The United Kingdom has announced the rollout of electronic visas, eVisas, for Nigerian nationals applying for study and work-related visas, effective July 15, 2025.
According to a statement from the British High Commission in Abuja, successful applicants will no longer receive physical visa vignettes, stickers, in their passports.
It noted that instead, they will be issued a secure, digital eVisa, which serves as an online record of their immigration status.
The move comes barely 24 hours after the the United States Government revised its visa policy for Nigeria, restricting most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens to single-entry with a three-month validity period.
“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.
“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,” Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja,” Gill Lever OBE, said
The statement noted that the change applies only to study and work visa applications submitted on or after July 15, 2025, as those who apply before the date will continue with the current system, which includes leaving their passports at the Visa Application Centre, VAC, and receiving a vignette.
Visitor visa applicants and dependants, such as spouses and children of study or work visa holders, will continue to receive the physical vignette for now.
The government said despite the shift to digital visas, all applicants must still attend a VAC to provide biometric data, adding that if a vignette is not required, applicants may take their passports home the same day.
Once a decision is made on the application, successful applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration, UKVI, with instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
It stated that visit visas applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.
Additional information from the commission said eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits, BRPs, for individuals granted leave for over six months.
It noted that 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.
It said what applicants need to do is apply online and submit application through the official website via gov.uk
Attend a Visa Application Centre, VAC, to submit your passport and biometrics information.
“If your visa does not require a visa vignette sticker, you can take your passport home the same day
After your visa is granted, follow the instructions in your decision notification. If advised create a UKVI account and link it to your current passport,” the statement said.
