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UK Introduces Fully Digital Visit Visas for Nigerians
The United Kingdom has announced that Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas will, from February 25, 2026, will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) instead of the traditional vignette sticker affixed to passports.
RELATED: Nigeria to launch e-Visa system May 1 to simplify travel and boost tourism
The announcement was made in an official statement issued on Monday by the Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, Onyinye Madu.
End of Physical Visa Stickers
According to the statement, “From 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) in their passports.”
Under the new arrangement, successful applicants will access their visa digitally through an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), marking a significant shift towards a fully digital visa issuance system.
How the eVisa System Will Work
Once a visa application is approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to view and manage their eVisa. The digital record will serve as secure proof of immigration status and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
The UK government explained that while the visa format is changing, the application process itself remains the same. Nigerian travellers will still apply online, attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric information, and meet all existing eligibility requirements.
Benefits of the Digital Visa Transition
The move to eVisas is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including faster return of passports, improved convenience for travellers, and enhanced security. Unlike physical stickers, eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, offering a more reliable way to verify immigration status.
Travellers will also be able to manage their visa details online, reducing dependence on paper documents.
UK Reaffirms Commitment to Nigerian Travellers
Commenting on the development, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the new system would simplify travel procedures for Nigerians.
She noted that digital visas would streamline the application process, strengthen security, and modernise border management, while reaffirming the UK’s commitment to welcoming Nigerian visitors, students, and workers.
