Posted on August 10 2026
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In a major visa update, the UK has moved to a fully digital immigration system. This means successful visa applicants will now receive an electronic visa instead of a physical visa sticker in their passports. The eVisa securely records a traveller's identity and immigration status and can be accessed online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
The change comes as travel between India and the UK continues to grow. More than 500,000 visas were granted to Indian citizens in the year ending March 2026, while VisitBritain expects Indian visits to reach 959,000 annually by 2030. Rising air connectivity is also supporting this growth, with average weekly flights increasing to 178 in 2026.

The table below highlights the major details of the digitalised UK visa system:
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Visa format |
eVisa replaces the physical visa sticker |
|
Application |
Applications must be completed online |
|
Biometrics |
Applicants must visit a Visa Application Centre |
|
eVisa access |
Applicants need a UKVI account and the UK Immigration: ID Check app |
|
eVisa fee |
No additional fee to access an eVisa |
|
Passport |
Must be linked to the applicant's UKVI account |
|
Processing time |
Most standard visitor visa applications are processed within three weeks |
|
Dependants |
Each dependant requires a separate UKVI account |
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The UK's digital visa system could make international travel more convenient for Indian visitors by eliminating the need for physical visa stickers and allowing travellers to access their immigration status online. With strong growth in UK-India travel and increased flight connectivity, the changes are expected to make the visa experience more streamlined for eligible Indian travellers.
Here is how the UK visa applicants from India will get affected:
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The UK's eVisa system is a fully digital record of a traveller's immigration status that replaces the physical visa sticker previously placed in passports. Successful visa applicants will now receive an electronic visa instead of a visa vignette. Travellers can access their eVisa through a UK Visas and Immigration account and use it to prove their immigration status when travelling to or staying in the UK.
Yes. The UK has moved to a fully digital visa system, meaning successful applicants will no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passport. Instead, their immigration status will be recorded electronically through an eVisa. Travellers should ensure their passport details are correctly linked to their UKVI account before travelling to avoid potential issues during airline check-in or at the UK border.
After their UK visa is granted, Indian applicants must register for a UK Visas and Immigration account to access their eVisa. They can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app as part of the process. Applicants should ensure that their passport is linked to their UKVI account and that their personal information is accurate before travelling to the UK.
No. The UK government has confirmed that there is no fee to access an eVisa. Applicants must still pay the applicable visa application charges when applying for a UK visa, but there is no separate cost for accessing the digital immigration status after the visa has been granted.
More than 500,000 visas were granted to Indian nationals in the year ending March 2026, highlighting India's importance as one of the UK's largest overseas travel markets. The strong demand comes amid growing tourism and improving air connectivity between the two countries, with VisitBritain forecasting further growth in Indian visits over the coming years.
VisitBritain estimates that Indian travellers could make around 959,000 visits to the UK annually by 2030. These visits are expected to generate approximately £1.5 billion in tourism value. The forecast reflects growing travel demand from India, supported by stronger air connectivity and continued interest in the UK as a tourism and travel destination.
Yes. The introduction of eVisas does not eliminate the requirement for applicants to provide biometrics. Applicants must complete their visa application online and attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information. Once the visa is approved, the applicant's immigration status will be recorded digitally through their eVisa.
The UK government states that most standard visitor visa applications are processed within three weeks. However, applicants are advised to apply well before their intended travel dates and submit all required supporting documents. Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances, so travellers should avoid making last-minute visa arrangements.
Indian travellers should make sure their passport is correctly linked to their UKVI account and that their personal details are accurate before travelling. Any mismatch or incorrect information could potentially result in delays during airline check-in or at the UK border. Travellers should also ensure they can access their eVisa and immigration status before beginning their journey.
Applicants should use only official UK government channels for visa applications, appointments, and immigration information. The UK Visas and Immigration service has warned that it does not request payments or sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media. Travellers should be cautious of suspicious messages and verify information through official UK government sources.
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