“My visa is taking too long, what should I do?”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Every week, thousands of Nigerians experience delays in visa processing. Whether you applied for a UAE tourist visa, UK student visa, Schengen visa, or a US B1/B2 visa, delays are frustrating and costly.
But the good news is: you have options. Here’s what to do if your visa application is delayed in Nigeria, plus key tips and next steps to avoid future issues.
First, Understand What “Delayed” Means
Most embassies and consulates provide an estimated processing time, for example:
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- UAE Visa: 3–7 business days
- UK Student Visa: 15 working days
- Schengen Tourist Visa: 15–21 calendar days
- US Visitor Visa: Appointment + 7–10 days for passport return
A visa delay means your application has exceeded the usual processing timeline without feedback, approval, or rejection. This can be due to:
- Security or background checks
- Incomplete documents
- Technical issues
- High application volume
- Diplomatic or regional policies
Contact the Embassy or Visa Application Center
Once the estimated time has passed, reach out professionally:
- For UAE Visas:
- Contact your travel agent or visa sponsor first.
- If you applied through VFS Global, use their tracking tool or visit the office.
- For UK, Schengen, US Visas:
- Log into your visa portal account to check for updates.
- Use the email or contact form on the embassy website.
- Visit the Visa Application Center (VFS, TLS, or VAC) where you submitted.
Sample email:
Subject: Visa Application Delay – Request for Status Update
Dear Sir/Madam,
I submitted my [visa type] application on [date] at [location]. It has exceeded the standard processing timeline, and I have not received any update.
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Kindly assist with the status of my application. Name: John Doe Passport Number: A12345678 Application Reference: GWF123456789
Check If Additional Documents Are Needed
Sometimes, delays happen because the embassy is waiting for more documents but you’re never informed(especially for UAE visas). Check:
- Your email’s spam/junk folder
- SMS updates from the visa center
- Your application portal messages
If you submitted incomplete bank statements, invalid photos, or had a mismatch in information, delays are expected.
Tip: Always double-check your visa requirements before applying, especially for countries with strict UAE visa financial requirements or proof-of-funds rules.
Be Careful with Rebooking Flights or Hotels
If your travel date is close and you haven’t received your visa:
- Avoid rebooking flights until your visa is approved.
- Use flexible or refundable options when possible.
- Consider travel insurance that covers visa refusal/delays.
Don’t Submit Multiple Applications
Tempted to reapply? Be cautious. Submitting a new visa application while one is already processing can:
- Cause confusion at the embassy
- Get both applications rejected
- Waste money
Only reapply if:
- You receive a rejection
- You’re asked to withdraw and start over
- Your current application is inactive beyond 30–60 days
Special Note: UAE Visa Delays for Nigerians
In 2025, many Nigerian applicants are experiencing UAE visa delays due to:
- Transit visa bans
- Age restrictions (18–45 must travel with a sponsor)
- Strict financial requirements (USD 10k/month for 45+ travelers)
So if you applied for a UAE visa from Nigeria and it’s delayed:
- Contact your agent or sponsor immediately
- Request they follow up with UAE immigration
- Review if your application fits the new criteria
What to Say When You Follow Up
Be clear, concise, and polite. Don’t pressure embassy officials or agents with emotional messages, it rarely works.
Use facts like:
- Date of submission
- Application number
- Scheduled travel date
- Reason for urgency (business meeting, medical travel, etc.)
Learn for the Next Application
Delays aren’t always your fault, but in many cases they are preventable. Before applying again:
- Always double-check document requirements
- Apply early (4–6 weeks ahead of time)
- Choose agents or agencies with track records and references
- Use the right visa category
- Don’t lie or exaggerate income, purpose, or itinerary
Quick Checklist: What to Do If Your Visa Is Delayed
- Confirm normal processing times for your visa type
- Contact the visa center or embassy for updates
- Check for additional document requests
- Avoid reapplying unless advised
- Don’t rebook flights until visa is approved
- Use a professional tone when following up
- Learn from the experience for future applications
Need Help Following Up on Your Visa?
Visa delays can be stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. If your UAE, UK, US, or Schengen visa is delayed in Nigeria, we can help you:
- Track your application
- Follow up with embassies and VACs
- Provide alternative travel options
- Review and reprocess failed or delayed visas
Contact us today for expert assistance. Let’s make sure your next visa application goes smoothly.
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