The United Kingdom has announced that Nigerian
nationals applying for visit visas will begin receiving electronic visas
(eVisas) instead of physical visa stickers in their passports from February 25,
2026.
The development was disclosed on Monday in a statement
by the British High Commission in Abuja.
According to the statement, the change forms part of
the UK government’s transition to a fully digital border system. From the
effective date, successful applicants will no longer receive the traditional
vignette sticker in their passports. Instead, they will access their visa
electronically through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
“The 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.
The High Commission clarified that the visa
application process and requirements remain unchanged. Applicants will still
complete the standard online application, attend a Visa Application Centre to
provide biometric data, and meet all existing eligibility criteria.
The only modification is in how the visa is issued —
applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status
instead of a physical sticker.
The digital system is expected to offer several
benefits, including quicker return of passports after processing, improved
online access to immigration status, and enhanced security, as eVisas cannot be
lost, stolen, or tampered with.
To access their eVisa, applicants will be required to
create a free UKVI account. Further guidance on the application process and the
new digital visa system is available on the UK government’s official website.
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