I thought ₦5 million was enough to leave Nigeria and start a new life in the UK. I had my savings ready and my bags half-packed.
But when I saw the new 2025 UK visa prices and the hidden fees nobody talks about, I almost cried.
The truth is that the price has changed. If you don't know the real numbers, you might get stranded or lose your money to agents who lie to you. This article will show you exactly what you need to pay, down to the last Kobo, so you can plan your move without tears.
What is 'Japa'?
Everybody in Nigeria is talking about 'Japa'. It is a Yoruba slang that means "to flee" or "escape". Because of the problems in the country and the lack of jobs, many people are leaving to find better work abroad.
In fact, over 140,000 Nigerians moved to the UK between 2021 and 2023. But 'Japa' is not cheap. It is very expensive.
The 4 Main Ways to Enter the UK
To enter the UK, you need a visa. There are four common types of visas for Nigerians. Each one has a different price.
Note: We are calculating these prices using an exchange rate of roughly ₦2,000 for £1.
1. Visitor Visa (6 Months)
This is for people who want to visit family or do small business. You cannot stay forever with this visa.
Cost: £127 (About ₦254,000).
Rule: You must show you have money for your trip and that you will go back home.
2. Student Visa
This is for people who want to go to university in the UK.
Cost: £524 (About ₦1.05 Million).
Benefit: After you finish school, you can stay and work for 2 or 3 years.
3. Skilled Worker Visa
This is for people who have a job offer from a UK company, like doctors or IT experts.
Cost: £719 (About ₦1.44 Million).
Rule: Your salary must be at least £38,700 per year.
4. Spouse or Partner Visa
This is for people who want to join their husband or wife who is already living in the UK.
Cost: £1,846 (About ₦3.69 Million).
You can read more about these visas on the official
The "Hidden" Costs Before You Travel
The visa fee is just the beginning. There are other things you must pay for before you even enter the airplane.
1. The Hospital Fee (IHS)
This is called the Immigration Health Surcharge. You must pay this so you can use the hospital (NHS) in the UK for free when you are sick.
Cost: £1,035 per year (About ₦2 Million per year).
For Students: It is cheaper at £776 per year.
Example: If you are a student for 3 years, you will pay roughly £2,328 upfront.
2. TB Test
You must do a test to show you do not have Tuberculosis.
Cost: About $130 (₦200,000).
Where: You can do this at IOM in Lagos or Abuja.
3. English Test
You might need to write an exam like IELTS to show you understand English.
Cost: About £150 to £200 (₦300,000 to ₦400,000).
4. Proof of Funds (Show Money)
This is not money you spend, but money you must have in your account to show the government you are not poor.
For Students: You need about £10,539 (Over ₦21 Million) in your account for 28 days.
Flight and Shipping: Moving Your Things
After you get your visa, you need to buy a plane ticket.
Flight Ticket: A one-way ticket from Lagos to London costs between £300 and £800 (₦600,000 to ₦1.6 Million).
Tip: It is cheaper if you book 2 or 3 months before you travel.
If you want to carry your food, clothes, or even furniture, you will need a shipping company.
Air Cargo: Costs about £4 to £6 per kg. This takes 5 to 7 days.
Sea Cargo: If you have a lot of things, you can use a container. This costs £2,000 to £5,000 but takes nearly 3 months.
You can check reliable shipping rates on sites like
Arrival: The First 3 Months in the UK
This is where many Nigerians suffer. When you land in the UK, you need money to survive before you get your first salary.
Rent: A room in a shared house can cost £400 to £700 per month in London. In Manchester, it is a bit cheaper.
Transport: You need about £50 to buy an Oyster card or bus pass.
Food: Budget about £100 to £200 for your first grocery shopping.
Real Stories: What People Are Saying
We looked at what real Nigerians are saying on Nairaland and X (Twitter). It is not always easy.
- One doctor on Twitter said he spent ₦12 Million just to move. He paid for exams, visa, and flights. He said the "diaspora depression" is real because he misses his family events.
- On Nairaland, a user warned that you should think twice if you have less than ₦30 Million for a family. Monthly bills in the UK eat your money very fast.
- Another person shared a painful story about shipping a jeep. He paid $25,000 to ship it, but Customs asked for $53,000 to clear it. He said, "Nigeria customs kill dreams".
Is It Worth It?
The total cost for a single adult to move to the UK in 2025 is between ₦14.5 Million and ₦32 Million depending on your route. This is a lot of money.
If you have the funds and the skills, the UK offers safety and good jobs. But if you are borrowing all the money, please be careful. The stress of paying back debt in a new country can be very heavy.
Make sure you do your calculations well. Don't just follow the crowd. Your journey is personal.
Share this article with anyone planning to 'Japa' so they don't make a mistake.
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