UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced a significant upgrade to its visa application process with the introduction of eVisas, effective from 25 February 2026. This digital transformation will benefit most UK visa applicants by replacing traditional visa vignette stickers, allowing travellers to retain their passports whilst their applications are processed.
The eVisa system simplifies the application process by requiring only a single visit to the Visa Application Centre to confirm identity and submit documents if necessary. This change offers greater flexibility for international travel plans, as applicants can now apply for visas to other countries whilst awaiting a UK visa decision.
According to UKVI, over 10 million people are already using eVisas, which are becoming the default evidence of status for most immigration routes to the UK. "The move to eVisas will significantly enhance the customer process for travellers," said Srinarayan Sankaran, Chief Operating Officer - Global Operations at VFS Global, the global visa service provider for UKVI.
The eVisa process involves four steps: completing an online application on gov.uk, scheduling an appointment with VFS Global, visiting the Visa Application Centre to submit documents and enrol biometrics, and finally, leaving with the passport whilst awaiting the decision. Successful applicants will receive instructions on accessing their eVisa via email.
Key benefits of the new system include no passport retention, the ability to apply for multiple visas simultaneously, and the elimination of waiting for document delivery. This initiative marks a significant step towards visa digitalisation, enhancing convenience and efficiency for global travellers
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
