The United Kingdom implemented a major change in its visa issuance process for Nigerian travellers. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) transitioned to electronic visas (eVisas) for all new UK Visit visa applications from Nigerian nationals starting February 25, 2026. Authorities replaced traditional physical visa stickers in passports with secure digital records.
UKVI issued the update in mid-February 2026. The British High Commission in Abuja confirmed the policy shift. Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer Onyinye Madu signed a statement on the matter. Officials described the move as part of a broader transition to a fully digital border system.
From February 25, 2026, successful Nigerian applicants for UK Visit visas received eVisas only. They no longer obtained vignette stickers placed in passports. The change applied specifically to visit visa categories for new applications submitted on or after the effective date.
Travellers created a UKVI account to view and manage their digital immigration status. Successful applicants accessed proof of their visa through this secure online platform. Authorities instructed individuals to set up the account before travel. This allowed them to present their eVisa electronically at borders.
Applicants continued to submit online forms and attend Visa Application Centres for biometric data collection. They met the same eligibility criteria as before. The only difference involved the visa format. Physical documents such as passport vignettes ended for these cases.
The UK government pursued a phased approach to eVisas across visa types and nationalities. Earlier phases included study and work visas for Nigerians from July 2025. The February 2026 step extended the digital system to visit visas. UKVI planned to phase out all visa stickers later in 2026.
UKVI urged affected travellers to create UKVI accounts promptly. Officials directed people to official resources for details. The website gov.uk/eVisa provided further guidance on the process. This ensured smooth access to digital status before departure.
