The United Kingdom will from February 25, 2026, discontinue the issuance of physical visa stickers to Nigerian travellers, replacing them entirely with digital eVisas in what officials describe as a major reform of the country’s immigration system.
Announcing the policy shift in Abuja, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said all new Visit visas granted to Nigerian nationals will now be issued electronically, as part of the UK’s transition to a fully digital border regime.
Under the new system, successful applicants will no longer receive a visa vignette pasted into their passport. Instead, proof of immigration status will be accessible online through a secure UKVI account.
The British authorities emphasised that the application process remains unchanged. Nigerian applicants will still complete the standard online application, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data, and meet existing eligibility requirements. The only change relates to how the visa is issued and accessed.
UKVI clarified that Nigerians who currently hold valid physical visa stickers will not be affected. Existing visas will remain valid until their expiration dates and will not require replacement solely because of the transition to eVisas.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the move is aimed at simplifying travel while strengthening border security.
“We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This shift to digital visas streamlines a key part of the process, strengthens security and reduces reliance on paper documentation,” she said.
According to UKVI, the eVisa system is expected to reduce processing time since passports will no longer need to be retained for visa endorsement. Travellers will also be able to view and manage their immigration status online at any time.
Officials highlighted additional security advantages, noting that unlike physical stickers, eVisas cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. The system also enables real-time verification of immigration status.
Once a visa is approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access and share their eVisa details when necessary.
The reform forms part of a broader modernization of the UK’s border management framework, with Nigerian travellers among the first cohorts to transition fully to digital visa issuance.
For business travellers, students and frequent visitors, the change represents a significant procedural shift, replacing passport-based documentation with a secure online immigration record as the new standard for UK entry clearance.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
