Nigerians to receive electronic visas as UK modernises process

By Lawrence Agbo

The UK has announced that all new visit visas for Nigerian tourists will be issued digitally starting on February 25, 2026, in a significant move to modernize its visa application procedure.

The British High Commission in Abuja confirmed this in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the UK said that Nigerian applicants will no longer receive the conventional vignette sticker in their passports, but will instead obtain an electronic visa (eVisa)

It clarified that the new policy, which represents a major step in modernizing the UK visa procedure, would allow travellers to electronically access their visa through their UK Visas and Immigration 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 read.

“This means travellers will access their visa electronically through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, marking a significant step in modernising the UK’s visa process.

“For Nigerian applicants, the visa application requirements remain unchanged. Travellers will still apply as usual, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet all existing eligibility criteria. 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.”

Since eVisas cannot be misplaced, stolen, or altered, the digital visa system is expected to give several advantages, such as quicker passport returns, simpler online immigration status management, and increased security.

For applicants to access their eVisa, they must first create a free UKVI account. Additional details about how to apply for UK visas and the eVisa system may be found at www.gov.uk/eVisa and www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-UK.