United Kingdom( UK) Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that from February 25, 2026, visitors to the United Kingdom who require visas will no longer receive physical visa documents, as the country transitions fully to electronic visas (eVisas).
The announcement which was made on Friday, marks a significant shift in the UK’s immigration system, affecting thousands of Nigerians who travel to the UK annually for study, business tourism and f, UK to transit fully to electronic Visas , February 25.
According to UKVI, travellers will now be issued an eVisa — a digital record of their identity and immigration status — which must be accessed through a UKVI online account before departure.
“From 25 February 2026 visitors to the UK, who need a visa, will get an eVisa only. Create your UKVI account and view your eVisa before you travel to the UK,” the agency stated.
The UK government explained that an eVisa serves as a digital confirmation of a person’s immigration status, including the type of visa granted and the conditions attached, such as permission to work or study.
The new system replaces physical immigration documents, including Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), as well as visa vignettes (stickers) previously placed in passports.
Under the updated process, successful applicants will receive their visa electronically and must link their passport or travel document details to their UKVI account.
Travellers can also generate a share code from the platform to prove their immigration status when required, such as for employment or accommodation purposes in the UK.
Importantly, the UK government clarified that creating a UKVI account and accessing an eVisa is free of charge.
The development is expected to streamline border processes and reduce reliance on paper documentation, though prospective travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with the new digital requirements ahead of the implementation date to avoid travel disruptions.
