The United Kingdom has announced that starting February 25, 2026, all new UK Visit visas for Nigerian travellers will be issued digitally, replacing the traditional vignette sticker in passports.
According to a statement by Onyinye Madu, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, the new eVisa system allows applicants to access their visa online through a UKVI account, while the application process—including online submission and biometric appointments at Visa Application Centres—remains unchanged.
Nigerians who already hold a valid vignette sticker do not need to take any action, as existing visas remain valid until expiration or replacement is required.
The digital visa initiative is part of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)’s plan to transition to a fully digital border system. Benefits include faster passport return, easier online management of immigration status, and enhanced security since eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
Welcoming the change, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever OBE, said:
“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.”
Once approved, applicants must create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa. More information is available at www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk and www.gov.uk/eVisa.
