While the new system removes courier fees and the risk of lost documents, it places greater responsibility on travellers to keep their passport details up to date in the UKVI system
The UK will replace physical visa documents with fully digital e-Visas for Indian nationals from 25 February 2026, the UK Home Office has confirmed.
Under the new system, all visitor visas issued to Indian citizens will be electronic. Traditional vignette stickers in passports, Biometric Residence Permits and ink stamps will be phased out. Instead, travellers will receive an e-Visa linked directly to their passport and managed through an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
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Airlines will check a passenger’s e-Visa status digitally at check-in before departure
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On arrival in Britain, border officials will access the same record through their systems
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Officials say the move will reduce fraud, prevent document loss and make border checks quicker and more secure.
Those who already hold valid UK visas will not need to apply again. Their status will be transferred to a digital record in phases. The government has said existing visa holders will be contacted with instructions if any action is required.
The change also supports the UK’s wider Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme, which will soon become mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries. Indian dual nationals must ensure they travel using their British or Irish passport, or carry a valid Certificate of Entitlement where required.
Employers and corporate travel teams are advised to update their policies. The passport used for flight bookings must match the passport linked to the traveller’s UKVI account. Travellers should also download or print their e-Visa confirmation before departure. Without the correct digital permission, airlines may refuse boarding.
