The End of an Era for Visa Stickers
For decades, a UK visa meant a colourful, secure sticker—a vignette—carefully placed on a passport page. As of 2026, this is no longer the case for new applicants. The UK has completed its transition to a fully digital system, where your permission to travel
is an electronic record, not a physical document. This change, which affects all visa categories including tourism, work, and study, is part of a global trend to modernise and secure borders. The process for Indian nationals now results in an eVisa, a secure digital status that can be accessed online. Physical visa stickers and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being completely phased out for new applications.
What is an eVisa, and How Does It Work?
An eVisa is not a document you print at home. It is a digital record of your immigration status held in the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) database. This electronic permission is securely linked to your passport's biometric data. When you apply for a UK visa, you will still need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre. Once your visa is granted, you will receive a notification and be prompted to create a UKVI account online. This account is your new portal to view your visa details, including its validity and the conditions of your stay. When you travel, airlines and border officials will verify your status electronically by scanning your passport.
Your Passport Is Now Your Primary Document
With the visa sticker gone, your passport has become more important than ever. The eVisa is digitally tethered to the specific passport you used for your application. This means you must travel with the same passport that is linked to your UKVI account. If you renew your passport, you must update the details in your UKVI account before your next trip to the UK. Failing to link your new passport to your eVisa could lead to being denied boarding by your airline or facing significant delays at the UK border, as your digital permission won't be found when your new passport is scanned.
What About Existing Visa Stickers and BRPs?
If you have a valid, unexpired visa sticker (vignette) or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), it remains valid until its expiry date. You should continue to carry these physical documents with you when you travel, along with your passport. The UK government has been guiding all holders of physical permits, including BRPs that had a default expiry date of 31 December 2024, to create a UKVI account to view their digital status. Eventually, all permissions will be managed digitally, but for now, if you have a physical document, it is wise to carry it as a backup to avoid any potential issues at the border.
Checklist for Indian Travellers Under the New System
Navigating the new system is straightforward if you are prepared. First, apply for your visa well in advance through the official UK government website. After your biometrics appointment and once your visa is granted, create your UKVI account immediately. Before booking any travel, log in to your account to confirm that your eVisa details are correct and linked to the passport you will be using. Always ensure your personal details are up-to-date in your account. While you no longer receive a sticker, the core requirements for a UK visa—such as proof of funds, a travel itinerary, and a valid reason for visiting—remain unchanged.
