Nigerian travellers to the United Kingdom will begin receiving electronic visas instead of physical visa stickers from February 25, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, Onyinye Madu.
“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,” the statement said.
Under the new system, the commission said successful applicants will access their visa electronically through a UK Visas and Immigration account, marking a shift toward a fully digital visa process.
It explained that the requirements for Nigerian applicants remain unchanged, saying “Travellers will continue to apply online, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet all existing eligibility criteria.”
The only change, it noted, is the format in which the visa is issued, saying that instead of a physical sticker, applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status.
It added that Nigerians who already hold valid vignette stickers do not need to take any action, as their physical visas will remain valid until they expire or require replacement.
Highlighting the benefits of the transition, the commission stated, “The move to eVisas brings a number of benefits for Nigerian travellers. Passports will be returned more quickly, and travellers can manage their immigration status online at any time, from any location. The digital format offers stronger security as eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.”
Also commenting on the development, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the change would simplify the process for travellers.
“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. We look forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers to the UK,” she said.
According to the statement, once a visa application is approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa.
The PUNCH