UK to issue E-Visas for Nigerians from February 2026
Nigerian heading to the United Kingdom will begin receiving electronic visas instead of physical visa stickers starting February 25, 2026, as UK authorities move to fully digitise the process.
In a statement released on Monday, the British High Commission announced that traditional vignette stickers placed inside passports will be replaced with digital visas, commonly known as e-visas. Applicants will be able to access their immigration status online through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account once their application is approved.
According to the commission, while the format of the visa will change, the application process itself remains the same. Applicants must still submit their forms, attend a visa application centre to provide biometric data, and satisfy all existing eligibility requirements.
The key difference is that successful applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status rather than a physical sticker in their passport. Authorities say the new system will speed up passport returns and allow travellers to view and manage their visa details online from anywhere.
The commission also clarified that Nigerians who already hold valid vignette stickers do not need to take any action. Their current visas will remain valid until their expiration date or until a replacement is required.
Speaking from Abuja, Gill Lever, the British deputy high commissioner, said the transition to digital visas is aimed at strengthening security and reducing reliance on paper documentation. She added that e-visas offer enhanced protection, as they cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
The development marks a significant step in modernising the UK’s immigration system for travellers from Nigeria.
