The United Kingdom (UK) has announced that from February 25, 2026, all new UK Visit visas issued to Nigerian nationals will be provided as electronic visas (e-Visas), marking a transition to a fully digital immigration system.
The change was confirmed by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the agency responsible for managing the UK’s visa and immigration processes.
Under the new arrangement, successful applicants will no longer receive a vignette sticker placed in their passports. Instead, their immigration status will be issued as a secure digital record accessible online.
What Is an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is a digital version of a visa. Rather than a physical stamp or sticker in a passport, the visa holder’s immigration status is stored electronically and linked to a UKVI online account.
Travellers will be required to create a free UKVI account once their visa is approved in order to access and manage their e-Visa.
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Application Process Remains the Same
UKVI clarified that the introduction of e-Visas does not change the application process for Nigerians. Applicants must still:
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Complete the standard visa application form
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Attend a Visa Application Centre appointment
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Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)
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Meet all existing eligibility requirements
The only difference is the format in which the visa is issued.
What Happens to Existing Visa Holders?
Nigerians who already have valid visa stickers in their passports do not need to take any action. Their physical visas will remain valid until they expire or require replacement.
Benefits of the Digital System
According to UKVI, the move to e-Visas offers several advantages, including:
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Faster return of passports after visa processing
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Easier online access to immigration status
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Enhanced security, as digital visas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with
The digital transition is part of the UK government’s broader effort to modernise border management and improve the efficiency of visa processing.
The British government says the new system is designed to simplify travel procedures for Nigerians while strengthening security and reducing reliance on paper-based documents.