropriate Nigerian authorities. This approval must come from the Department of Antiquities, National Museum, Lagos, or Jos. The law prohibiting the export of all forms of antiquity, including all ritual art objects even of contemporary make, is strictly enforced.
Business Hours: Government offices in Nigeria are open from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while commercial houses are open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Most Offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but many shops are open on Saturdays and some banks open on Saturdays as well.
Visa types and Requirements
IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL VISA CHARGES, PROCESSING AND EXPRESS SERVICE FEES ARE NOW INTRODUCED. Click here for details.
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
020 7556 8131; 020 7556 8160; 020 7839 1244 Ext. 231 and Ext. 260Email: immigrationservices@nigeriahc.org.uk

There were happy faces at all times

and slighly agitated faces due what the service users called lack of information on line .

In addition to normal visa requirements, application for visa by minors should be accompanied with the following:
Full Birth Certificate plus a photocopy of same showing names of parents.
Letter of consent from parents.
Photocopies of parents' passports.
Appropriate visa fee paid. Click here for details.
NON BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS MUST SUBMIT EVIDENCE OF LEGAL STAY OR RESIDENCE IN THE UK. OTHERWISE, THEY ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN THEIR VISAS FROM COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN OR NATIONALITY WHERE NIGERIA MAINTAINS A MISSION.
Download Form.
NOTE: For children whose parents are expatriates and working in Nigeria, a copy of parents' residence permit should be attached to the application. Application not supported by all the requirements will not be accepted.

As always it has been the good old hand that sorts out the good and bad apples.For further information please visit:http://www.immigration.gov.ng/index2.htm

Business Visas
Valid National Passport (minimum period of validity 6 months) or any other Acceptable Travel Document
Completed Visa Application Form IMM 22 (with one passport size photograph attached)
Letter of invitation from persons or organisation (on the organisation or Company letterhead) in Nigeria addressed to the Visa Section, Nigeria High Commission, accepting full immigration responsibilities/or evidence of sustenance in form of Traveller's cheques to be cashed in Nigeria.
Letter from the applicant's employer in the United Kingdom (on the letterhead paper of the establishment) stating the current immigration and employment status of the applicant. The employer must also clearly state that he is aware of the trip to Nigeria.
Appropriate visa fee paid. Click here for details.
NON BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS MUST SUBMIT EVIDENCE OF LEGAL STAY OR RESIDENCE IN THE UK. OTHERWISE, THEY ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN THEIR VISAS FROM COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN OR NATIONALITY WHERE NIGERIA MAINTAINS A MISSION.
Application not supported by all the requirements will not be accepted.
Download Form.
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
020 7556 8131; 020 7556 8160; 020 7839 1244 Ext. 231 and Ext. 360 Email: immigrationservices@nigeriahc.org.uk

Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
Valid National Passport (minimum period of validity 6 months) or any other acceptable acceptable Travel Documents.
Completed Visa Application Form I M M 2 (with one passport size photograph attached).
Approved cablegramme from the Director of Immigration Services. Abuja, which must be received by the Nigeria High Commission (Visa Section) through the British Telecommunication.
Letter from sponsor's in Nigeria addressed to the Visa Section accepting full immigration responsibilities.
Return Ticket
Appropriate visa fee paid. Click here for details.
Download Form.
NOTE:
Photocopies of cablegramme approval sent from Nigeria to this office will not be accepted as an approval until original is received. CUSTOMER SERVICES:
020 7556 8131; 020 7556 8160; 020 7839 1244 Ext. 231 and Ext. 360Email: immigrationservices@nigeriahc.org.uk

VISITING NIGERIA
Immigration: Citizens of Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) do not require entry permit into Nigeria. All visitors not exempted from entry permits are advised to apply and obtain appropriate visas from the nearest Nigerian Diplomatic Mission - Embassy, High Commission or Consulate before entry into Nigeria. Early application is advisable to avoid delay.
Vaccination: Health authorities recommend vaccination against cholera and yellow fever from all visitors. Anti-malaria prophylactic is also recommended.
Export of Antiquities: No art treasure may be taken out of the country without written approval from the appropriate Nigerian authorities. This approval must come from the Department of Antiquities, National Museum, Lagos, or Jos. The law prohibiting the export of all forms of antiquity, including all ritual art objects even of contemporary make, is strictly enforced.
Business Hours: Government offices in Nigeria are open from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while commercial houses are open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Most Offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but many shops are open on Saturdays and some banks open on Saturdays as well.
Visa types and Requirements
IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL VISA CHARGES, PROCESSING AND EXPRESS SERVICE FEES ARE NOW INTRODUCED. Click here for details.
CUSTOMER SERVICES:
020 7556 8131; 020 7556 8160; 020 7839 1244 Ext. 231 and Ext. 260Email: immigrationservices@nigeriahc.org.uk

PHOTS: Ayoub mzee