UK’s eVisa Update: What Travelers and Immigrants Need to Know About the New Digital Immigration System

Published on November 12, 2025

The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has introduced a significant update to its eVisa program, part of its broader effort to modernize and streamline the UK immigration system. The UK government aims to replace physical immigration documents with a more efficient digital record of individuals’ identity and immigration status, enhancing the way the UK processes visas. This move is part of a phased transition towards a fully digital immigration system.

Under the new system, travelers and immigrants will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. The digital platform is designed to improve accessibility, reduce paperwork, and provide a more user-friendly experience for those wishing to enter the UK. In this article, we’ll explore the updates, who can access the eVisa platform, and how these changes affect both business travelers and tourists.

What Is the eVisa and Who Can Access It?

The eVisa is a digital visa that replaces the need for physical immigration documents, such as passports or biometric residence permits (BRPs). This new digital visa system allows individuals to manage their immigration status online, reducing the need for paper-based documentation. To access the eVisa platform, applicants must create a UKVI account, where they can manage and update their immigration status.

• Eligible Applicants: Those who are residing in the UK, either temporarily or permanently, will be eligible for the eVisa. This includes individuals with visas allowing them to stay for more than six months and those with indefinite leave to remain.
• Dependent Family Members: If a person is bringing their partner or children to the UK as dependents, they must each have their own UKVI account to access the platform.
• Visa Types Covered: The platform will cater to study visas, work visas, and family visas, along with other specific immigration categories that permit individuals to stay in the UK for six months or more.

Key Requirements for Accessing eVisa

To set up a UKVI account and access the eVisa, applicants must provide some basic information:

1. A phone number and email address.
2. One of the following documents:
   • A valid passport and visa application number
   • A valid passport and biometric residence permit (BRP) number
   • An expired BRP card (usable for up to 18 months after expiry)

This simple setup will help streamline the application and ensure the digital records are easily accessible.

Who Cannot Use eVisa?

While the new digital platform will streamline the process for many applicants, it does not apply to everyone. Certain individuals will not be eligible for an eVisa, including those with:

• Standard Visitor Visas: Travelers visiting the UK for leisure or short stays.
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) holders: These travelers do not need the eVisa platform.
• EU Settlement Scheme Family Permits: Those with permits under the EU Settlement Scheme will not need to access the eVisa.
• Diplomats and Right of Abode Holders: These individuals are exempt from regular immigration control.

Impact on Tourists, Business Travelers, and Immigrants

For tourists and business travelers visiting the UK, the new eVisa system will simplify the visa application process, allowing for quicker and more efficient management of their immigration status. Travelers will be able to access their visa details at any time and avoid carrying physical documents, improving the convenience of their visit to the UK.

Business travelers will also benefit from the ability to manage their visas digitally, making it easier to access important travel documents and updates during their trips to the UK. The reduction in paperwork will improve efficiency for companies sending employees abroad, ensuring smoother travel experiences.

How to Apply for eVisa: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the eVisa through the UKVI system:

1. Create a UKVI Account: Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration website and create your UKVI account by providing your phone number and email address.
2. Submit Your Documents: Upload your passport, visa application number, or BRP details as requested in the system.
3. Complete Your Application: Fill in the necessary fields, including personal details and visa information.
4. Submit and Await Approval: After submission, you will receive confirmation of your eVisa and be able to view and manage it digitally.
5. Track Your Visa Status: You can log into your UKVI account at any time to check the status of your eVisa or update your information.

How This Affects Business and Tourism in the UK

The shift to a digital immigration system is expected to have a significant impact on both the business and tourism sectors in the UK. For businesses, the eVisa platform will streamline the process of managing employee visas and simplify travel arrangements. This is especially beneficial for multinational companies and businesses relying on international talent.

For tourists, the eVisa system will offer an easier, more accessible way to manage travel documentation and immigration status, potentially reducing delays and making the process of visiting the UK more seamless. Additionally, the government’s effort to reduce paperwork will help position the UK as a more attractive destination for visitors from around the world.

Additional Benefits for Tourists and Travelers

The UK government’s decision to move towards a digital system also aligns with the broader global trend of digitizing immigration processes. This could lead to the introduction of faster processing times for visa applications, making the UK an even more appealing destination for tourists and business travelers. As the system expands, it’s expected that electronic visa solutions will become the norm, allowing travelers to apply for and manage their visas easily from their smartphones or computers.

Conclusion: A More Streamlined and Accessible UK Immigration System

The transition to eVisa is a significant step forward in simplifying the UK’s immigration system. With easier access to visa management, travelers can expect a more efficient process when visiting the UK. Whether you’re a tourist looking to explore the rich culture of the UK or a business traveler needing quick access to your immigration details, the eVisa platform offers a new level of convenience and ease of use.

For those considering moving to the UK, the streamlined process also signals the government’s commitment to improving immigration services, making the UK an even more inviting destination for people from all over the world.

Key Takeaways:

• The eVisa platform replaces physical immigration documents, offering a digital solution for travelers.
• Tourists and business travelers can now easily manage their visas online.
• Residents will need a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
• Step-by-Step Guide: Create an account, submit documents, and track your visa digitally.

Quick Tips for Travelers:

• Create a UKVI account early to manage your visa details.
• Use the eVisa platform to reduce the need for paper documents during your UK trip.
• Keep track of your eVisa status and update it as necessary through your UKVI account.

The new eVisa system marks a bright future for the UK’s digital immigration landscape, making the country more accessible for tourists, business travelers, and immigrants alike.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated