The UK government has announced it will roll out digital eVisas for applicants seeking to study or work in Britain, beginning 15 July, as part of efforts to transition towards a fully digital immigration system.
Mrs Gill Lever, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, confirmed the change in a statement on Wednesday. The digital eVisa will replace the current visa vignette or sticker placed in passports for successful applicants.
Lever explained the reform is aimed at making the application process more secure, streamlined and convenient for students, professionals and families.
“We are making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK,” she said.
Nevertheless, she emphasised that applicants for other visa types, such as standard visitor visas and those applying as dependants, will still be issued a physical visa sticker.
Despite the shift to digital, applicants must still visit a visa application centre to submit biometric data during the application process. After a decision has been made, successful applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration, with instructions to set up a UKVI account where they can access and manage their eVisa.
The eVisa system has already replaced the Biometric Residence Permit for individuals granted permission to stay in the UK for longer than six months.
Through their UKVI account, visa holders can use the government’s ‘view and prove’ service to securely share proof of their immigration status with employers, landlords or other third parties.
The UK’s move reflects a broader trend towards digitising travel documentation and streamlining border processes.
