The UK Government has announced that Nigerian nationals applying for UK visit visas will no longer receive visa vignette stickers in their passports, as the country moves fully to a digital visa system.
According to a statement issued by the UK High Commission in Abuja, the new policy takes effect from February 25 and forms part of the transition by UK Visas and Immigration, UKVI, to establish a fully digital border process.
Under the new arrangement, successful applicants will receive an electronic visa, eVisa, accessible through their UKVI online account, replacing the traditional visa sticker previously affixed to passports.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the change is aimed at simplifying travel procedures while strengthening immigration security.
According to her, digitising visas reduces reliance on physical documentation, enhances security, and improves convenience for travellers.
She added that the United Kingdom remains committed to welcoming visitors, students and workers from Nigeria and continues efforts to make travel processes more efficient.
The Commission clarified that visa application procedures remain unchanged.
Applicants will still submit applications, attend Visa Application Centres for biometric enrolment, and meet all eligibility requirements.
The only difference is that approved applicants will now receive a secure digital record of their immigration status rather than a passport sticker.
Travellers currently holding valid visa vignettes do not need to take any action, as those visas remain valid until their expiration or replacement.
Officials note that the eVisa system offers several advantages, including quicker return of passports after application processing, online access to immigration status from anywhere, and improved protection since digital visas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
Once a visa is granted, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI online account to view and manage their eVisa.
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Source: theabujainquirer.com
