The United Kingdom has announced that all new UK visit visas for Nigerian travellers will be issued digitally from February 25, 2026, in a move aimed at modernising and strengthening its immigration system.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the British High Commission Abuja.
According to the statement, Nigerian applicants will, from the effective date, receive an electronic visa (eVisa) instead of the traditional vignette sticker placed in their passports. The visa will be accessible online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
“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 said.
It clarified that the application process and eligibility requirements remain unchanged. Applicants will still complete the standard application, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet existing criteria.
“The only difference is how the visa is issued: instead of a physical sticker, applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status,” the commission added.
The UK government said the shift to eVisas is expected to offer several benefits, including faster passport return, easier online access to immigration status, and improved security, as digital visas cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with.
Applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa. Further details on the application process and the new digital system are available on the official UK government website.
