UK Immigration System Transitions to Fully Digital Format with eVisas
The United Kingdom's immigration system has officially moved to a completely digital framework, eliminating the traditional physical visa stickers that were previously pasted into passports. This significant shift, which took effect from Wednesday, introduces electronic visas, commonly referred to as eVisas, as the new standard for entry documentation.
Streamlined Application Process with Biometric Verification
While applicants are still required to visit a designated visa application centre for biometric enrolment and identity verification, the process has been notably streamlined. Passports are now returned to applicants on the same day of their appointment, rather than being retained for an extended period. Bhaarat Dave, deputy head of mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, emphasized this improvement during an announcement on Tuesday.
"With the implementation of the eVisa system, individuals only need to attend the visa application centre once to confirm their identity," Dave explained. "The centre will return the passport immediately, eliminating the need for applicants to make a second trip to collect their passport after the physical vignette sticker has been affixed."
Understanding the Digital eVisa and UKVI Accounts
An eVisa serves as a digital record of a person's immigration status, detailing the specific visa type—such as tourist, visitor, student, or skilled worker—or settlement status. It also outlines any associated conditions, including permissions to work or study within the UK. This information is accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration online account, which is digitally linked to the traveller's passport.
Dave further clarified the account requirements: "The UKVI system operates as a self-verification platform. Each traveller within a family must have a dedicated UKVI account linked to their individual passport. While the information can be stored on a mobile device, separate accounts are mandatory for all members of the travelling group."
Importantly, individuals who currently hold valid physical sticker visas in their passports are not required to reapply for eVisas. However, they must create a UKVI account and link it to their existing passport to align with the new digital system.
Enhanced Flexibility and Efficiency for Travellers
Previously, the visa application process involved the retention of an applicant's passport throughout the processing period, which typically lasted around three weeks for tourist visas. The passport was only returned once the physical vignette sticker had been applied. The new digital approach significantly reduces this waiting time and enhances convenience.
Travel industry experts have welcomed the change, highlighting the increased flexibility it offers. Anil Punjabi, chairman (east) of the Travel Agents Federation of India, described the shift as a "big relief" for travellers, particularly those planning onward journeys to Europe or other destinations.
"The primary advantage is that travellers can retain their passports while applying for the UK eVisa, allowing them to simultaneously apply for visas to other countries," Punjabi noted. "Once the UK eVisa is approved, they can simply check their status online and enter the UK from any location worldwide."
Statistical Overview of UK Visas Issued to Indians
According to data from a deputy high commission official, the UK issued a substantial number of visas to Indian nationals between August 2024 and September 2025. During this period, 555,468 visitor visas were granted, alongside 213,690 visas across various other categories, including work, study, and additional classifications.
This transition to a fully digital immigration system marks a pivotal step in modernizing travel procedures, aiming to improve efficiency, security, and accessibility for international visitors to the United Kingdom.
