The United Kingdom government has announced that all new UK visit visas for Nigerian travellers will be issued digitally starting February 25, 2026, in a move aimed at modernising its immigration system.
In a statement released Monday by the British High Commission and signed by Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer Onyinye Madu, applicants will now receive an electronic visa (eVisa) instead of the traditional vignette sticker placed in passports.
“The only change is the visa format: travellers will now access their visa digitally through a UKVI account,” the statement said.
The initiative forms part of the ongoing transition by UK Visas and Immigration to a fully digital border system.
Despite the format change, applicants must still complete the standard process, including submitting applications online, attending a Visa Application Centre for biometric capture, and meeting eligibility requirements.
Officials clarified that Nigerians who currently hold valid vignette visas do not need to take any action, as their documents remain valid until expiration or replacement.
According to the High Commission, the digital system will enable faster passport returns, easier online management of immigration status, and enhanced security since eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
Gill Lever, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, welcomed the transition, stating that the move would streamline the visa process while improving security and reducing reliance on paper documentation.
Once approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa and manage their travel status online.
