UK Introduces E Visa: What Does It Mean For Indian Travellers?

It is already known that several global countries have been largely amplifying their immigration operations in the recent past and the latest addition to the list is the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom has officially introduced a fully digital travel system, bringing major changes for international visitors, including Indians. Under the new rules, traditional paper visa stickers in passports are being phased out and replaced with electronic visas.

From now on, Indian travellers who require a visa to enter the UK will receive only an eVisa. This means there will be no physical visa sticker placed in the passport. Instead, the visa will be issued in digital format and electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.

The new system is managed through an online account with UK Visas and Immigration. Applicants must create and maintain this account to access and prove their immigration status. The digital record will be used by airlines and border officials to verify travel permission before departure and upon arrival.

Although the visa process remains similar, applicants still need to visit a visa application centre to submit biometric details such as fingerprints and photographs. However, they no longer need to leave their passport at the centre for visa stamping. This allows travellers to keep their passport with them during the processing period.

The UK government says the new digital system is designed to make travel more secure, faster, and convenient for visitors while modernising border control procedures.