The United Kingdom has announced that Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas will, from February 25, 2026, receive electronic visas (eVisas) instead of the traditional physical vignette stickers placed in passports.
In a statement released on Monday, UK Visas and Immigration said the change is part of the UK government’s broader transition to a fully digital border system and a modernised immigration process.
Under the new policy, successful Nigerian applicants will access their visas electronically through their UKVI accounts, eliminating the need for passport stickers. UKVI, however, stressed that visa application procedures remain unchanged, as applicants must still submit applications, attend Visa Application Centres for biometric enrolment, and meet all existing eligibility requirements.
The agency explained that the update affects only the format in which visas are issued. Approved applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status, while Nigerians currently holding valid vignette visas can continue to use them until they expire or are replaced.
According to the UK government, the shift to eVisas will deliver multiple benefits, including quicker passport returns, round-the-clock access to immigration status online, and improved security, as digital visas cannot be lost, stolen, or altered.
Reacting to the development, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the move would simplify travel for Nigerians. She noted that the digital system would streamline visa processing, strengthen security, and reduce reliance on paper documents, while reaffirming the UK’s commitment to welcoming Nigerian visitors, students, and workers.
UKVI also advised approved applicants to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa and encouraged Nigerians to visit the official government portal for further guidance on the new system.