The United Kingdom has announced a major shift in its immigration policy, confirming that from February 25, 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) instead of the traditional physical vignette sticker. The move, announced by the British High Commission in Abuja, marks a decisive step in the UK’s transition toward a fully digital border and immigration system.
Under the new arrangement, successful applicants will no longer have a visa sticker affixed to their passports. Instead, they will access a secure digital record of their immigration status through an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever OBE, stated that the reform is designed to simplify travel procedures, strengthen security, and reduce reliance on paper documentation. “We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK,” Lever said, noting that the digital system will streamline the process for visitors, students, and workers alike.
While the delivery format is changing, the core application process remains the same. Nigerian travelers must still complete the standard online application, attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit biometric data, and meet all existing eligibility criteria. A significant benefit of the new system is the faster return of passports, as they will no longer need to be retained by the embassy for the manual endorsement of stickers. The digital records are also touted as being more secure, as they cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
The High Commission clarified that Nigerians currently holding valid physical visa stickers do not need to take any action; their existing visas remain valid until their stated expiry dates. However, once a new visa is approved on or after the February 25 deadline, travelers will be required to create a free UKVI account to view and share their status before they fly. This update aligns with broader global trends toward paperless travel and places Nigeria among the early group of nations fully transitioning to Britain’s digital immigration framework.
