The United Kingdom has switched to a 100 percent digital visa regime, issuing electronic visas (eVisas) instead of physical stickers from 24 April 2026. Indians—who filed more than 550,000 UK visitor-visa applications last year—are among the first large nationalities to benefit. Under the new model, applicants create an online account and receive a share-code that employers, landlords and border officers can use to verify status for 90 days. Travellers may depart India while a decision is pending, provided biometrics have been enrolled at a Visa Application Centre. The Home Office says eVisas reduce fraud, shipping delays and production costs. However, biometrics remain mandatory, meaning applicants must still attend a VAC appointment; passports are returned the same day. Families must register each member separately, a nuance travel agents must flag. Corporate mobility teams should update relocation packs: assignees will no longer have visa vignettes in their passports, so HR will need the share-code to complete right-to-work checks. Carriers have been advised to accept printed eVisa confirmations until their departure-control systems are patched. Officials acknowledge “minor teething issues” with the online portal. Travellers should keep digital and hard copies of the grant letter when transiting third-country airports that may not yet recognise the scheme.
Source: Gujarat Samachar (English)
