In many African homes, when a woman gives birth, her mother or close family member travels to help her during the recovery period. 

We call this ‘Omugwo’ in Nigeria. It’s a time of love, bonding, and support for both mother and child.

But if your daughter, sister, or family member lives in the UK and you want to travel for Omugwo, you’ll need a UK Visit Visa. 

Many people are not sure how this works, what documents are needed, or how to avoid visa rejection. Don’t worry, this post will explain everything in a simple way.

1. What Visa Do You Need for Omugwo?

The visa you need is called a UK Standard Visitor Visa. This visa is for people who want to visit the UK for a short period, usually for tourism, visiting family, or special occasions like Omugwo.

It is normally valid for 6 months, but you can apply for longer-term visit visas (2 years, 5 years, or even 10 years) if you plan to visit the UK often.

2. How Long Can You Stay?

With the visitor visa, you can stay for up to 6 months at a time. This is usually enough for Omugwo, since many mothers only need support for 2–3 months.

3. What Documents Do You Need?

To increase your chances of approval, you must prepare the right documents. Some of the important ones include:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  
• Visa application form (filled online)
  
• Passport photographs
  
• Proof of relationship with the person you are visiting (birth certificate of your daughter/son, marriage certificate if you’re visiting your spouse, etc.)
  
• Invitation letter from the family member in the UK (explaining why you’re visiting and where you’ll stay)
  
• Evidence of funds (bank statements or proof that your sponsor can take care of you)
  
• Proof of ties to Nigeria/Africa (documents that show you will return, like property papers, business registration, family commitments, etc.)

4. Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Many people are refused visas because of simple mistakes. Here are things to avoid:

• Saying you are going for Omugwo but not showing strong ties to your home country.
  
• Submitting fake documents.
  
• Not having enough proof of funds.
  
• Poor explanation in the invitation letter.

5. How to Increase Your Chances of Approval

• Be honest in your application.
  
• Provide complete documents — don’t leave gaps.
  
• Show you have reasons to return home after the Omugwo (other children, husband, job, business, etc.).
  
• Work with a trusted travel agency like BaGade Global Travels to guide you.

6. Cost of the Visa

As of 2025, the UK Standard Visitor Visa fee is about £115 (around ₦180,000, depending on exchange rates). Longer-term visas cost more. You will also need to pay for the Visa Application Centre (VAC) service charges.

Final Thoughts

Omugwo is a beautiful tradition, and being there for your loved one during childbirth is priceless. But without the right visa, you cannot travel. The good news is, with the correct guidance and documents, your UK visitor visa can be approved smoothly.

At BaGade Global Travels, we have helped many families secure their visas for Omugwo and other family visits. If you’re planning to travel soon, let us guide you step by step so you don’t face rejection.

Contact us today, and let’s make your Omugwo visit stress-free.