UK To Begin Issuing eVisas To Nigerian Travellers From Feb 25

The UK Visas & Immigration is continuing its transition to a fully digital border as UK Visas Go Digital for Nigerian travellers, a statement issued on Monday by Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, Onyinye Madu, said.

From 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) on their passports, the statement said.

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 because instead of a physical sticker, applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status.

Nigerians currently holding a valid vignette sticker do not need to take any action. Their physical visa remains valid until it expires or requires replacement, the statement added.

“The move to eVisas brings a number of benefits for Nigerian travellers. Passports will be returned more quickly, and travellers can 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,” the statement said.

Welcoming the transition, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Mrs Gill Lever “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. We look forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers to the UK.”

According to the statement, once a visa is approved, applicants will need to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa. Visit www.gov.uk/eVisa for more information.

For visa information and to apply, visit: www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk

For eVisa information, visit: www.gov.uk/eVisa

POINT AT ISSUE

1.  The UK eVisa policy is a transformational drive to a fully digital visa system for all Nigerian travellers, effective February 25, 2026. All Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) on their passports

2.  In simple terms, Nigerian travellers will access their visa electronically through their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, marking a significant step in modernising the UK visa process.

3.  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. Nigerians currently holding a valid vignette sticker do not need to take any action. Their physical visa remains valid until it expires or requires replacement.

4.  The eVisas bring a number of benefits for Nigerian travellers as passports will be returned more quickly, and travellers can 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.