The United Kingdom has announced that it will discontinue the use of physical visa stickers for Nigerian travellers, introducing a fully digital visa system for certain categories of applicants starting February 25, 2026.
The change was confirmed in a statement issued by the British High Commission, which said Nigerian nationals applying for UK Visit visas will now be issued electronic visas, known as eVisas, instead of the traditional vignette stickers placed inside passports.
What the New eVisa System Means
Under the revised policy:
- Successful applicants will no longer receive a visa sticker in their passport.
- Instead, they will access their immigration status digitally through an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- The visa will exist as a secure electronic record linked to the traveller’s identity.
Officials stressed that the application process itself remains unchanged. Applicants will still:
- Submit their forms online.
- Attend a Visa Application Centre for biometric enrolment.
- Meet all existing eligibility and documentation requirements.
The only adjustment is in how the visa is issued and stored moving from a physical document to a digital format.
Existing Visa Holders Not Affected
Nigerians who already possess valid visa stickers will continue to use them until their expiration dates. The transition applies only to new Visit visa applications submitted from the effective date.
UK Says Shift Will Boost Security and Efficiency
According to the Commission, the digital system is designed to improve both processing efficiency and document security.
Passports are expected to be returned more quickly after processing, while travellers will be able to check their visa status online at any time.
The move also eliminates risks associated with lost, stolen, or tampered visa stickers, as the immigration record will now be securely stored in the UK’s digital system.
Officials Highlight Easier Travel Experience
Commenting on the development, British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, speaking in Abuja, said the transition reflects efforts to modernise the visa process and make travel more seamless.
She noted that the adoption of eVisas will reduce reliance on paper documentation while maintaining secure border control systems, adding that the UK remains open to Nigerian visitors, students, and professionals.
What Applicants Must Do After Approval
Once a visa application is approved, travellers will be required to create a free UKVI account to:
- View their eVisa details,
- Manage their immigration status, and
- Use the digital confirmation for travel and verification purposes.
The shift marks a significant step in the UK’s broader move toward digital immigration management, aligning visa processing with global trends in contactless documentation and border technology.
