The UK government has issued new updates on its ongoing transition to a digital immigration system, confirming further steps in replacing physical immigration documents with electronic visas, or eVisas, by 2025.
According to the UK Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is developing the system in phases to manage the move from physical documents—such as biometric residence permits and visa vignettes—to secure online records of identity and immigration status.
The system is being developed to simplify identity verification and the management of immigration records.
Since its introduction in 2018, millions of people have received eVisas. The government says this digital system seeks to make it easier and faster for individuals to prove their immigration status, access services, and cross UK borders.
Phased Rollout of the eVisa System
The Home Office stated that the shift to eVisas is part of its plan to modernise the UK’s border and immigration system.
Updating from a physical document to an eVisa “does not affect a person’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK,” the department said.
An eVisa acts as a digital record linked to a UKVI account. Holders can use this account to view and share their immigration status online. Each dependent, including partners and children, must also create a separate UKVI account to access their own eVisa.
Changes to Visa Applications from 2025
From October 30th, 2025, people applying for certain work, study, and family visas, or for indefinite leave to enter the UK, will no longer receive a vignette in their passport. Instead, they will access their eVisa through their UKVI account before travelling.
This change follows the earlier introduction of eVisas for some main applicants on work and study visas from July 15th 2025. Applicants will be informed whether they will receive an eVisa or a vignette when their application is decided.
Who Can Access an eVisa
People with permission to stay in the UK for more than six months are generally eligible to access an eVisa. This includes those with short-term work or family visas and anyone with a study visa.
An eVisa is not required for people entering the UK with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), Standard Visitor visa, or EU Settlement Scheme family permit. Diplomats, those with right of abode, and people with immigration permission in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man are also excluded.
Individuals with settlement and a physical document that has no expiry date can choose to apply for a digital record through a “no time limit” application.
Support and Accessibility Measures
To assist people in the transition to digital status, the Home Office has made up to £400,000 available from September 1st, 2025 to March 31st, 2026 for 25 national and community-based organisations. This funding is to provide support for those who may need help creating or managing a UKVI account.
The government said eVisas are more secure than physical documents and cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with. They also allow faster verification at the border and automatic information sharing with authorised government departments.
