The United Kingdom will stop issuing physical visa stickers to Nigerian applicants from February 25, 2026, and will instead introduce electronic visas known as eVisas.
This was announced by the British High Commission through its Senior Communications Officer, Onyinye Madu.
“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 statement said.
Under the new policy, approved applicants will no longer have a visa pasted in their passports. Instead, they will access their visa digitally through a personal account created with UK Visas and Immigration.
The commission explained that the visa application process will not change. Applicants will still apply online and visit a Visa Application Centre for biometric capture. All eligibility requirements will also remain the same.
It said the only change is in how the visa is issued. Rather than receiving a paper sticker, travellers will now be given a secure electronic record of their immigration status.
Nigerians who already have valid visa stickers were advised not to worry, as their visas will remain valid until they expire or require replacement.
The British High Commission stated that the new system will improve efficiency and security. It said passports will be returned faster after processing, and travellers will be able to check their visa status at any time and from anywhere. It also noted that digital visas cannot be lost, stolen, or altered.
Speaking on the change, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the move would make travel easier for Nigerians.
“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.
The statement added that once an application is approved, travellers must open a free UKVI account to view and manage their eVisa.
