People granted a visa to come to the UK now receive an eVisa, and UK Visas and Immigration stopped issuing visa vignette stickers to successful new applicants on 1 July 2026.
Key facts
- Who: People making a new application for permission to come to the UK; holders of Home Office travel documents
- From: 1 July 2026 (end of visa vignettes); Home Office travel documents linked to UKVI accounts from 11 March 2026
- Source: Updates on the move to eVisas
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is replacing physical immigration documents with a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa. The guidance "Updates on the move to eVisas" was updated on 1 July 2026. It says the UK has transitioned to a digital immigration system.
New applications. Anyone who makes a successful application for a visa to come to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) gets an eVisa. This replaces previous physical immigration documents. UKVI stopped issuing visa vignettes (stickers) to successful new applicants on 1 July 2026.
Some applicants are issued with a form for accompanying an eVisa (FAV). These applicants will usually need to return to the visa application centre (VAC) to collect it. Once linked to the eVisa, the FAV allows the holder to travel to the UK. Before travelling, applicants need to sign in to their UKVI account to view their eVisa and check their permission.
Travel documents. From 11 March 2026, Home Office travel documents are automatically linked to the holder's UKVI account. The travel document number can be viewed alongside the eVisa. A new travel document appears in the account within 2 working days of the decision. People will continue to receive a physical Home Office travel document, and the guidance says to keep carrying it when travelling overseas.
Existing documents. Updating a physical document to an eVisa does not affect immigration status or the conditions of permission to enter or stay in the UK. Biometric information may still need to be given in person, and UKVI says it will tell applicants if this is required.
What this means for applicants
New applicants should expect a digital eVisa, not a vignette in their passport. If a FAV is issued, they will usually need to collect it from the VAC. Before travelling, they need to sign in to their UKVI account and check their permission. People who hold a Home Office travel document should keep carrying it abroad, and can see its number in their UKVI account.
Related guide: UK eVisa
Sources
- Updates on the move to eVisas, UK Visas and Immigration, GOV.UK