WorldStage Newsonline– The UK Government has announced that it will unveil digital eVisas for most Nigerian nationals applying for study or work visas from July 15.
A statement by the British High Commission, Abuja, signed by Onyinye Madu explained that under the new system, successful applicants will receive a secure online eVisa instead of a physical visa sticker in their passport.
The statement said that applicants would still need to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, adding that if a vignette is not required, they would obtain their passport same day.
“This marks a significant step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.
“Starting from July 15, 2025, most study and work visa applicants will receive a digital eVisa instead of receiving a visa `vignette’ or sticker in their passport.
“Applicants applying as dependents (e.g., spouse or child), and applicants for other visa types (e.g., standard visitor visas), will still receive a visa sticker in their passport,” the statement said.
It further explained that, under the new dispensation, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.
According to the High Commission, applicants who applied before July 15 will continue with the current process, including leaving their passports at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.
It added that once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
“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.
“eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted leave for over six months,” the statement quoted Gill Lever, the Chargé d’Affaires, as saying.
It said that while the change applied only to study and work visa applications for the time being, dependents (spouses or children) and visitor visa applicants will continue to receive a visa vignette.
“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.
“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),” the statement added.
WorldStage Newsonline– The United States (U.S.) Government has announced the review of its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria and other countries.
A statement issued by the U.S. Embassysaid, “Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”
Titled, “Revised Visa Reciprocity for Nigeria”, the statement explained that the visa policy review, would impact several countries, including Nigeria, and would take effect immediately.
It said, “Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.
“We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process, and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”
It further explained that U.S. visa criteria and standards were designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems, and the standards were based on global technical and security benchmarks.
The embassy urged prospective U.S. visa applicants to view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.
It also said that the U.S. Mission was already working with the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria met the standard criteria, which it enumerated below.
The first standard criteria, the government said, is the “Secure Travel Documents”, by which individual countries are required to issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
Another standard criteria is that of “Visa Overstay Management”, which requires the implementation of measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.
It also listed “Information Sharing” as one of the standard criteria, which required the sharing of relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria, and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger.
“We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.
“We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges,” it said.
The U.S. Government, therefore, encouraged Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.
It assured that United States would remain a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.
“We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” the statement added.
