- eVisas replace visa vignette stickers, removing the need for passport retention for most customers
- People can apply for visas for other countries while the UK visa decision is in progress
Dubai | 26 February 2026
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is introducing a major upgrade to its visa application process with the continued rollout of eVisas. From 25 February 2026, most UK visa customers will benefit from this digital transformation.
The eVisa system replaces traditional visa vignette stickers in passports, meaning customers will no longer need to part with their passport while a decision is being made on their application. It also means customers will only need to visit the Visa Application Centre once to confirm their identity and submit documents if required. This innovation provides travellers greater flexibility for international travel plans.
“Over 10 million people are already using secure and convenient eVisas, which are replacing physical immigration status documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and visa vignette stickers in passports. We are now in the final phases of implementation, with eVisas becoming the default evidence of status for most immigration routes to the UK,” said UK Visas and Immigration.
“The move to eVisas will significantly enhance the customer process for travellers, providing them the ease and flexibility of retaining their passports, allowing for applications to other countries in the interim. As the global visa service providers for UK Visas and Immigration, we are excited to support them in this step towards visa digitalisation across our operational network,” said Srinarayan Sankaran, Chief Operating Officer – Global Operations, VFS Global.
How the eVisa process works
Step 1: Begin your application on gov.uk and complete the online form
Step 2: Schedule an appointment with VFS Global
Step 3: Visit the VFS Global Visa Application Centre to submit documents and enroll biometrics
Step 4: Leave the centre with your passport and await your decision. If successful, instructions on accessing your eVisa will be sent to your registered email address.
Benefits of the new system
- No passport retention required
- Freedom to apply for a UK visa simultaneously with other countries, simplifying global travel planning
- Customers can submit applications from their country of residence and depart for the UK from anywhere in the world once the eVisa is received
- Eliminates waiting for document delivery via domestic or international courier services
Important to know
Customers must create their UKVI account, access their eVisa and check details are correct before travelling to the UK
About VFS Global
As the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, VFS Global embraces technological innovation, including Generative AI, to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritises ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 70 client governments. Operating over 4,000 Application Centres in 167 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 533 million transactions* since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is majority owned by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, along with minority shareholders including Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, Singapore based Temasek and UAE based Dubai Holdings.
* Comprised of 333.5 million transactions by VFS Global and 199.5 million transactions by CiX Citizen Experience