UK Ends Visa Stickers For Nigerians, Makes eVisas Obligatory From February 25
The UK will from February 25, 2026, discontinue the issuance of bodily visa stickers to Nigerian travellers, changing them fully with digital eVisas in what officers describe as a significant reform of the nation’s immigration system.
Asserting the coverage shift in Abuja, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) stated all new Go to visas granted to Nigerian nationals will now be issued electronically, as a part of the UK’s transition to a totally digital border regime.
Beneath the brand new system, profitable candidates will not obtain a visa vignette pasted into their passport. As an alternative, proof of immigration standing will probably be accessible on-line by a safe UKVI account.
The British authorities emphasised that the appliance course of stays unchanged. Nigerian candidates will nonetheless full the usual on-line software, attend a Visa Software Centre to offer biometric information, and meet present eligibility necessities. The one change pertains to how the visa is issued and accessed.
UKVI clarified that Nigerians who at present maintain legitimate bodily visa stickers won’t be affected. Current visas will stay legitimate till their expiration dates and won’t require substitute solely due to the transition to eVisas.
British Deputy Excessive Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, stated the transfer is aimed toward simplifying journey whereas strengthening border safety.
“We’re dedicated to creating it simpler for Nigerians to journey to the UK. This shift to digital visas streamlines a key a part of the method, strengthens safety and reduces reliance on paper documentation,” she stated.
In response to UKVI, the eVisa system is predicted to scale back processing time since passports will not have to be retained for visa endorsement. Travellers may also have the ability to view and handle their immigration standing on-line at any time.
Officers highlighted extra safety benefits, noting that in contrast to bodily stickers, eVisas can’t be misplaced, stolen or tampered with. The system additionally permits real-time verification of immigration standing.
As soon as a visa is authorized, candidates will probably be required to create a free UKVI account to entry and share their eVisa particulars when vital.
The reform types a part of a broader modernization of the UK’s border administration framework, with Nigerian travellers among the many first cohorts to transition absolutely to digital visa issuance.
For enterprise travellers, college students and frequent guests, the change represents a major procedural shift, changing passport-based documentation with a safe on-line immigration file as the brand new commonplace for UK entry clearance.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Times Nigeria