The United Kingdom has announced that all new UK visit visas for Nigerian travellers will be issued electronically from February 25, 2026, marking a major step in modernising its visa system.
A statement released on Monday by the British High Commission in Abuja explained that Nigerian applicants will no longer receive the traditional vignette sticker in their passports. Instead, visas will be accessible digitally through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
“The UK Visas & Immigration is continuing its transition to a fully digital border. From 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) in their passport,” the statement read.
The High Commission clarified that while the mode of issuance is changing, all visa application requirements remain the same. Applicants will still need to submit their applications, attend Visa Application Centres to provide biometric data, and meet all eligibility criteria. The only difference is that the visa status will now be issued as a secure digital record.
This shift to electronic visas is part of the UK’s broader efforts to modernise its immigration processes, streamline travel for applicants, and enhance border security while making it easier for travellers to access their visa information digitally.
The UK government urged Nigerian travellers to ensure they have a valid UKVI account before applying for their visit visa, noting that the eVisa system will simplify travel documentation and reduce the reliance on physical passports for visa verification.