What The UK Replacement Of E-Visa Would Mean For Nigerians

The United Kingdom has announced that from February 25, 2026, it will discontinue the issuance of physical visa stickers (vignettes) for Nigerian travellers, replacing them with digital eVisas. The decision, confirmed by the British High Commission in Abuja, is part of the UK government’s broader plan to modernise its immigration system and transition to a fully digital border framework.

Under the new arrangement, all newly approved UK Visit visas for Nigerians will be issued electronically rather than pasted into passports as physical stickers.

What This Means For Nigerians

From February 25, successful applicants will no longer receive a visa vignette in their passport. Instead, their immigration status will be issued digitally and made accessible through a secure UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.

Importantly, the visa application process itself will not change. Nigerian travellers must still complete the standard online application, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data, and meet all existing eligibility requirements. The only adjustment is in how the visa is issued and accessed after approval.

Nigerians who currently hold valid physical visa stickers will not be affected by the transition. Their visas will remain valid until their expiration dates and will not need to be replaced simply because of the shift to eVisas.

According to British officials, the digital system is designed to strengthen border security and streamline processing. Since passports will no longer require physical visa endorsements, they may be returned more quickly after processing. The eVisa format also reduces risks associated with lost, stolen, or tampered visa stickers.

Once approved, applicants will create a free UKVI account to view and manage their immigration status online. Travellers will be able to access and share their visa details electronically when required, including during travel.

For Nigerians, this marks a procedural shift from paper-based documentation to a secure online immigration record, aligning UK travel requirements with global digital immigration trends.

The UK’s move to replace physical visa stickers with digital eVisas represents a significant step in modernising its immigration system. While the application steps remain unchanged, Nigerian travellers will need to adapt to managing their visa status online. Overall, the reform promises improved security, quicker passport returns, and a more streamlined travel experience for those visiting the United Kingdom.