The United Kingdom has announced a major shift in its visa system, confirming that all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive a digital eVisa from 25 February 2026.
The change is part of the UK government’s wider plan to modernise border control and move away from physical visa stickers. Under the new system, successful applicants will no longer receive a vignette in their passport.
Instead, their immigration status will be stored securely online and accessed through a personal account with UK Visas & Immigration.
Despite the digital upgrade, the visa application process itself remains unchanged. Nigerian applicants will still:
- Apply through existing channels
- Visit a Visa Application Centre
- Submit biometric information
- Meet all eligibility requirements
The only difference is how the visa is issued. Once approved, travellers will receive a secure electronic visa record, eliminating the need for passport stickers.
Existing Visa Holders
Nigerians who already hold a valid UK visa vignette do not need to worry. Their current physical visa remains valid until it expires or requires replacement.
The transition brings several advantages for Nigerian travellers:
- Faster return of passports after application
- 24/7 online access to visa status from anywhere
- Stronger protection against loss, theft, or tampering
Digital visas also reduce reliance on paper documents, making international travel smoother and more secure.
Read Also: UK to issue eVisas to Nigerian travellers from February 25
UK Welcomes Nigerian Visitors
Reacting to the development, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever OBE, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Nigerian travellers:
“We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This move to digital visas will streamline a key part of the visa process, making it more secure while reducing dependence on paper documents.”
She added that the UK looks forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students, and workers.
How to Access Your eVisa
Once a visa is approved, applicants must create a free UKVI account to view and manage their eVisa. Full guidance is available on the official UK government website.
