The United Kingdom will begin issuing all new Visit visas to Nigerian travelers in digital format starting February 25, 2026, a move aimed at modernising and simplifying the visa process.
According to a statement from Onyinye Madu, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, the traditional visa sticker in passports will be replaced by an electronic visa, or eVisa, which applicants can access online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
“This change affects only the visa format. Travelers will receive their visa digitally, making the process faster and more secure,” the statement said.
The shift to digital visas is part of UKVI’s broader plan to implement a fully digital border system. Nigerian applicants will continue to follow the standard procedures: completing an online application, visiting a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data, and fulfilling all eligibility requirements. Those holding current vignette stickers do not need to take any action, as existing visas remain valid until expiration or replacement.
Welcoming the change, Gill Lever OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, said, “This transition to digital visas makes it simpler for Nigerians to travel to the UK. It improves security, reduces reliance on paper, and ensures a smoother process for visitors, students, and workers alike”.
The eVisa system promises several advantages, including – faster passport return, easier online management of immigration status and enhanced security, since digital visas cannot be lost, stolen or altered
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