What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is not a document you print out, but a secure, digital record of your immigration status held by the UK Home Office. This online record replaces physical documents like the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and the visa vignette sticker that used
to be placed in passports. Your eVisa contains crucial information, including your identity, the type of permission you hold (e.g., tourist, student, worker), the conditions of your stay, and your visa's expiry date. The new system, which was rolled out for Indian nationals, aims to modernise and secure the UK's border by linking your immigration status directly to your passport.
The UKVI Account: Your New Digital Key
To access your eVisa, you must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account on the official GOV.UK website. This account is the central hub for your immigration information. You cannot view or manage your eVisa without it. There is no fee to create a UKVI account or to access your eVisa. The process requires an email address, a phone number, and a form of identification like your passport details and your visa application number. It is critical to set up this account as soon as your visa is granted, as it is the only way to confirm your details are correct and prove your status.
Proving Your Status: The 'Share Code' System
Since you no longer have a physical visa to show, the UK has implemented a 'share code' system. Through your UKVI account, you can generate a unique, time-limited code to prove your status to third parties like airlines, employers, or landlords. When you provide this code along with your date of birth, the other party can use an online government service to verify your rights and permissions in the UK. For example, you would generate a 'right to work' share code for an employer. These codes are typically valid for 90 days, after which a new one must be generated.
At the Airport and Border
The check-in process at the airline counter and the experience at the UK border will be different. Airlines will verify your permission to travel digitally before you board. Therefore, it is essential that the passport details linked to your UKVI account are completely accurate and match the passport you are travelling with. Any discrepancy could lead to delays or being denied boarding. At UK immigration, border officers will scan your passport, which is digitally linked to your eVisa, to confirm your status. You will not have a physical document to present.
Updated Pre-Trip Checklist for Indian Travellers
To ensure smooth travel, every Indian heading to the UK must now add these steps to their pre-trip preparations: 1. Apply and get biometrics: The visa application process still requires you to apply online and attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). 2. Create your UKVI account: As soon as your visa is approved, create your UKVI account immediately. Each family member, including dependents, needs their own separate account. 3. Verify your eVisa details: Log in to your UKVI account to view your eVisa. Meticulously check that all personal details, visa type, and conditions are correct. 4. Link your current passport: Ensure the passport you intend to travel with is the one linked to your UKVI account. If you get a new passport, you must update this information in your account. 5. Know how to generate a share code: Familiarise yourself with the 'View and Prove' section of your account so you know how to generate a share code if needed.
