The UK electronic visas: what you need to know
From 25 February 2026, the UK completed its transition to a digital visa system, switching entirely to electronic visas (eVisas) for most visa categories, including tourist and business visas, previously issued as stickers.
Now, all entry clearance details are recorded digitally, and visas are available online through your personal account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
Despite the move away from paper visas, an in-person visit to the visa application center to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo) is still required. This step is mandatory for all applicants over a certain age.
After your application is reviewed and a decision is made, you will be informed how to access your eVisa and whether a sticker visa will be issued in your passport.
When passing through border control, staff will check your digital immigration status by entering your passport details into the system. Before traveling, you must create a share code in your UKVI account—this code confirms your current immigration status. The share code is valid for 90 days from the date of creation and can be used an unlimited number of times during this period.
Electronic visas have already replaced visa stickers for:
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main applicants and their dependents applying for work, study, and family visas, as well as indefinite leave to enter (settlement) via any route (from 30 October 2025);
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main applicants for work and study visas (from 15 July 2025)