LONDON, July 22. /Dunyo IA/.  As part of the phased digitalisation of its immigration services, Government of the United Kingdom has introduced the eVisa system, replacing traditional paper and plastic documents with a digital immigration status, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the UK Government, eVisa system stores all information confirming an individual’s permission to enter and stay in the United Kingdom in a digital format. Since 2018, millions of users have successfully accessed and used the system. The process of replacing an existing physical immigration document with an eVisa does not affect an individual’s current immigration status or their right to remain in the UK.

The eVisa system provides users with a number of important benefits. As a digital record, it significantly reduces the risks associated with the loss, theft or misuse of physical documents. Once a visa has been granted, in most cases there is no longer a need to wait for or collect a physical document, although in certain circumstances individuals may still be required to provide biometric information in person.

At the same time, passing through border control and confirming immigration status to employers, landlords or other authorised organisations will become significantly faster and more convenient. Government authorities will also be able to access this information electronically when required.

Starting from July 1, 2026, an important change has taken effect for new applicants whose UK visas have been granted. Under the new arrangements, traditional visa stickers placed in passports (visa vignettes) will no longer be issued, and applicants will receive only an eVisa. In certain cases, applicants may be provided with a FAV (Form for Accompanying an eVisa) document.

This document must be collected from the visa application centre and, when linked to an eVisa, allows the individual to travel to the United Kingdom. Therefore, before travelling, each person is advised to access their “UKVI” account and check their eVisa details as well as their permission to enter the country.

If an applicant’s passport or travel document is being held at the visa application centre, it will be returned to the applicant during the visa application process. The visa application centre will separately notify the applicant when the passport is available for collection. Therefore, it is not advisable to visit the visa application centre before receiving a notification to do so.

In addition, from March 11, 2026, travel documents issued by the Home Office will be automatically linked to a “UKVI” account. If a new travel document is issued, its details will appear in the account within two working days after a decision has been made. However, when travelling abroad, individuals will still be required to carry their physical travel document with them.

Overall, the eVisa system represents one of the key reforms aimed at making the UK immigration system more modern, secure and efficient. Through the digital visa system, individuals will be able to manage their immigration status online, check it at any time through their “UKVI” account, and verify it quickly whenever required. This will significantly reduce unnecessary time spent on document-related procedures, bureaucratic processes and associated inconveniences.