The UK Home Office has announced a complete shift from physical visa stickers to digital e-Visas for Indian nationals, effective February 25, 2026. This marks the end of physical vignette stickers, Biometric Residence Permits, and embossed stamps for UK visitor visas.
Key Details of the Digital Transition
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | February 25, 2026 |
| Who’s Affected | All Indian nationals applying for UK visitor visas |
| Key Change | Physical visa stickers replaced with digital e-Visas |
| Existing Holders | Automatic migration, no re-application needed |
The new e-Visa system links directly to a traveler’s passport and operates through a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) online account. Airlines will verify e-Visa status at check-in, while border officers will access the same digital record upon arrival.
How the New System Works
Under the digital framework, Indian travelers will receive an online e-Visa confirmation instead of physical documentation. The system aims to reduce fraud and accelerate border clearance processes. Each e-Visa connects to the specific passport used during application.
For Indian travelers planning UK visits, our UK Visa Guide provides comprehensive application requirements and procedures. Use our Document Checklist to ensure all paperwork is complete before submitting your digital application.
Impact on Business Travelers and Companies
Corporate travel teams must update their policies immediately. The passport used for flight bookings must match exactly with the one stored in the UKVI system. Staff members need to download or print e-Visa confirmations before departure to avoid boarding complications.
Failure to maintain accurate passport information in the UKVI account could result in airline boarding denials, even with valid visa approval.
Automatic Migration for Current Visa Holders
Existing UK visa holders will be transferred to the digital system automatically in phases. The Home Office confirmed that no re-application process is required for current visa holders during this transition.
Special Requirements for Dual Nationals
Indian citizens holding dual nationality must present their British or Irish passport when the change takes effect. Alternatively, they can use a valid Certificate of Entitlement to enter the UK.
The digital transformation aligns with the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme, which becomes mandatory for visa-exempt nationals later in 2026. This removes courier costs and eliminates the risk of lost physical documents, though travelers bear greater responsibility for keeping passport details current.
Source: UK Home Office
FAQ
Q: Do I need to reapply if I already have a UK visa? A: No, existing visa-holders will be migrated automatically to digital status in stages without any re-application required.
Q: How will airlines verify my e-Visa without a physical sticker? A: Airlines will verify your e-Visa status directly through the UKVI system at check-in using your passport details.
Q: What happens if my passport details don’t match my UKVI account? A: You could face airline boarding denials. Ensure your passport used for bookings matches the one stored in your UKVI account.
Q: Can Indian dual nationals use any passport for UK e-Visas? A: Indian dual nationals must present their British or Irish passport, or a valid Certificate of Entitlement, when traveling to the UK.