The UK switches to e-Visa from 25 February 2026

From 25 February 2026, the UK stops issuing paper visas. Physical visa stickers in passports, biometric residence permit cards (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), and wet-ink stamps are all being phased out. In their place comes a single format: an electronic visa (e-Visa), linked to an online account in the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) system.

In practice, this means every traveller's immigration status — the right to enter, work, study — is now stored digitally and linked to their passport. No stickers, no cards.

A UKVI account: why you need one and how to create it

Every e-Visa holder needs to set up a personal account on the UKVI website. This account lets you view and manage your immigration status. Registration is free. You'll need a valid passport, a BRP card (if one was previously issued), an email address, and a phone number.

An important point: keep your account details up to date. If you get a new passport, update the information before travelling. Carriers and border services will cross-check data digitally, and discrepancies could be grounds for boarding denial.

ETA for visa-free travellers

Alongside the e-Visa launch, another requirement takes effect. From the same date — 25 February — citizens of countries who don't need a visa to enter the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Without a valid ETA, airlines and other carriers will refuse boarding. In short, even "visa-free" entry no longer means "without prior approval."

UK citizens, including dual nationals, do not need an ETA. They can use a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.

What this means for visa applicants

The move to a digital format affects all categories of applicants: tourists, business travellers, students, those visiting family, and transit passengers. The document-gathering process essentially stays the same, but there's now an additional mandatory step — registering and updating a UKVI account before departure.

A typical mistake that will now become critical: outdated passport details in the system. If you've renewed your passport and haven't linked the new one to your account, you may simply not be allowed to board — the carrier won't see a valid authorisation. Since specific requirements can vary by visa type and individual situation, it's worth checking the official UKVI website or consulting a consulate before travelling.