- The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that from February 25, 2026, visitors requiring a visa will receive only an electronic visa (eVisa)
- The eVisa will serve as a digital record of a traveller’s identity, immigration status, and visa conditions
- The UK government confirmed that setting up a UKVI account and accessing an eVisa is free of charge
Visitors to the United Kingdom who require visas will no longer be issued physical immigration documents starting February 25, 2026, as the country transitions fully to electronic visas.
The update was announced by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in a post on X on Friday, February 13, confirming that eligible travellers will receive only digital proof of their immigration status going forward.
According to UKVI, applicants will be required to access their visa details online before travelling.
“From 25 February 2026 visitors to the UK, who need a visa, will get an eVisa only. Create your UKVI account and view your eVisa, before you travel to the UK,” the statement read.
The UK government describes an eVisa as “a digital record of your identity and immigration status, for example the type of visa you have or if you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK, and the conditions of your status, for example if you’re allowed to work or study in the UK.”
Authorities explained that the shift to eVisas forms part of a broader move to phase out physical immigration documents.
“Biometric residence permits (BRPs) have already been replaced by eVisas. They will also replace biometric residence cards (BRCs) and wet ink stamps or vignettes (stickers) in passports.”
Travellers are expected to receive their eVisa after successfully applying for a visa or any other permission to stay in the UK.
Once granted, visa holders can access their eVisa online and generate a share code to confirm their immigration status when necessary.
The government noted that users can “view your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status, for example when you get a new job or rent a home,” and can travel after adding passport or travel document details.
Access to the digital visa requires setting up a UKVI account.
The government reassured applicants that there is no cost attached to creating the account or viewing the visa, stating, “You can set up a UKVI account if you do not already have one. You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa.”