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UK visas go digital for all Nigerian travelers
Sopuruchi Onwuka
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that from 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive a digital eVisa instead of the traditional vignette sticker placed in their passports.
The change forms part of the UK government’s broader transition to a fully digital border system. Under the new arrangement, successful applicants will access their visa electronically through a UKVI online account, rather than relying on a physical visa label.
For Nigerian applicants, the visa application process and eligibility requirements remain unchanged. Applicants will continue to complete the online application, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet all existing criteria. The only difference will be the method of visa issuance, with successful applicants receiving a secure digital record of their immigration status instead of a passport sticker.
UKVI clarified that Nigerians who already hold a valid vignette sticker do not need to take any action. Their physical visas will remain valid until their stated expiry dates or until replacement becomes necessary.
According to UKVI, the shift to eVisas is expected to deliver several benefits. Passports may be returned more quickly since no physical sticker needs to be inserted, and travellers will be able to view and manage their immigration status online at any time. The digital format is also considered more secure, as eVisas cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with.
Welcoming the transition, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever OBE, said the move is intended to simplify travel for Nigerians while strengthening border security. She stated that the digital system will streamline a key part of the visa process and reduce reliance on paper documentation, adding that the UK looks forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers.
Once a visa application is approved, successful applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa. Further details are available on the UK government’s official website.
