Close
Contact us
UK: Effective 15th July, eVisas Replacing Paper Vignettes
In a major move toward digital transformation, the UK government has officially begun phasing out physical visa vignettes and replacing them with fully digital eVisas.
This change, effective today, is part of the UK’s broader plan to modernize its immigration system and enhance border security.
What’s Changing?
- No more paper visa stickers in passports for most UK visa categories.
- All visa holders will now have their immigration status digitally linked to their UKVI account and passport number.
- Border officials will verify your visa electronically using the UKVI system.
- The update applies immediately to new visa applicants, while existing visa holders will be transitioned gradually by early 2026.
- Create a UKVI account via the official gov.uk website.
- Link your visa to your passport and contact email.
- Ensure that your passport information is always up-to-date, especially if you renew your passport-otherwise, your eVisa may not function correctly during travel.
The eVisa system affects a wide range of UK visa holders, including:
- Students
- Work visa holders & skilled migrants
- Family route applicants
- Anyone previously issued a visa vignette
The shift to digital eVisas offers several advantages:
- Faster, more efficient border checks
- No risk of losing or damaging a physical visa
- Simpler updates when changing jobs or addresses
- More secure and fraud-resistant than paper documents
If you currently hold a valid paper visa issued before July 15, 2025, it will remain valid until its expiry. However, the UK Home Office has indicated that all visa holders will eventually need to transition to an eVisa by early 2026.
Conclusion:
The UK’s transition from physical vignettes to eVisas is a significant step in streamlining its immigration infrastructure. This move aligns with global trends toward digital identity systems and paperless borders.
For visa holders, it’s crucial to proactively create a UKVI account, ensure your passport details are accurate, and stay updated on any notifications from the Home Office.
As with any immigration shift, staying informed is key to avoiding travel disruptions and ensuring compliance.
If you’re unsure about your visa status, future transition timelines, or need help linking your eVisa- reach out to us to guide you through the process.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Anywr
Anywr is a French international group specializing in the global Talent mobility and international recruitment. The company supports businesses in the search and integration of international talent, offering a complete range of services from sourcing to settlement. Anywr has a network of over 300 consultants in 16 countries. A member of the FrenchTech 120, the group is now composed of nearly 900 employees worldwide, with 400 in France, serving the largest French and international groups. Anywr is an innovative and responsible company, committed to its communities, which puts its expertise and solutions at the service of social integration projects and diversity. ANYWR has adopted the status of a Mission-led Company (Loi Pacte) since June 2021.
Do you have a mobility project for your teams? Contact us!
