The United Kingdom has announced that it will discontinue the issuance of physical visa stickers to Nigerian travellers from 25 February 2026, replacing them entirely with digital eVisas as part of a sweeping reform of its immigration system.
Also ,the United Kingdom will from 25 February 2026 stop issuing physical visa stickers to Nigerian travellers, replacing them entirely with digital eVisas in what officials describe as a major overhaul of the country’s immigration system.
Announcing the switch in Abuja, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said all new Visit visas granted to Nigerian nationals would now be issued electronically, marking a decisive step in the UK’s transition to a fully digital border regime.
As regards the new system, successful applicants will no longer receive a vignette pasted into their passport. Instead, they will access proof of their immigration status online through a secure UKVI account.
The British government stressed that the application procedure itself remains unchanged. Nigerian applicants must still complete the standard online process, attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data and meet all existing eligibility requirements. The only adjustment is the format in which the visa is delivered.
The UK authorities clarified that Nigerians currently holding valid visa sticker would not be affected by the new policy. Their visas will remain valid until expiration and do not require replacement solely because of the transition.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the move was designed to simplify travel while enhancing 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.
According to UKVI, the eVisa system is expected to shorten processing timelines since passports will no longer need to be retained for visa sticker endorsement. Travellers will also be able to view and manage their immigration status online at any time, from anywhere.
Furthermore ,officials highlighted the added security benefits of the digital format, noting that unlike physical stickers, eVisas cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. The system is also designed to provide real-time verification of immigration status.
Once a visa is approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access and share their eVisa details when necessary.
The development underscores the UK’s wider drive to modernise its border management system, with Nigerian travellers among the first cohorts to transition fully to the digital visa regime.
For frequent travellers, students and business visitors, the reform marks a notable procedural shift, replacing physical documentation with an online immigration record as the new standard for entry clearance into the United Kingdom.
