Nigerian applicants for UK visit visas will soon get their passports back more quickly, as the British government replaces physical visa stickers with fully digital eVisas starting February 25, 2026.
The British High Commission in Abuja confirmed that from that date, Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas will no longer receive vignette stickers pasted into their passports. Instead, successful applicants will be issued an electronic visa accessible online.
“From 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) in their passports,” the commission said in a statement signed by Senior Communications Officer Onyinye Madu.
The shift eliminates the need to retain applicants’ passports for visa sticker processing — a longstanding complaint among frequent travellers and business visitors.
Highlighting the practical advantages of the transition, the commission stated: “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.”
Under the new system, visa holders will access their status through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, marking a further step in the UK’s broader transition to a digital immigration framework.
Importantly, the High Commission stressed that the application process itself remains unchanged. “Travellers will continue to apply online, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet all existing eligibility criteria,” the statement said.
The only adjustment is in the format of issuance: instead of a physical vignette in the passport, applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status.
Nigerians who already hold valid visa stickers do not need to take any action. Their physical visas will remain valid until expiry or replacement is required.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the reform is designed to simplify travel procedures while strengthening security.
“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,” she said.
According to the statement, once an application is approved, successful applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa.
The move brings Nigeria into the UK’s expanding digital visa programme, as London accelerates efforts to modernise border and immigration systems worldwide.
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