UK Goes Fully Digital with eVisas: What You Need to Know
The UK has officially launched its digital immigration system, replacing physical visa documents with a new eVisa format. Starting July 15, 2025, all UK visa holders must switch to this system. If you’re living in or planning to travel to the UK, here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how to prepare.
What is the UK eVisa?
The UK eVisa is a secure, online record of your immigration status. It replaces physical documents such as:
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
- Visa vignettes
- Ink stamps in passports
Instead of carrying a physical card or passport stamp, your immigration status is now digitally stored and linked to your passport. You’ll use a UKVI account to access and share your visa status when needed.
What’s New from July 15, 2025?
As of July 15, the following changes are now in effect:
- All new visa holders will receive a digital eVisa only. No more BRP cards or physical visa stickers.
- Existing visa holders must create a UKVI account and link their current visa.
- Border control systems in the UK now recognize only eVisas. Physical visas will no longer be valid for travel.
This marks a full transition to a 100% digital immigration system.
Who Needs to Switch to an eVisa?
The eVisa applies to nearly all visa categories, including:
- Skilled workers
- International students
- Temporary and seasonal workers
- Health and care workers
- Family and dependent visa holders
- Innovator and Global Talent visa holders
- Long-term visitors with vignette stickers
- Refugees or asylum seekers granted leave to remain
If you currently have a BRP card, visa vignette, or wet-ink stamp, you must switch to an eVisa before the December 31, 2025 deadline.
Who Doesn’t Need an eVisa?
You’re exempt from the eVisa requirement if you are:
- A British or Irish citizen
- A visitor using the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system
- From a country that allows short-stay, visa-free travel (but may still need an ETA)
How to Set Up Your eVisa: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Create a UKVI Account
Visit gov.uk/get-access-evisa and have the following ready:
- Valid email address
- Passport details
- Current visa or BRP
- Mobile phone for security verification
Step 2: Link Your Visa
- Input your passport and visa details
- Your immigration status should appear automatically
- If not, follow the manual linking instructions
Step 3: Keep Your Info Up-to-Date
- Update your account if you get a new passport
- Make sure your email and contact details remain current
Step 4: Share Your Status
- Generate a share code to prove your status to employers, landlords, the NHS, and universities
Important for Travellers to the UK
If you’re travelling with a UK visa from July 15 onward, note the following:
| Requirement | Details |
| eVisa Required? | Yes – if you’re a UK visa holder |
| Physical BRP/Vignette Accepted? | No – only digital status is valid |
| Must Link Passport to eVisa? | Yes – travel on the passport tied to your eVisa |
| Will Airlines Check eVisa? | No – but UK Border Force will verify it at entry |
| Mismatch Between Passport and eVisa? | May lead to delays or denied entry |
Tip: Do not wait until your travel date to update your records. Ensure your eVisa is linked and verified well in advance.
Why Has the UK Made This Change?
The move to digital immigration status is part of the UK government’s effort to:
- Reduce reliance on physical documents (no more lost BRPs!)
- Make it easier for employers, landlords, and public services to verify status online
- Speed up processing at borders
- Align with digital immigration systems used in Australia and Canada
Final Checklist Before the Deadline
Before December 31, 2025, make sure you:
Set up your UKVI account
Link your passport to your eVisa
Keep your personal details updated
Use share codes to prove your status
Travel only with the passport linked to your eVisa
Final Thoughts
The UK’s eVisa system is now mandatory for nearly all visa holders. If you haven’t already, take the time now to register and secure your digital immigration status. This digital shift is designed to simplify life for visa holders—but only if you’re fully prepared.
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