Starting February 25, 2026, Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas will be issued electronic visas (eVisas) instead of the traditional visa sticker placed in passports.

The change was announced on Monday in a statement by Onyinye Madu, Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja.

Under the new arrangement, successful applicants will receive a digital record of their immigration status, accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. The move marks a transition toward a fully digital visa system.

Despite the format change, the application process and eligibility requirements remain the same. Applicants will still submit their forms online, visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data, and meet all existing criteria. The only difference is that visas will no longer be issued as physical vignettes but as secure electronic records.

The commission clarified that Nigerians who already possess valid visa stickers in their passports do not need to take any action, as those visas will remain valid until their expiration date.

According to the High Commission, the switch to eVisas is expected to speed up passport returns and allow travellers to manage their immigration status online from anywhere. It also noted that digital visas offer enhanced security, as they cannot be lost, stolen, or altered.

Commenting on the update, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the new system would simplify travel procedures for Nigerians.

She added that the digital transition would make the visa process more secure while reducing reliance on paper documentation, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to welcoming Nigerian visitors, students, and workers.

Applicants whose visas are approved will be required to create a free UKVI account to access and manage their eVisa.

Source: Punchng