According to Channels TV, the United Kingdom has officially transitioned to a fully digital visa system for all Nigerian nationals starting today, February 25, 2026. This policy change means that successful applicants will no longer receive physical vignette stickers in their passports. Instead, immigration status will be managed through a secure digital UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, accessible to travelers at any time.
The British High Commission in Abuja clarified that while the issuance format has changed, the underlying application requirements remain the same. Applicants are still required to visit Visa Application Centres to provide biometric data and meet all standard eligibility criteria. The move is part of the UK’s broader strategy to modernize its borders and reduce the risks of document loss, theft, or forgery associated with physical stickers.
Benefits of this digital shift include faster processing times for the return of passports, as there is no longer a need to wait for a physical sticker to be printed and attached. Travelers will now be able to share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords, through a secure “view and prove” service online. The UK government believes this will streamline the travel experience for the thousands of Nigerians who visit the UK annually for business, tourism, and study.
The transition has been further reported by The Nation and Vanguard News. The Nation noted that “The digital visa initiative is a landmark in UK-Nigeria diplomatic relations, simplifying travel for frequent fliers.” Vanguard added that “Stakeholders in the travel industry have praised the move, with one travel agent stating, ‘This eliminates the anxiety of passport transit and physical document damage.'”
Echotitbits take:
The shift to eVisas is a double-edged sword; while it eliminates the logistical nightmare of physical stickers, it places a higher premium on digital literacy for travelers. Expect some initial confusion at boarding gates as airline staff adjust to verifying digital records. Travelers should ensure their UKVI accounts are updated and accessible before heading to the airport.
Source: NigeriaInfo – https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/abuja/news/homepageabuja/uk-to-roll-out-e-visa-for-nigerian-travellers-from-february-25/, February 25, 2026
Photo credit: NigeriaInfo
