UK to Stop Issuing Paper Visa Stickers for Nigerians from February 25

The United Kingdom will stop issuing physical visa stickers to Nigerian applicants from February 25, 2026.

Instead, Nigerians travelling to the UK on Visit visas will receive electronic visas known as eVisas.

The update was announced by the British High Commission through its Senior Communications Officer, Onyinye Madu.

“From 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) in their passports,” the statement said.

Under the new policy, approved applicants will no longer have a visa pasted in their passport.
They will access their visa digitally through a personal account created with UK Visas and Immigration.

The commission explained that the application process itself will not change.
Applicants will still apply online.
They will still visit a Visa Application Centre for biometric capture.
All eligibility conditions also remain the same.

The only difference is how the visa is issued.
Instead of a paper sticker, travellers will receive a secure electronic record of their immigration status.

Nigerians who already hold valid visa stickers do not need to worry.
Their visas will remain valid until they expire or need replacement.

The British High Commission said the new system will improve efficiency and security.
Passports will be returned faster after processing.
Travellers will be able to check their visa status anytime and from any location.
It also noted that digital visas cannot be lost, stolen, or altered.

Speaking on the policy shift, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the move would make travel easier for Nigerians.

“We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This move to digital visas will streamline a key part of the visa process, making it more secure while reducing dependence on paper documents. We look forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers to the UK,” she said.

The statement added that once an application is approved, travellers must open a free UKVI account to view and manage their eVisa.

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