UK to replace physical visas with digital eVisas for Nigerian travellers from February
In a significant overhaul of its immigration procedures, the United Kingdom will cease issuing traditional physical visa stickers to Nigerian nationals from February 25, 2026, in favor of fully digital eVisas, officials announced Monday.
Speaking in Abuja, representatives of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) described the move as a milestone in the UK’s transition to a modern, paperless border management system.
Under the new arrangement, Nigerian applicants granted Visit visas would no longer receive the familiar vignette affixed to their passports.
Instead, proof of entry clearance would be accessible online through a secure UKVI account.
Authorities stressed that while the method of visa issuance is changing, the application process itself remained largely unchanged.
Prospective travellers would continue to complete the standard online application, attend Visa Application Centres to provide biometric information, and meet all existing eligibility requirements.
Existing holders of physical visas would not be affected by the transition.
UKVI confirmed that valid visas would remain effective until their expiration and will not need to be replaced simply because of the introduction of eVisas.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, described the initiative as both a convenience for travellers and an enhancement of border security.
“We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK.
”This shift to digital visas streamlines a key part of the process, strengthens security, and reduces reliance on paper documentation,” she said.
The eVisa system is also expected to accelerate processing times, as passports will no longer need to be retained for visa endorsement.
Travellers would have the ability to access and manage their immigration status online at any time.
Officials highlighted further security benefits, noting that digital visas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with and can be verified in real time.
Once approved, applicants would be required to create a free UKVI account to view and share their eVisa details when necessary, ensuring seamless entry to the United Kingdom.
This reform is part of a wider modernization of the UK’s border management framework, with Nigerian travellers among the first to fully transition to digital visa issuance.
For business travellers, students, and frequent visitors, the move marks a notable shift from passport-based documentation to secure online records as the new standard for entry clearance.
