UK introduces digital eVisas, ending the need for passport retention.
Dubai: Starting 25 February 2026, most UK visa applicants will switch to a fully digital system, as the British government finalizes its transition away from physical visa stickers.
The new eVisa programme, launched by UK Visas and Immigration, is part of a broader transformation of the UK’s immigration system, replacing passport vignette stickers and biometric residence permits with online proof of status.
According to UKVI, more than 10 million people are already using eVisas as the UK enters the final phase of rollout.
According to the British immigration authority, these changes are designed to modernise the system, reduce dependence on physical documents, and offer travellers greater flexibility—especially in countries like the UAE, where residents often hold multiple visas and travel frequently for work and family commitments. Here’s what you need to know:.
What is changing with UK visas?
UK Visas and Immigration is introducing eVisas, which will replace traditional visa vignette stickers in passports.
This means applicants will no longer need to surrender their passports while their visa applications are being processed.
When do the new rules take effect?
With the ongoing rollout, from 25 February 2026, most UK visa applicants will use the digital system, with eVisas becoming the default proof of status for most UK immigration routes.
“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,” UKVI stated.
“We are now in the final phase of implementation, with eVisas set to become the default proof of status for most UK immigration routes.”
Why this matters for UAE residents
Under the new system, applicants can retain their passports while awaiting a UK visa decision, allowing them to apply for visas to other countries simultaneously.
For UAE residents—many of whom are expatriates—this also enables them to travel home while their UK visa application is being processed.
Srinarayan Sankaran, Chief Operating Officer – Global Operations at VFS Global, said, “The move to eVisas will greatly improve the process for travellers, giving them the ease and flexibility to retain their passports and apply for visas to other countries in the meantime.”
He added that for countries like the UAE, with large expatriate populations, it allows travellers to use their passports to travel home while awaiting their UK visa decisions. “As the global visa service provider for UK Visas and Immigration, we are excited to support them in this step towards visa digitalisation across our operational network,” Sankaran said.
How the new UK eVisa process works
Step 1: Start your application on gov.uk and complete the online form.
Step 2: Schedule an appointment with VFS Global.
Step 3: Visit the VFS Global Visa Application Centre to submit your documents and enrol your biometrics.
Step 4: Leave the centre with your passport and await the decision. If approved, instructions on accessing your eVisa will be sent to your registered email address.
Typically, customers only need to visit the Visa Application Centre once to confirm their identity and, if required, submit documents.
Key benefits of the new UK eVisa system:
- No passport retention required.
- Freedom to apply for a UK visa alongside applications to other countries.
- Applicants can submit their applications from their country of residence and travel to the UK from anywhere once the eVisa is issued.
- No waiting for documents to be delivered by courier.
The UK began rolling out eVisas as part of a broader plan to modernise the immigration system and make the UK border digital by default. The transition started gradually in 2024, with millions invited to switch to eVisas.
By 15 July 2025, certain visa categories—including work, study, and mobility schemes—were already being issued as eVisas instead of physical stickers. The latest phase, starting 25 February 2026, extends eVisas to visitor and other visa types, fully replacing visa stickers.
