UK to Introduce e-Visas from February 25, Replacing Passport Visa Stickers

From February 25, travelers to the United Kingdom will no longer receive visa stickers in their passports, as the UK authorities move to a fully digital e-Visa system. Details on how the new visa will be obtained and used have been published on the relevant UK government website. The British High Commission in Dhaka has advised applicants to visit www.gov.uk/eVisa for comprehensive information.

Diplomatic sources said on Saturday, February 7, that the UK immigration system is undergoing a complete digital transformation. As part of this transition, from February 25 onwards, all individuals requiring a visa to enter the United Kingdom will be issued only an e-Visa.

Information available on the official website indicates that the UK has initiated a major shift in its immigration framework. The traditional system based on paper documents and physical immigration records is being replaced by a digital e-Visa platform. The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) system has already been phased out and converted into the new e-Visa format. Applications for e-Visas can be submitted through the designated online portal.

What Is Changing

Under the new UK government directive, no passport stickers or physical seals (vignettes) will be issued anymore. The e-Visa will fully replace the following documents:

• Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs)

• Wet ink stamps previously used in passports

• Visa stickers or vignettes

In general, once an application for a UK visa is approved, the applicant will automatically be issued an e-Visa.

How the e-Visa Will Be Used

Through this digital visa system, expatriates and travelers will be able to verify their immigration status online. For starting a new job or renting accommodation, applicants can prove their visa status by generating and sharing a specific “Share Code.” However, for international travel, the e-Visa must be linked to a valid passport or travel document.

How to Access the Service

To use the e-Visa facility, every user must create an account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Those who already have a UKVI account can continue using it, while new users will need to set up an account.

It is worth noting that opening a UKVI account and accessing or using the e-Visa service does not require any fee. The British government has confirmed that the service is completely free of charge.

DBTech/SM/EK/OR