UK to Move to Digital eVisa System from February 25

The United Kingdom will discontinue the issuance of physical visa documents for most visitors from February 25, 2026, replacing them with a fully digital system known as the eVisa.

In an announcement shared on Friday, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) confirmed that travellers who require entry clearance will no longer receive visa stickers or paper documents. Instead, successful applicants will be issued an electronic visa accessible online through a UKVI account.

The shift marks a significant step in the UK government’s broader plan to modernize border control processes and transition to a fully digital immigration framework.

What the eVisa Means for Travellers

Under the new arrangement, applicants granted permission to enter or remain in the UK will receive a digital record of their immigration status rather than a physical vignette placed in their passport.

The UK government describes an eVisa as a secure online record that shows a person’s identity and immigration status, including the type of visa granted and any conditions attached to it, such as the right to work or study.

Travellers are required to create and maintain a UKVI account to access their eVisa details before travelling. Through the account, users can view their immigration status and generate a share code, which can be presented to employers, landlords or other authorised parties as proof of legal status.

Authorities emphasised that setting up a UKVI account is free of charge, and accessing the eVisa does not require additional payment beyond standard visa application fees.

The digital system will also require travellers to ensure that their passport or travel document details are correctly linked to their eVisa before departure, as airlines and border officials will verify status electronically.

Replacement of BRPs, BRCs and Visa Stickers

The move builds on earlier reforms that saw Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) replaced with digital status records. According to UKVI, the eVisa will now also replace Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) and traditional visa vignettes, often referred to as “wet ink stamps” or passport stickers.

Officials say the transition is intended to enhance security, reduce the risk of document loss or forgery and streamline immigration checks.

For many international travellers, including students and short-term visitors, the change means they will no longer need to wait for physical documents to be returned with their passports after visa approval.

Immigration advisers, however, have urged applicants to familiarise themselves with the digital process well in advance of travel. Ensuring accurate personal information and linked documents is expected to be critical to avoiding delays at check-in or border control.

The UK government has been gradually digitising immigration services in recent years as part of efforts to simplify administration and improve efficiency.

With the February 25 rollout date approaching, prospective visitors are advised to create their UKVI accounts promptly and verify their eVisa status before making travel arrangements.

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