UK to Issue e-Visas Only from Feb 2026: What Travelers Need to Know

• From February 25, 2026, the UK will switch to a fully digital visa regime, replacing physical visa stickers and immigration documents with e-Visas.
• Physical visa vignettes, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), and wet-ink stamps will be discontinued; eligible travelers will receive a digital visa linked to their passport and stored online.
• Successful applicants will get confirmation of their digital immigration status, which includes entry clearance and permission to work or study in the UK.
• Travelers requiring a visa must create a free UKVI online account before traveling, ensuring passport details and personal information are always updated to avoid boarding denials.
• The UK is also expanding Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) for visa-exempt travelers, which are different from e-Visas, to enhance border security and streamline verification.