In an update published by The Nation on February 14, 2026, the United Kingdom government has issued a final reminder to Nigerian residents and other foreign nationals that all physical immigration documents will be phased out by February 25, 2026. The transition to a fully digital eVisa system is part of a broader UK Home Office strategy to modernize border control and reduce document fraud.
The change affects Nigerians holding Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), Biometric Residence Cards (BRC), or passport endorsements like ink stamps and vignette stickers. Affected persons are required to create a UKVI account to access their digital status. Failure to do so before the deadline could lead to significant travel delays or issues proving the right to work and rent in the UK.
Validating coverage from Channels TV and Daily Post emphasizes the urgency for the Nigerian diaspora. Channels TV reported that “thousands of Nigerians are yet to complete their digital transition,” while Daily Post quoted a UK Home Office official: “Physical documents are becoming a thing of the past; the eVisa is secure, digital, and the future of our border system.”
Echotitbits take: This is a crucial update for the “Japa” generation and frequent travelers. The digital shift eliminates the risk of losing physical permits but places a higher burden on travelers to ensure their online records are perfectly synchronized with their current passports.
Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/uk-to-replace-paper-visas-with-evisas-from-february-25/, February 14, 2026
Photo credit: The Nation
Tag: Nigerian Travelers
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UK to Replace All Physical Visas with eVisas by February 25
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Trump Administration Issues New Visa Bond Requirements for Nigerians
Figures cited by ThisDay indicate the United States has added Nigeria to a list of countries whose nationals may be required to pay “visa bonds,” a policy aimed at reducing visa overstays by requiring a refundable deposit that may be forfeited if travelers fail to comply with visa terms.
The reported bond amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on category, and apply mainly to B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) applicants. US officials argue the measure helps enforce compliance and reduce overstay-related costs.
Nigerian officials and diaspora groups have criticized the policy as discriminatory and as creating a significant barrier for legitimate travelers, students, and business visitors, with concerns it could dampen trade and cultural exchange.
The Guardian and The Nation also reported reactions, including travel-industry concerns about falling application volumes.
Echotitbits take: If implemented broadly, the policy could squeeze middle-class travel and push more Nigerians toward alternative destinations. Watch for diplomatic engagement and clarifications on scope and timelines.
Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/848155-us-imposes-up-to-15000-visa-bond-requirement-for-nigerian-visitors-others.html 2026-01-09
Photo Credit: Premium Times