UK to Launch eVisas for Nigerians from February 2026

The United Kingdom has announced a significant change in its immigration process for Nigerian travelers, set to take effect on February 25, 2026. The UK will discontinue the issuance of physical visa stickers, replacing them entirely with electronic visas (eVisas).

This policy shift, disclosed in Abuja by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI), means that new UK visit visas for Nigerian nationals will exist solely in electronic form. The move is part of the UK government's broader initiative to transition to a fully digital border immigration management system.

Successful applicants will no longer receive a visa vignette in their passports; instead, their immigration status will be stored online, accessible through a secure UKVI account. The core application process will remain unchanged, requiring Nigerian applicants to complete online applications, attend visa application centers, and submit biometric information.

Current holders of valid physical visa stickers will not be affected, as their visas will remain valid until their stated expiry dates. Gill Lever, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, described this policy as a step toward simplifying travel and enhancing security.