Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
To send a parcel from Nigeria to the UK, use an express courier such as DHL, FedEx or UPS for speed, or a cheaper economy or cargo service if you can wait. Express delivery usually takes about 2–5 business days. Express courier prices for even small shipments often start at around ₦75,000–₦140,000+. DHL Nigeria also adds a weekly fuel surcharge, which was 46.25% for 28 September to 4 October 2026. The UK recipient may pay VAT on gifts worth more than £39, and customs duty on goods worth more than £135.
Nigerians send parcels to the UK every day: foodstuff and clothes for family, documents for school and visa applications, and products for customers. Prices have climbed sharply with the naira’s fall and rising fuel surcharges, so older price lists, such as ₦20,000–₦35,000 for a 1–5 kg parcel, are well out of date. This guide covers your shipping options, realistic 2026 costs, the UK’s customs rules and how to book.
What you can send to the UK
- Documents: certificates, transcripts, contracts and legal papers.
- Clothing, fabrics and footwear, including aso-ebi and ready-made outfits.
- Books, crafts and personal gifts.
- Commercial goods for online buyers, such as hair products, cosmetics and fashion. These need an accurate declaration of their value.
- Some dry, packaged foods. Food rules are strict and differ between the courier and UK border rules. Check with your courier before packing any foodstuff.
Every courier publishes its own list of prohibited and restricted items. Never send cash. See our guide, can you send money in a DHL package?
Shipping options from Nigeria to the UK
| Option | Speed | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express courier (DHL Express Worldwide, FedEx, UPS) | About 2–5 business days | Documents, urgent or valuable items | Door to door, tracked; DHL Worldwide allows up to 70 kg per piece |
| Time-definite express (DHL 9:00, 10:30 or 12:00) | By a set time on a set day | Deadlines, such as application documents | Costs more; 25 kg per piece for 9:00 and 10:30 |
| Economy (for example, DHL Economy Select) | Slower than express | Heavier, non-urgent parcels | Up to 70 kg per piece |
| NIPOST (EMS or parcel post) | Varies | Budget senders | Use NIPOST’s tariff calculator for prices |
| Cargo agents (air or sea consolidation) | Air takes days to weeks; sea takes weeks | Bulk foodstuff, boxes and business stock | Priced per kg or per cubic metre; check reputation |
Sources: DHL Nigeria delivery services page and Travo’s DHL Nigeria to UK guide, both checked 29 September 2026.
How much does it cost to send a parcel to the UK?
Couriers in Nigeria rarely publish a fixed price list. Prices are quoted per shipment, based on weight, size, service and destination postcode. Here is what we could verify:
- Express courier, small shipments: Travo’s DHL Nigeria to UK guide (May 2026) says prices commonly start from around ₦75,000 to ₦140,000+ for small document or parcel shipments. These are indicative, so get a live quote.
- Fuel surcharge: DHL Express Nigeria adds a weekly fuel surcharge on top of the base rate. It was 45.00% for 21–27 September, 46.25% for 28 September–4 October, and 48.00% for 5–11 October 2026.
- Other DHL surcharges: DHL Nigeria lists a remote-area delivery charge for international shipments of ₦20,000, or ₦880 per kg if that is higher. A demand surcharge can also apply at busy times. Its rates are quoted excluding VAT.
- Volumetric weight: Express couriers charge on actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. DHL Express works out volumetric weight as length × width × height in cm, divided by 5,000. A large, light box can cost as much as a heavy one.
How to cut the cost
- Use the smallest strong box that fits, to keep the volumetric weight down.
- Combine several items into one parcel rather than sending many small ones.
- Compare express and economy services, and ask whether a cheaper service will do.
- Send early. Rushing before Christmas or a deadline costs more.
UK customs: what the recipient may pay
These are the UK government’s rules for goods sent from abroad:
- Gifts worth £39 or less: no VAT.
- Gifts over £39, and goods bought: VAT is charged at the rate for that type of goods.
- Customs duty: charged on excise goods, such as alcohol and tobacco, and on goods worth more than £135.
- Payment: Royal Mail, Parcelforce or the courier contacts the recipient to collect any VAT, duty or fees before delivering. DHL notes that the sender can choose to pay duties and taxes instead, depending on the billing option.
Declare the contents and value honestly. Under-declaring can lead to delays, penalties or seizure.
Required documentation
- Valid ID for the sender, as couriers may ask to see it at booking or drop-off.
- The recipient’s full UK address with postcode, and a phone number.
- A clear description, quantity and value of every item. DHL says most international shipments need at least a commercial invoice or a proforma invoice, and the courier helps you prepare it.
- Any extra paperwork the courier asks for, depending on the item.
Top courier companies for UK deliveries
- DHL Express Nigeria: express and economy services, online quotes, and walk-in “Express Easy” at service points. See our DHL Nigeria to UK price guide.
- FedEx, through its Nigerian licensee Red Star Express. See how FedEx delivery works in Nigeria.
- UPS Nigeria. See UPS Nigeria.
- NIPOST (EMS): the national postal service.
Travo is an independent booking and logistics platform and is not an agent of these couriers.
Sending a parcel to the UK?
Book a pickup from your home or office on Travo, and we will help you get it to the right international service. Or send us the details on WhatsApp.
How to send a parcel to the UK via Travo
- Open the Travo booking page and choose Send Parcel.
- Enter your pickup address in Nigeria and the UK delivery address, with postcode.
- Describe the contents, with weight, size and value.
- Get your quote and confirm.
- Hand over the parcel and keep the tracking number. Follow it with our package tracking guide.
Packing tips
- Use a new, rigid box. Double-box fragile items.
- Vacuum-seal or double-bag anything that could leak or smell.
- Put a copy of the addresses inside the box as well as on the outside.
- Photograph the contents and the sealed box before handover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to send a parcel from Nigeria to the UK?
Express courier prices for small shipments commonly start from around ₦75,000–₦140,000+, and fuel surcharges (46.25% at DHL Nigeria for 28 September–4 October 2026) apply on top. Cargo agents can be cheaper for heavy, non-urgent boxes. Always get a live quote.
How long does a parcel from Nigeria to the UK take?
Express courier shipments commonly arrive in 2–5 business days. Economy, postal and cargo services take longer. Customs checks and holidays can add delays.
Will the person in the UK pay customs charges?
Possibly. Gifts worth more than £39 attract VAT, and goods worth more than £135 can attract customs duty. The courier or Royal Mail collects any charges before delivering.
Can I send food from Nigeria to the UK?
Some dry, packaged foods may be accepted, but rules are strict. Check your courier’s restricted items list and the UK’s import rules before you pack, or the parcel may be held or destroyed.
What is the cheapest way to send a parcel to the UK?
For heavy, non-urgent boxes, economy services or reputable cargo consolidators are usually cheaper than express. For small documents, compare express quotes, as the gap can be smaller than you expect.
Why is my quote higher than the price I saw online?
Quotes include weekly fuel surcharges and may be based on volumetric weight. Remote-area or demand surcharges and VAT can also be added.
Related guides
- DHL price list from Nigeria to Canada
- DHL price list from Nigeria to Germany
- British Airways (IAG Cargo) courier and cargo
- Travo international shipping
Sources: DHL Express Nigeria surcharges and delivery services pages (viewed 29 Sep 2026); GOV.UK: tax and duty on goods sent from abroad (viewed 29 Sep 2026); Travo DHL Nigeria to UK guide (11 May 2026); NIPOST tariff calculator. Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
