UK To Begin Issuing eVisas To Nigerian Travellers From Feb 25
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
The United Kingdom has announced that Nigerian travellers applying for visit visas will begin receiving electronic visas from February 25, 2026, as part of its ongoing transition to a fully digital immigration system.
Under the new arrangement, successful applicants will no longer have visa stickers placed in their passports. Instead, they will be issued an electronic visa linked to a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account, where they can access and manage their immigration status digitally.
According to the British High Commission in Abuja, the application process itself remains unchanged. Nigerian applicants will still complete their forms online, book appointments at Visa Application Centres, submit biometric data, and meet existing eligibility requirements. The only adjustment is the format in which the visa is granted.
Authorities clarified that Nigerians who already hold valid vignette visa stickers do not need to take any immediate steps. Their current visas will remain valid until their expiration dates or until replacement becomes necessary.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the digital shift is designed to simplify travel procedures for Nigerians while strengthening border security. She noted that moving away from paper-based documentation will reduce administrative delays and improve efficiency.
Officials highlighted several benefits of the eVisa system, including quicker passport returns after processing and the ability for travellers to monitor their visa status online from any location. The digital record also reduces risks associated with lost, stolen, or tampered visa stickers.
Once a visa application is approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to view and prove their immigration status electronically before travelling.
The rollout forms part of the UK government’s broader effort to modernise its border operations and enhance the security and accessibility of its immigration services for international travellers.
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