UK Releases eVisa Access Guide for Nigerians, Other Foreign Nationals
The United Kingdom has issued guidelines explaining how Nigerians and other foreign nationals can access their electronic immigration status following the replacement of physical immigration documents with electronic visas.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) published the guidelines in an infographic shared on its official X account on Monday, outlining the steps required to create a UKVI account, verify applicants’ identities and link their accounts to their eVisas.
An eVisa is a digital record of an individual's identity and immigration status in the UK. It contains details of the immigration permission granted, including indefinite leave to remain, as well as any conditions attached to the status.
The UK government said individuals granted a visa or other permission to stay in the country would be issued an eVisa instead of a physical immigration document.
How to Apply for and Access a UK eVisa
1. Submit a visa application
Applicants must first complete the relevant visa application process through the UK government's official website, GOV.UK.
Depending on the visa category, applicants may also be required to provide biometric information and verify their identities at a designated Visa Application Centre.
2. Receive an application decision
Following submission, applicants will receive an email notification informing them of UKVI's decision.
The agency advises applicants to check their spam and junk folders regularly to avoid missing important updates.
3. Create a UKVI account
Applicants whose visa applications are approved should create a UKVI account through the official eVisa portal at gov.uk/evisa.
They must follow the online instructions until their accounts are successfully created.
4. Verify identity and link the eVisa
After creating an account, users must log in and verify their identities using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
They must also link their UKVI accounts to their electronic immigration records to access their eVisas online.
5. Access the electronic visa
Once the eVisa is available, users will receive an email notification directing them to view their immigration status online.
UKVI advises holders to check their digital records and ensure that their personal information and immigration details are accurate before travelling.
The UK government said creating a UKVI account and accessing an eVisa are free of charge.
