The government of the United Kingdom has announced the introduction of eVisas for Nigerian applicants.
The British High Commission in Abuja, which made this announcement on Wednesday, said the new initiative is to streamline the application process for study and work visas.
A statement released by the British High Commission also revealed that the eVisas for Nigerian applicants introduced by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will replace the paper-based systems with a fully online platform.
Starting from 15 July 2025, most applicants in these categories will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports.
The new policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.
The statement reads in part: “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.
“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”
Importantly, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.
The statement further stated that once their visa is approved, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with a decision and instructions to set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.
“Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” the statement added.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that to obtain an eVisa, applicants must;
• Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk)
• Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics
• Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required
• Follow the decision letter instructions, including creating and linking a UKVI account if necessary.
