UK rolls out e-visas: How to apply, who benefits and what changes

The United Kingdom has expanded the rollout of its digital e-visa system from February 25, 2026, allowing most visa applicants to keep their passports while their applications are processed. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said the move replaces physical visa vignette stickers and marks the final phase of its shift to digital immigration status.

Under the new system, applicants will no longer need to submit their passports for visa stamping in most cases. Instead, they will receive a digital e-visa, which will serve as proof of their immigration status. The change is expected to provide greater flexibility for overseas travel, as applicants can apply for visas to other countries while waiting for a UK decision.

“Over 10 million people are already using secure and convenient eVisas, which are replacing physical immigration status documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and visa vignette stickers in passports. We are now in the final phases of implementation, with eVisas becoming the default evidence of status for most immigration routes to the UK,” said UK Visas and Immigration.

How the process works

Applicants must first complete the online visa form on the UK government website. They then schedule an appointment with VFS Global and visit a Visa Application Centre to submit documents and enrol biometrics.

After the appointment, applicants can leave with their passports. If the visa is approved, instructions on how to access the e-visa will be sent to their registered email address.

Benefits of e-visa

The new system removes the need for passport retention and courier delivery of visa documents. It also allows applicants to apply for a UK visa at the same time as visas for other countries. Once the e-visa is issued, travellers can depart for the UK from anywhere in the world.

“The move to eVisas will significantly enhance the customer process for travellers, providing them the ease and flexibility of retaining their passports, allowing for applications to other countries in the interim. As the global visa service providers for UK Visas and Immigration, we are excited to support them in this step towards visa digitalisation across our operational network,” said Srinarayan Sankaran, Chief Operating Officer - Global Operations, VFS Global.

UKVI said applicants must create a UKVI account, access their eVisa and verify that all details are correct before travelling to the UK.