UK issues over 5 lakh visas to Indians

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Posted on August 10 2026

The UK issues over 5 lakh visas to Indians as eVisa system goes fully digital. Apply now!

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By  Editor & Director
Updated August 10 2026

Highlights: UK Reaches 5 lakh Visa Milestone for Indians with a Fully Digital Visa System

  • The UK has announced a fully digital visa system, replacing physical visa stickers with eVisas for successful applicants.
  • More than 500,000 visas were granted to Indian nationals in the year ending March 2026.
  • Indian visits to the UK are projected to reach 959,000 annually by 2030, valued at £1.5 billion.
  • Average weekly flights between India and the UK have increased to 178 in 2026, up from 155 last year.
  • Indian travellers to the UK must link their passports to their UKVI accounts and ensure all details are accurate before travelling.

*Want to apply for a UK visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

 

UK Digitalises Visa Issuance Amidst the Rising Demand for Visas among Indians

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.

UK rolls out 5 lakh visas for Indian applicants via new digital visa system

 

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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How will UK’s Digital Visa Process Affect Indian Applicants?

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:

  • No physical visa sticker will be required in the passport after approval.
  • eVisa status can be accessed digitally through a UKVI account.
  • There will be no additional fee to access the eVisa.
  • Digital immigration records will make it easier to prove visa status when required.
  • Increased flight connectivity will provide more travel options between India and the UK.
  • Most standard UK tourist visa applications will be processed within three weeks.
  • Separate digital accounts will allow dependants to access their individual eVisas.

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with UK immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy!

For recent immigration updates on the UK, check out Y-Axis UK immigration News!

 

 

FAQs

What is the UK's new eVisa system?

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.

Are UK visa stickers being replaced by eVisas?

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.

How can Indian applicants access their UK eVisa?

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.

Do Indian travellers have to pay for accessing a UK eVisa?

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.

How many UK visas were granted to Indian nationals?

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.

How many Indians are expected to visit the UK by 2030?

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.

Do applicants still need to provide biometrics for a UK visa?

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.

How long does a UK standard visitor visa application take?

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.

What should Indian travellers check before flying to the UK?

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.

How can Indian applicants avoid UK visa scams?

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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UK issues over 5 lakh visas to Indians

Posted On August 10 2026

The UK issues over 5 lakh visas to Indians as eVisa system goes fully digital. Apply now!