The United Kingdom has announced that all new UK Visit visas for Nigerian tourists will be issued online from February 25, 2026, marking a major step in modernising its visa process.
In a statement signed yesterday by the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, Onyinye Madu, the UK said that from the effective date, Nigerian applicants will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) instead of the traditional vignette sticker in their passports.
“The only change is the visa format: travellers will now access their visa digitally through a UKVI account,” the announcement added.
The change is part of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)’s continuous transformation to a totally digital border system.
Madu added that applicants will still follow the standard steps; apply online, attend a Visa Application Centre to furnish biometric information, and meet all eligibility conditions.
She noted that Nigerians who already hold a valid vignette sticker do not need to take any action, since their existing visas stay valid until expiration or replacement is required.
The digital visa system is projected to bring several benefits, including faster passport return, better administration of immigration status online, and stronger security since eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
Welcoming the shift, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever OBE, said: “We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This move to digital visas will expedite a major portion of the visa procedure, making it more secure while lowering dependence on paper paperwork. We look forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers to the UK.”
Once granted, applicants will need to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa. Further information about applying for UK visas and the eVisa system is available at www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk and www.gov.uk/eVisa.
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