UK introduces eVisa for Indian Visitors from 25 February 2026
25 February 2026
The UK Government launched its fully digital UK eVisa, for visa nationals starting 25 February 2026.
This transition marks a major step in the digital transformation of the UK’s border and immigration system, making travel to the UK more convenient and secure—benefiting visitors globally, including from India.
The eVisa replaces the traditional visa vignette placed in physical passports. Visitors will now receive a secure digital record on their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account linked to their passport, making it easier to apply, store, manage and present visa information online.
The introduction of eVisas for visitors will enable UK-bound visitors to access their visa details directly through their online UKVI account. All visa information will be securely stored in digital form, thereby removing the requirement to submit passports for physical visa stamping.
eVisas will enhance convenience in the customer journey. It will provide an advanced digital system reducing fraud. However, holders of physical visa stickers (vignettes) can continue to use them until they expire.
Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, said: “The launch of the UK eVisa is an important milestone in making travel to the UK streamlined and more efficient for Indian visitors. Visitors will benefit from a modern, secure and fully digital experience—reflecting the UK’s commitment to improving mobility, strengthening people‑to‑people ties, and supporting the growing interest in education, tourism and business links with our region.”
Ritu Varma, Country Manager, India, VisitBritain, said: “Indian travel to the UK is on a clear and accelerating growth trajectory. Visitor numbers are projected to rise from around 651,000 in 2025 to nearly one million by 2030 an increase of 53%. This momentum is being further strengthened by progressive visa reforms, particularly the introduction of the eVisa by UK Visas and Immigration, which is set to significantly enhance ease of travel, confidence, and repeat visitation from India.
Visitor spending is forecast to outpace volume growth, surpassing £1 billion as early as 2026 and reaching almost £1.6 billion by 2030 a 74% increase over the period. Together, simplified digital visa access and rising travel intent position India as one of the most impactful long-term growth markets for the UK, delivering substantial value to the visitor economy through higher spend, longer stays, and diversified regional travel.”
Background information:
The eVisa programme is part of the UK’s long‑term strategy to digitise, secure its borders and provide a smoother travel experience. Visitors will need to create an online UKVI account, where they can view and manage their visa. The digital record will be automatically checked at the border—making physical visa stamps redundant.
1. No physical visa stickers from 25 February 2026
Most applicants will receive digital immigration status only. They must:
- Create a UKVI account
- Link their passport to their eVisa
- Check and update their account details before travel
- Need to attend the Visa Application Centre (VAC) only once to confirm their identity. The VAC returns their passport during the appointment – this is more convenient as they don’t need to visit again to collect a visa vignette sticker.
2. Carriers will check digital permission
Airlines and carriers will verify immigration status digitally via the information feed received from Home Office.
3. No digital permission, no travel
Visitors who fail to link their passport or claim their eVisa may be unable to board.
4. ETA requirement for non‑visa nationals (also effective 25 Feb 2026)
Nationals of visa‑exempt countries (EU/EEA/Switzerland, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.
