The British High Commission (BHC) in Nigeria has announced a major shift in the United Kingdom’s visa application process. Effective July 15, 2025, most Nigerian applicants for study and work visas will now receive a digital eVisa instead of a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passports.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the High Commission confirmed that the new system will apply only to applications submitted on or after July 15. Applications filed before that date will continue to follow the current process involving physical passport submission and sticker issuance.
What the eVisa Means for Applicants
The eVisa is a secure, online record of a person’s immigration status, part of the UK government’s wider effort to fully digitize its immigration system.
According to the BHC: “This is a big step toward a more secure, efficient, and convenient process for Nigerian students, professionals, and families seeking to travel to the UK.
”Applicants will still need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos), even though they will now retain their passports during the application process.
Once a decision is made, successful applicants will:
- Receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Be asked to create a UKVI account to access and manage their eVisa.
- Use the “View and Prove” online service to share their status with UK employers, landlords, or institutions.
Who is Affected?
- Eligible: Most people applying for study or work visas from July 15 onward.
Not yet affected
- Visitor visa applicants (will still receive physical stickers).
- Dependants of students or workers (e.g., spouses, children).
Background and Benefits
The UK has already phased out Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for in-country residents. The eVisa system eliminates the need to carry a physical visa and streamlines border control, status verification, and application tracking.
Gill Atkinson, Chargé d’Affaires at the BHC in Abuja, emphasized: “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This change brings the UK immigration system into a modern digital era.”
What You Need to DoTo apply for a UK eVisa
Nigerians must:
1. Apply online via https://www.gov.uk
2. Attend a Visa Application Centre for biometric enrollment
3. Follow post-approval instructions to access the eVisa via a UKVI account.
The High Commission says this transition is part of broader immigration reforms to enhance travel experience and digital security.
