The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that, from February 25, 2026, visitors who require a visa to enter the United Kingdom will no longer be issued physical visa documents.
The agency disclosed the development in a post on X on Friday, stating that eligible travellers will instead receive an electronic visa, known as an eVisa, which must be accessed online before departure.
“From 25 February 2026 visitors to the UK, who need a visa, will get an eVisa only. Create your UKVI account and view your eVisa, before you travel to the UK,” the statement read.
According to the UK government, an eVisa is “a digital record of your identity and immigration status – for example the type of visa you have or if you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK – and the conditions of your status, for example if you’re allowed to work or study in the UK.”
Authorities explained that the digital system is gradually replacing physical immigration documents. “Biometric residence permits (BRPs) have already been replaced by eVisas. They will also replace biometric residence cards (BRCs) and wet ink stamps or vignettes (stickers) in passports,” the government said.
Under the new arrangement, travellers will typically receive an eVisa once their visa or permission to stay in the UK has been approved.
Visa holders will be able to access their immigration status online, generate a share code when required — such as for employment or tenancy verification — and travel after linking their passport or travel document details to their UKVI account.
The government also clarified that access to the eVisa requires setting up a UKVI account, which comes at no cost.
“You can set up a UKVI account if you do not already have one. You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa,” the UK government website confirmed.
