By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United Kingdom has advised visa holders, including Nigerians, to properly set up their electronic immigration accounts and ensure their passport details are correctly linked to avoid complications when travelling.
The guidance, released by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on Monday, November 9, explains how successful visa applicants can create an account, verify their identities and access their electronic immigration records, known as eVisas.
The development comes as Britain continues its transition from physical immigration documents to a digital system, under which successful visa applicants receive electronic records instead of traditional visa documents.
According to the UK government, an eVisa contains an individual’s identity and immigration status, including the type of permission granted and the conditions attached to it.
However, accessing the digital record requires applicants to complete certain steps.
Visa holders are expected to create a UKVI account through the official government portal, confirm their identities using the UK Immigration: ID Check application where required, and link their accounts to their electronic immigration records.
The government said creating a UKVI account and accessing an eVisa are free.
It also advised travellers to ensure that the passport they intend to use is linked to their UKVI account and that their personal details match the information provided to their airline.
Failure to ensure that the records are accurate could result in travel delays or boarding difficulties.
The UK government also allows eVisa holders to generate share codes to demonstrate their immigration status when required, including for travel, employment and accommodation purposes.
A travel share code remains valid for 90 days and can be used multiple times before it expires.
The digital immigration system does not mean that all travellers require an eVisa. Visitors travelling under an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), for instance, do not need one.
The UK government has also clarified that existing visa stickers in passports remain valid until their expiry dates.
Visa holders can access the official eVisa service through the UK government’s website.
