Yemi Obafemi
The United Kingdom has introduced a major change to its visa system, announcing that from February 25, 2026, all newly issued Visit visas for Nigerian travellers will be granted in digital form, known as eVisas.
The move replaces the familiar vignette sticker previously affixed inside passports.
In a statement, UK Visas & Immigration explained that the shift is part of the government’s broader plan to establish a fully digital border system.
Despite the change in format, the application procedure remains the same. Nigerian applicants will still apply online, attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data, and satisfy all eligibility requirements.
The key difference is that successful applicants will no longer receive a physical sticker; instead, their visa status will be accessible electronically through a UKVI account.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, described the development as a significant step toward modernising the visa process.
She noted that the transition to digital visas is designed to simplify travel procedures for Nigerians while strengthening security and reducing reliance on paper documentation.
According to the statement, Nigerians who already possess valid vignette visas do not need to take any immediate action, as those visas will remain valid until they expire or are replaced.
Officials added that the introduction of eVisas will speed up the return of passports after processing and allow travellers to manage their immigration status online from anywhere.
They also emphasised that digital visas offer enhanced protection, as they cannot be misplaced, stolen, or altered.
Applicants whose visas are approved will be required to set up a free UKVI account to view and manage their eVisa. Further guidance on the new digital system is available on the official UK immigration website.
