UK Phases Out Visa Stickers for Nigerians, Introduces eVisa System from February 25

The United Kingdom has announced plans to replace physical visa stickers with a fully digital system for Nigerian travellers, effective February 25, 2026.

The decision, confirmed by the British High Commission, means new UK visit visas issued to Nigerians will no longer come in the form of vignette stickers affixed to passports. Instead, successful applicants will receive an electronic visa (eVisa), accessible through a personal UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. The development forms part of a broader effort by UK Visas and Immigration to establish a fully digital border system.

Authorities clarified that the core application process remains unchanged. Nigerian applicants must still complete their visa forms online and attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data, while meeting existing eligibility requirements.

Travellers who already possess valid physical visa stickers will not be affected immediately, as those documents will remain valid until their stated expiry dates or until replacement becomes necessary.

Officials say the transition is expected to speed up passport returns, as there will be no need to print or attach visa stickers. The digital format is also intended to enhance security by reducing the risk of lost, stolen or tampered documents, while enabling visa holders to manage their immigration status online.

British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever OBE said the initiative is designed to simplify travel procedures for Nigerians visiting the UK for tourism, study or work, while reducing reliance on paper documentation and strengthening border security.

Key Considerations

The shift to eVisas reflects a broader policy direction by the UK Home Office aimed at addressing logistical delays and security concerns associated with physical documents. However, the move places greater responsibility on applicants to maintain access to their UKVI accounts as proof of status.

While the digital system is expected to reduce administrative bottlenecks and streamline verification processes, questions remain about data security, digital accessibility and the potential for technical errors that could affect travellers at departure points.

The effectiveness of the new system will largely depend on the reliability of the UK’s digital infrastructure and its coordination with airline operators to ensure seamless boarding for Nigerian passengers travelling without physical visa endorsements in their passports.