UK rolls out digital visit visas for Nigerians

The United Kingdom has announced that all new UK Visit visas for Nigerian travellers will be issued digitally from February 25, 2026, marking a major step in modernising its visa process.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, Onyinye Madu, the UK said that from the effective date, Nigerian applicants will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) instead of the traditional vignette sticker in their passports.

“The only change is the visa format: travellers will now access their visa digitally through a UKVI account,” the statement explained.

The move is part of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)’s ongoing transition to a fully digital border system.

Madu noted that applicants will still follow the usual steps; apply online, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet all eligibility criteria.

She added that Nigerians who already hold a valid vignette sticker do not need to take any action, as their existing visas remain valid until expiration or replacement is required.

The digital visa system is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including faster passport return, easier management of immigration status online, and stronger security since eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.

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

Once approved, applicants will need to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa. Further information on applying for UK visas and the eVisa system is available at www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk and www.gov.uk/eVisa.