UK begins issuance of e-Visas to all Nigerian travellers February 25 –Official

*The United Kingdom Visas & Immigration announces that effective from February 25, 2026, new UK Visit visas for all Nigerian travellers will be issued as eVisas instead of vignette stickers, in accordance with the country’s ongoing transition to ‘a fully digital border’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As the UK Visas & Immigration continues its transition to a fully digital border, the British High Commission has said effective from February 25, 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for UK Visit visas will receive eVisas, rather than vignettes (stickers) in their passports.

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The UK Mission in Nigeria noted by implication, Nigerian travellers would access their visas electronically through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accounts, marking a significant step in modernising the UK’s visa process.

On UK visa modernisation process

Onyinye Madu, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British High Commission (BHC) Communications Office, in Abuja, FCT, Monday, February 16, stated that for Nigerian applicants, the visa application requirements remain unchanged.

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The statement explained that travellers would still apply as usual, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet all existing eligibility criteria.

According to BHC, the only difference is how the visa is issued: instead of a physical sticker, applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status.

The UK Mission, however, clarified that Nigerians currently holding valid vignette stickers would not need to take any action.

The statement further noted that their physical visas remain valid until they expire or require replacements.

The UK Visas and Immigration emphasised the move to eVisas “brings a number of benefits for Nigerian travellers.”

It stated that passports would be returned more quickly, and travellers could 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, Madu noted in the statement.

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Welcoming the transition to eVisas, Mrs. Gill Lever OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner, in Abuja, said: “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.”

The British Deputy High Commissioner also stated: “We look forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers to the UK.”

The statement added that once a visa is approved, applicants should create a free UKVI account to access your eVisa. Visit www.gov.uk/eVisa for more information.

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