- The UK Government will introduce digital eVisas for Nigerian nationals.
- This change applies to those applying for study or work visas.
- The implementation date is set for July 15, 2025.
The United Kingdom Government has announced it will introduce digital eVisas for most Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas, effective July 15, 2025.
This was revealed in a statement from the British High Commission in Abuja, signed by Onyinye Madu, and shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
The statement explained that the new system would replace the traditional visa vignette (a physical sticker in passports) with a secure digital eVisa for approved applicants.
The High Commission noted that this initiative is part of the UK’s broader effort to modernize and secure its immigration system.
“This marks a significant step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system,” the statement read.
Who is eligible for the digital eVisa?
From July 15, most individuals applying for UK study or work visas will be issued a digital eVisa. However, some categories will continue using the traditional vignette method.
“Starting from July 15, 2025, most study and work visa applicants will receive a digital eVisa instead of receiving a visa `vignette’ or sticker in their passport.”
“Applicants applying as dependents (e.g., spouse or child), and applicants for other visa types (e.g., standard visitor visas), will still receive a visa sticker in their passport,” the statement added.
Those who apply before July 15 will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting passports at Visa Application Centres and receiving a vignette.
Applicants will still be required to attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information. For those not needing a vignette, their passports will be returned the same day.
“Applicants would still need to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, adding that if a vignette is not required, they would obtain their passport same day.”
How the eVisa process works
Once approved, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) notifying them of the outcome and prompting them to create a UKVI account. This account will give them access to their immigration status.
“Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa,” the statement said.
The British High Commission described the digital visa system as more efficient, secure, and user-friendly for Nigerians planning to travel to the UK for work, study, or long-term residence.
“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.
“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.”
“eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months,” said Gill Lever, the UK’s Chargé d’Affaires.
What remains unchanged
The UK Government clarified that dependents and visitor visa applicants will continue to receive physical visa stickers for now.
“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK, or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being.”
Additionally, those with a UKVI account can share their immigration status using the “View and Prove” service.
“Customers with a UKVI Account can use the View and Prove service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England),” the statement noted.
The View and Prove service is an online tool that allows digital eVisa holders to access, manage, and share details about their visa, including duration of stay and visa conditions.
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