What Changed on 25 February 2026
From 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom has stopped issuing traditional paper visa stickers (the physical visas stuck in passports) for most visitor visa categories, including those for Nigerian applicants. Instead, successful applicants now receive fully digital visas (eVisas) that are linked to their passport online. (Nigeria Info, Let’s Talk!)
The shift is part of a broader digital modernisation of the UK’s immigration system led by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The goal is to make visa status easier to access and verify electronically. (Nairametrics)
Key Features of the New eVisa System
Digital Only
• Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas will no longer receive a physical sticker in their passport.
• Instead, the visa is issued electronically and can be accessed through the applicant’s secure UKVI online account. (vialtopartners.com)
How It Works
- You submit your visa application online, as usual.
- You attend an appointment at a visa application centre for biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
- Once approved, you receive the eVisa digitally — typically by email or via your UKVI online account.
- At the UK border, immigration officers verify your digital visa electronically. (The Economic Times)
Passport Handling
• Unlike before, you usually do not have to leave your passport with the visa centre while the visa is produced. Instead, the electronic status changes online once your application is approved. (The Economic Times)
Why This Matters
Faster processing & convenience: You don’t lose your passport for several days, and you can check or share your eVisa online. (The Economic Times)
Better border security & verification: UK border officials can instantly verify your travel permission electronically. (vialtopartners.com)
Part of wider UK digital shift: This rollout aligns with other changes — including the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that, from the same date, also became mandatory for certain travellers who don’t need a visa (like US or EU citizens). (euronews)
What Remains the Same
• The visa application process still requires biometric submission at a visa centre. (vialtopartners.com)
• Eligibility rules (like visit purpose, length of stay) remain unchanged — only the format of the visa has changed. (Nigeria Info, Let’s Talk!)
Practical Tips for Nigerian Travellers
Use your UKVI online account: After approval, log in to download or view your eVisa status before travelling. (vialtopartners.com)
• Make sure your passport details are correctly linked to your digital visa record. (Reddit)
• Airlines and border staff will check your eVisa electronically, so there’s no paper sticker to show. (The Economic Times)
In summary: As of 25 February 2026, the UK now issues eVisas instead of physical visa stickers for Nigerian visitors. This is part of a wider digital transformation of visa and travel authorisation systems aimed at
Here’s a **detailed overview of the UK Government’s confirmed rollout of e-Visas for Nigerian travellers from February 25, 2026, including case studies, reactions, and comments from officials and public discussions: (Vanguard News)
1. What the UK Has Confirmed
From 25 February 2026, the **United Kingdom has officially transitioned to issuing electronic visas (e-Visas) instead of traditional physical visa stickers (vignettes) for Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas. Applicants will now:
- Apply and track their visa online through a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account.
- NOT receive a paper visa sticker in their passport; the e-Visa is stored digitally.
- Still attend a visa application centre for biometric data (fingerprints and photo). (Vanguard News)
Officials have said this change is part of a digital modernisation of the UK immigration system, designed to speed up processing, return passports sooner, and reduce risks associated with lost or stolen stickers. (Business Post Nigeria)
2. Official Comments and Reactions
British Government & Diplomatic Views
British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja
Gill Lever welcomed the move, saying the digital visa system will:
• Simplify travel procedures for Nigerians.
• Enhance security and reduce dependence on paper documents.
• Help streamline the visa process while maintaining existing eligibility checks. (Vanguard News)
Officials emphasised that while the format of the visa changes, the requirements for eligibility, biometrics, and application remain the same. (Vanguard News)
3. Case Studies & Public Response
Case Study: Streamlined Passport Handling
Many prospective travellers and agents highlighted that with e-Visas:
- Passports are returned faster after biometrics because there’s no need to wait for stickers.
- Online access also means travellers can check status from anywhere without visiting a centre.
This is seen as a major convenience for business travellers, students, and frequent visitors.
(Reported by Nigerian media as part of reactions to the rollout.) (Business Post Nigeria)
4. Public Comments & Online Community Feedback
Although the official switch to e-Visas has broad support, online forums show some mixed reactions from people with experience using the UK’s digital immigration systems (even before February 25):
Confusion About Accessing e-Visas
Some applicants reported difficulties linking their e-Visa to their UKVI account or viewing their status even after approval — with messages like “We cannot show your proof of status” appearing once logged in. This has caused frustration and delays for some travellers. (Reddit)
System Glitches and Login Issues
Other users shared that when accessing the e-Visa page or portal, they encountered errors or technical issues. Some said the system didn’t always seem intuitive when trying to complete the linking process between their passport and e-Visa record. (Reddit)
Note: These comments reflect experiences on online forums and may not represent official UKVI processes, which continue to evolve as the digital rollout expands.
5. Broader Impact & Trends
Student Travel Example
Recent data showed that in 2025, the UK granted 30,204 study visas to Nigerian students — a 59% increase from the previous year. This surge highlights a growing interest in UK education, which could see further changes in how Nigerian students engage with the UKVI’s digital systems. (Nairametrics)
Summary: What’s Expected Going Forward
Positive aspects noted by commentators and officials:
Passports returned faster after biometric appointments. (Business Post Nigeria)
Digital access means less risk of losing visa documentation. (Business Post Nigeria)
Stronger digital security and easier online tracking. (Vanguard News)
Challenges still being discussed by some travellers:
Users may need to become familiar with creating and managing a UKVI online account.
Some travellers report occasional tech issues when linking documents or viewing status.