Nigerians travelling to the United Kingdom can now access their immigration status digitally through the UK’s electronic visa system, known as the eVisa.
The UK government has outlined steps visa holders must follow to access their digital records. The process involves creating a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, verifying their identity and linking the account to their eVisa.
UK Visas and Immigration shared the guidelines in an infographic posted on its official X account on Monday, November 9, 2026.
An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s identity and immigration status. It also shows the type of permission granted and the conditions attached to it.
The UK government says successful applicants for visas or other immigration permission will receive an eVisa instead of relying on physical immigration documents.
How Nigerians Can Apply for a UK eVisa
1. Apply for a UK visa
Applicants must first submit their visa applications through the official UK government website, GOV.UK.
Depending on the visa category, applicants may also need to provide biometric information and verify their identity at a designated Visa Application Centre.
2. Wait for the visa decision
After submitting an application, applicants will receive an email when UK Visas and Immigration reaches a decision.
The agency advises applicants to check their spam and junk folders. This helps them avoid missing important notifications.
3. Create a UKVI account
Applicants whose visas have been approved should create a UKVI account through the official eVisa portal.
The portal is available at https://www.gov.uk/evisa.
Applicants must follow the online instructions until the system confirms successful account creation.
4. Verify identity and link the eVisa
After creating an account, users must sign in and verify their identity.
The process can involve the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Applicants must also link their UKVI accounts to their electronic visa records.
5. View the eVisa
Once the eVisa becomes available, users will receive an email notification.
They can then sign in to view their digital immigration status. UKVI advises users to check their personal details and visa information before travelling.
Is Accessing the UK eVisa Free?
The UK government says applicants do not need to pay to create a UKVI account or access their eVisas.
Once users successfully link their digital records, they can usually view their eVisas immediately. However, the process may take up to 24 hours.
Applicants should use the official government portal and avoid paying third parties simply to create an account or access an eVisa.
What Can Nigerians Use Their eVisas For?
The digital system allows visa holders to view and prove their UK immigration status.
Users can generate a share code when they need to confirm their status to an employer or landlord. They can also use their digital records when travelling.
However, travellers must add their current passport or travel document details to their UKVI accounts before travelling.
The government also clarified that existing visa stickers in passports remain valid until their expiry dates. Some holders of biometric residence cards may also continue using them in certain situations.
Nigerian travellers can find official guidance and access the eVisa service through the UK government’s website at https://www.gov.uk/evisa.
