The introduction of the UK’s electronic visa or eVisa system marks a pivotal moment in British immigration. This new digital approach is already reshaping how people from around the world apply for and prove their right to live, work, study, or visit the UK. As the system continues to roll out through 2025 and into 2026, it brings both opportunities and challenges for applicants and authorities alike.
This article will explore the latest eVisa news, statistics on adoption, official policy updates, and practical advice for those affected. The UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system reflects its ambitions to modernise borders and create a smoother, more secure visitor and migrant experience.
What Is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s immigration status and identity held by the UK Home Office online. Unlike traditional paper visas or biometric residence permits (BRPs), the eVisa resides electronically and links directly to a traveller’s passport via their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
An eVisa does not change the nature of one’s immigration status but acts as digital proof, making border checks faster and more contactless. Through a dedicated online account, individuals can access their visa details, including validity dates, conditions for work or study, and permissions attached to their stay.
Recent Policy Developments in 2025
The UK government has introduced a phased transition from vignette (sticker) visas and physical BRPs to eVisas, aiming for full implementation by the end of 2026. Recent government updates reveal that from early 2026, new applicants with certain visas, including visit visas, will receive only an eVisa and no longer a physical vignette sticker.
By July 15, 2025, applicants for work or study visas will exclusively receive an eVisa via their UKVI account without a vignette. Dependants, however, may still receive vignette stickers until October 30, 2025, when dependants can also transition fully to eVisas.
Notably, the grace period allowing the use of expired biometric residence permits as valid travel documents was extended from March 31 to June 1, 2025, offering applicants additional time to switch to the digital system smoothly.
Why Is the UK Moving to eVisas?
The UK’s shift to a digital visa system is part of a broader government strategy to create a “contactless border.” This transformation aims to make immigration more secure, efficient, and user-friendly by reducing reliance on physical documents and in-person processes.
This digitalisation supports faster processing times, reduces the risk of fraud, and enhances data security. It also aligns with global trends where many countries are embracing electronic visa and travel authorisation systems to facilitate cross-border movement in an increasingly digital world.
Statistics and Adoption Rates
Since the launch of the eVisa scheme, over 4.5 million UKVI accounts have been created by foreign nationals to access their digital immigration status up to mid-2025. Daily registrations surged throughout 2024, showing strong adoption as visa holders become familiar with the system.
Despite this progress, it is estimated that approximately 600,000 visa holders have yet to transition from their physical biometric residence documents to eVisas. The Home Office continues to encourage registrations to ensure full coverage as the deadline for phasing out physical permits approaches.
Who Needs an eVisa?
All non-UK nationals who have been granted leave to remain in the UK for more than six months are required to access and use an eVisa. This group includes workers, students, family members of British citizens or settled persons, and refugees.
However, the system excludes visitors (short-term stays under six months), those with leave under the EU Settlement Scheme, and certain exempt categories such as diplomats or individuals with the right of abode.
Applicants applying for new visas under eligible routes must create a UKVI account to receive their eVisa and manage their immigration status online. This also facilitates easy updates and renewals.
How to Access and Use Your eVisa
To get an eVisa, visa holders must set up a UKVI online account using the passport or travel document used at the UK border. The process requires a phone number, email address, and the physical evidence of immigration status if held.
Once the account is active, users can view, share, or prove their digital visa status anytime. This can be done via a share code that immigration officers or employers can scan to verify the holder’s rights to work or study in the UK.
The Home Office emphasises that obtaining an eVisa does not alter one’s legal status—it’s simply a digital record that provides proof of permissions and conditions. Physical documents remain valid until their expiry but will eventually be phased out.
Impact on Travellers and Employers
For travellers, the digital system streamlines border checks, reducing queues and physical contact points by allowing quick verification of immigration status digitally.
Employers in the UK are encouraged to update their right-to-work verification processes using digital tools that connect to the UKVI eVisa system. This ensures compliance with immigration laws while simplifying checks.
From a policy perspective, this switch supports stronger immigration enforcement and enhances the government’s ability to detect and prevent illegal employment or overstays.
Challenges and Criticisms
The rollout has faced some early technical challenges and user concerns. There have been reports of difficulties accessing UKVI accounts or system outages, prompting the Home Office to extend grace periods and allow usage of expired BRPs temporarily.
Digital literacy and access also remain barriers for some visa holders, particularly vulnerable groups who may struggle with online processes. The government continues to work on providing adequate support and clear guidance.
There are calls for continued transparency on the system’s development and assurance that privacy and data security standards meet high expectations.
Expert Insights and Future Outlook
Immigration experts view the move as generally positive but caution that the government must ensure inclusivity and reliability. The transition to eVisas is a major infrastructure overhaul that if well executed, will benefit border security and migrant experiences.
Looking ahead, the UK government plans to fully phase out physical visas by the end of 2026, making all visa permissions digital. This will mark a significant milestone in modernising UK immigration, with potential expansions to include more visa categories and travel authorisations.
Conclusion
The UK eVisa system represents a new era in how the country manages immigration digitally. With millions already onboard, the transition promises faster, more secure border management and easier access for visa holders.
Applicants preparing to enter or stay in the UK should set up their UKVI accounts and familiarise themselves with the eVisa process to avoid delays. Policymakers and stakeholders will continue refining the system to address challenges and enhance the digital immigration landscape now and in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UK eVisas
What is an eVisa in the UK?
An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s UK immigration status linked to their passport, accessible through an online UKVI account.
Who needs to apply for a UK eVisa?
Non-UK nationals staying in the UK for more than six months, including workers, students, and family members, must use the eVisa system.
When will the UK phase out physical visa stickers?
Physical vignette stickers will stop being issued from early 2026, with all visa permissions moving to digital eVisas by the end of that year.
How can I access my UK eVisa?
You must create a UK Visas and Immigration online account using your passport and other documents to view and manage your eVisa.
Can I use my expired biometric residence permit (BRP) after eVisa rollout?
Expired BRPs can be used to prove immigration status until June 1, 2025, after which eVisas become the sole proof of status.
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