Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Tourist Visa for the UK, US, and Canada
Applying for a visa can feel like the hardest part of traveling abroad. Between forms, fees, and embassy interviews, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But once you understand the process — and have the right support — it becomes much simpler than you think.
At Bamo Travels Limited, we’ve helped hundreds of Nigerians successfully obtain tourist visas to the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. This guide breaks down each process step-by-step so you can apply with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
🇬🇧 A. UK Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor Visa)
The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, or short business stays — usually up to 6 months.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You must show that:
- You’re visiting for tourism or short-term purposes only.
- You’ll return to Nigeria after your trip.
- You have enough funds to cover your stay without working in the UK.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Common documents include:
- Valid international passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- Recent passport photograph.
- Proof of income or employment letter.
- Bank statement for the last 6 months.
- Travel history (if applicable).
- Flight and hotel reservation.
- Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends).
Step 3: Apply Online
Go to www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa.
Create an account, fill the form carefully, and pay the visa fee (around £115 for 6 months).
Step 4: Book a Biometric Appointment
After submission, schedule a biometric appointment at TLSContact Lagos or Abuja.
Bring your documents and confirmation letter.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing time is usually 3–4 weeks, but you can pay for priority service if needed.
Once approved, your passport will be stamped and returned.
Bamo Travels Tip: We help clients review their application forms, check supporting documents, and prepare for possible interview questions to improve approval chances.
🇺🇸 B. US Tourist Visa (B1/B2)
The US B1/B2 Visa covers both business (B1) and tourism/medical visits (B2). It’s one of the most sought-after visas by Nigerian travelers — and also one of the most misunderstood.
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form
Visit https://ceac.state.gov/.
Fill out the DS-160 form accurately — this is the most critical part. Any errors may lead to rejection.
Upload a recent 2×2-inch passport photo with a white background.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee
The fee is currently $185, payable at a designated bank or online. Keep your receipt safe — you’ll need the reference number to book your interview.
Step 3: Create a Profile and Book an Appointment
Go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng to create a profile, then schedule your biometric and interview appointments (usually at the US Embassy in Abuja or Consulate in Lagos).
Step 4: Attend Your Interview
Bring:
- Your international passport (and old ones if available).
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Appointment letter.
- Visa payment receipt.
- Proof of employment, business, or school enrollment.
- Financial proof (bank statements, sponsorship, etc.).
Interview tip: Answer confidently, truthfully, and briefly. The US visa process values honesty more than anything else.
Step 5: Visa Decision
Decisions are made immediately after your interview. If approved, your passport is returned with a 2- to 5-year multiple-entry visa.
Bamo Travels Tip: We offer mock interview sessions and document review services to help clients feel prepared and confident.
🇨🇦 C. Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
The Canadian Visitor Visa allows tourists to visit for leisure, family visits, or short business trips — usually valid for up to 6 months per entry.
Step 1: Create an IRCC Account
Visit www.canada.ca and create an IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) account.
Complete the online form truthfully. You’ll receive a checklist of required documents.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
- Passport (minimum 6-month validity).
- Passport photographs (per Canadian specification).
- Proof of funds (bank statement, pay slips).
- Employment or business documents.
- Letter of invitation (if visiting someone).
- Flight and accommodation bookings.
- Purpose of travel letter explaining your reason for visiting.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee and Submit Application
Fees include:
- Visa application: CAD $100
- Biometric fee: CAD $85
Submit your application online via your IRCC account.
Step 4: Provide Biometrics
After submitting, you’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter.
Schedule your biometrics at the VFS Global Canada Visa Centre in Lagos or Abuja.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing time is usually 4–6 weeks.
If approved, you’ll get a passport request letter and can submit it for visa stamping.
Bamo Travels Tip: We guide clients in writing strong “Purpose of Travel” letters — one of the key documents that influence Canadian visa approval.
💼 D. General Tips for All Visa Applications
- Apply early. Don’t wait until the last minute — embassies experience delays during peak seasons.
- Be honest. Never falsify bank statements or travel records. It leads to long-term bans.
- Show financial stability. You don’t have to be rich, but you must show consistent income or a reliable sponsor.
- Prove strong ties to Nigeria. The embassy wants to see reasons you’ll return — such as a job, business, or family.
- Be clear about your travel purpose. Your documents and answers should match perfectly.
📑 E. Required Supporting Documents (Summary)
| Document | UK | US | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Passport Photos | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank Statement (6 months) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Employment/Business Letter | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Invitation Letter (if applicable) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flight & Hotel Booking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Proof of Funds | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Purpose of Travel Letter | ✅ | — | ✅ |
| DS-160 Form | — | ✅ | — |
| Biometric Appointment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
🌎 F. Why Many Visa Applications Get Rejected
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Insufficient proof of financial capacity.
- Weak ties to home country.
- Inconsistent information between documents and interview responses.
- Poorly written travel purpose letter.
- Submitting fake or unverifiable documents.
Bamo Travels Limited helps travelers avoid these mistakes by reviewing each document carefully and advising on how to strengthen their application.
✈️ G. How Bamo Travels Can Help
Applying for visas on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. One missing document can cause delays or rejections.
That’s why Bamo Travels Limited offers complete visa support for:
✅ UK, US, Canada, UAE, and Schengen applications.
✅ Professional document review and correction.
✅ Guidance on proof of funds and invitation letters.
✅ Flight, hotel, and travel insurance bookings.
✅ Pre-interview coaching and embassy updates.
We ensure your application meets the latest embassy standards — increasing your chances of approval.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Getting a tourist visa for the UK, US, or Canada doesn’t have to be complicated.
With careful preparation, complete documents, and professional guidance, you can get approved faster than you think.
At Bamo Travels Limited, we simplify the process so you can focus on your journey — not the paperwork.
Whether you’re planning a vacation, visiting family, or exploring new opportunities abroad, we’ll help you every step of the way — from application to approval.
📞 Contact Bamo Travels Today
📍 Cluster 4, River Park, Airport Road, Abuja, Nigeria
📧 info@bamotravels.com.ng
🌐 www.bamotravels.com.ng
📱 +234 703 119 2598
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