From 25 February 2026, Nigerian nationals applying for a UK visit visa will no longer receive a vignette (sticker) in their passport. Instead, their visa will be issued as an eVisa, held digitally in a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, according to a statement from the British High Commission in Abuja reported by Punch and The Sun. If you are planning a trip to the UK, this guide explains the UK eVisa for Nigerians and how to access yours, from creating your account to showing your status at the border.
What the UK eVisa change means for Nigerian travellers
The shift is part of the UK’s move to a fully digital border and immigration system. According to the British High Commission statement, from 25 February 2026 all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK visit visa will receive an eVisa rather than a sticker in their passport.
What has not changed is the application itself. You still apply as usual, pay the same fees, attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometric information, and meet all the existing eligibility rules. The only real difference is how your visa is delivered: your status now lives digitally in your UKVI account, which you can access from Nigeria at any time.
For travellers, this means a few practical adjustments. Your passport will look “empty” after approval, because there is no vignette page. Airlines and border officers will check your status digitally, so the passport you travel with must be the same one linked to your eVisa.
Before you start: what you need to access your eVisa
Gather these items before you sit down to create your account. Missing details are the most common reason people get stuck.
- The passport you used in your application — not a new or different one.
- Your date of birth and application reference number, which appear in your application and in emails from UKVI.
- A working email address and phone number that you can access from Nigeria, including for one-time codes.
- A stable internet connection and a device with a camera, in case you are asked to complete an identity check.
Make sure your name is written exactly as it appears on your passport. Even a swapped middle name or a missing hyphen can cause a mismatch later.
Step-by-step: creating your UKVI account
Step 1: Go to the official GOV.UK eVisa page
Open the GOV.UK website and select “Create a UKVI account”. Do this yourself rather than through a third-party agent. The service is free.
Step 2: Enter your personal details
Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your passport and your visa application. This includes your full name, date of birth, passport number and application reference. If you applied through a VAC in Lagos or Abuja, use the same details you submitted there.
Step 3: Verify your identity
You may be asked to verify your identity using the official UKVI identity app, or in person at a Visa Application Centre if prompted. Follow the instructions on screen. You will need your passport and a device with a camera for the photo check.
Step 4: Set up your login
Create a password and keep your login details safe. UKVI will send confirmation to your email. Once your account is active, your eVisa should appear there.
How to view and prove your eVisa
Log in to your UKVI account to see your visa type, its conditions (for example, whether you can work or study) and its expiry date. Check these details carefully as soon as your visa is approved.
To prove your status — for an employer, airline or landlord — use the “share your status” feature in your account. This generates a share code that the other party can use to check your status online. Share codes are time-limited, so generate a fresh one when you need it rather than reusing an old one.
It is sensible to keep a screenshot or PDF of your status page as a backup. However, the live check is what counts: a screenshot alone is not proof of status, and border officers or employers will rely on the digital check.
At the airport and UK border: what to expect
Your eVisa is linked to your passport, so carry the same passport you used in your application. If you have renewed your passport since applying, link the new one to your eVisa before you book flights.
Airline staff at check-in and border officers in the UK check your status digitally. You may be asked for a share code, so have one ready on your phone or printed out. You do not need a sticker, and there is no vignette page to show.
Do not panic when your passport looks “empty”. This is now normal for Nigerian visit visa holders. What matters is that your eVisa is active and linked to the passport in your hand.
Common problems Nigerians face and how to fix them
Name or passport number mismatch
If your name or passport number in your UKVI account does not match your passport, update your details in the account before travelling. A mismatch can cause delays at check-in or at the border.
Lost login details
Use the account recovery options on GOV.UK. Do not pay third-party agents to “recover” your account — the official recovery process is free and safer.
New passport
If you get a new passport, link it to your eVisa before you book flights. Your visa is tied to your passport, so travelling on an unlinked passport can cause problems.
Avoid scams and stay updated
Only use GOV.UK and official Visa Application Centre channels. Ignore anyone promising “fast eVisa links” or instant approvals for a fee — these are scams.
Check updates from the British High Commission Abuja and your application emails for changes. Keep your contact details current so UKVI can reach you, and log in to your account before each trip to confirm your status is still active.
Conclusion
The UK eVisa for Nigerians is a straightforward change once you understand it: apply as usual, then manage your status digitally through your UKVI account. Create your account early, keep your passport details consistent, and generate a share code before you travel. If you know how to access your eVisa, the lack of a sticker in your passport is nothing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nigerians still get a visa sticker in their passport for UK visit visas?
No. From 25 February 2026, Nigerian nationals applying for a UK visit visa receive an eVisa instead of a vignette sticker, according to the British High Commission in Abuja.
How do I create or log into my UKVI account to see my eVisa?
Go to the official GOV.UK eVisa page, select “Create a UKVI account”, enter your details exactly as on your passport and application, verify your identity if prompted, and set up your login. To view your eVisa later, log in with those details.
What do I show at the UK border if I have an eVisa instead of a vignette?
Carry the same passport you used in your application. Airline staff and border officers check your status digitally, and you may be asked for a share code generated from your UKVI account.
What happens if my eVisa details don’t match my passport?
Update your details in your UKVI account before travelling. A name or passport number mismatch can cause delays at check-in or at the UK border.
Can I still travel to the UK while my eVisa is being processed?
No. You should only travel once your visa has been approved and your eVisa is active in your UKVI account. Check your account and application emails before booking flights.
Sources and further reading
- LASDA Travel Update: UK Visit Visas Transition to Fully Digital (eVisa) for Nigerian Applicants Starting 25 February 2026
- UK digitizes Nigerian travel as US prioritizes short-term visits over residency for Ghanaians – UK digitizes Nigerian travel as US prioritizes short-term visits
- UK to issue eVisas to Nigerian travellers from February 25 – ×
- Nigerians to receive electronic visas as UK modernises process – Monday, April 6, 2026
- UK unveils e-visa for travellers from February 25 | – The UK Government has announced that from February 25, 2026, all Nigerian travellers applying for a UK vis
