The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that all paper visa documents will be replaced by digital eVisas from February 25, 2026.
Travellers applying for entry to the UK will now receive an eVisa only, eliminating the need for physical stickers in passports.
This move marks a major modernization of UK visa processing, aimed at speeding up applications, improving security, and enhancing convenience for international visitors, students, and business travellers.
“Updating your existing physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK,” the government said on its official website.
“We are doing this in a phased approach to manage the transition.”
Under the new system, approved applicants will be issued a digital visa record, which must be stored electronically and presented at border controls or airline check-in.
The UKVI confirms that the transition from paper visas to eVisas will be seamless, with no extra steps required for travellers previously issued traditional visa labels.
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Travel industry stakeholders believe the move to digital visas will strengthen the UK’s competitiveness as a global destination, particularly for tourism, education, and global business travel.
With digital visas, applicants around the world will be able to apply, receive, and manage their UK travel authorisation entirely online.
This development underscores the UK government’s commitment to modernising immigration systems, improving travel access for foreigners, and making the application process more efficient.
