What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Changes
The United Kingdom is in the process of implementing one of the most significant reforms to its immigration system in decades. The UK is moving away from physical visa documents and introducing a fully digital visa and travel authorisation framework. These changes will affect tourists, students, skilled workers, family visa holders, employers and carriers, and are being rolled out progressively through 2025 and 2026.
Understanding how the new system works is essential to avoid travel disruptions and compliance issues.
From Physical Visas to Digital Status
The cornerstone of the reform is the replacement of paper visas, passport vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with electronic visas (eVisas).
An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s immigration status, stored online and accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Immigration permission will no longer be evidenced by a physical document placed in a passport.
Key Rollout Dates
- From July 2025: Most new applicants for work, study and other long-term visas will receive an eVisa only, with no physical visa vignette.
- From October 2025: Applicants on these routes will no longer receive any physical immigration documents at all. Status must be accessed online before travel.
- By 2026: All UK visas are expected to be digital, completing the transition to a paperless immigration system.
What This Means for Visa Holders
Visa holders will need to:
- Create and maintain a UKVI online account
- Ensure their passport details are correctly linked to their eVisa
- Travel using the passport connected to their digital status
- Rely on online verification when proving their right to work, study, rent or re-enter the UK
Losing a passport will no longer mean losing a visa, but failing to keep passport details updated in the system may result in boarding or entry issues.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Visitors
Alongside eVisas, the UK is also introducing a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for most visa-exempt visitors.
This system is similar to travel authorisation schemes used by countries such as the United States and Australia.
When the ETA Becomes Mandatory
From February 2026, travellers who do not normally need a visa to visit the UK must obtain an ETA before travelling.
Airlines, ferry operators and train companies will be required to check ETA approval before allowing passengers to board.
Who Needs an ETA
- Visitors from visa-exempt countries travelling to the UK for short stays
- Tourists, short-term business visitors and those transiting the UK (unless exempt)
An ETA is not a visa, but a pre-travel permission to board transport to the UK. Border officers will still make the final decision on entry.
Key Features of the ETA
- Application fee: £16 per person
- Validity: Multiple short visits (up to six months each) over two years or until passport expiry
- Application method: Online or via the UK ETA mobile app
- Passport-specific: Must be applied for using the same passport used for travel
Why the UK Is Making These Changes
The UK Government has identified several objectives behind the move to digital immigration systems:
1. A Digital-First Border
Replacing physical documents reduces fraud, loss and administrative delays while modernising border management.
2. Faster Processing and Verification
Digital records allow airlines, employers, universities and landlords to verify immigration status instantly, without handling physical documents.
3. Improved Security
Pre-travel screening through ETA applications enables earlier risk assessment before travellers depart for the UK.
How to Prepare for the New System
For Visitors
- Check whether your nationality requires an ETA
- Apply before booking or travelling
- Use the same passport for your ETA application and travel
For Visa Holders
- Create your UKVI account as soon as your visa is granted
- Check that your passport details are accurate and up to date
- Update your account promptly if you renew or replace your passport
- Keep access to your digital status when travelling or dealing with employers, schools or landlords
Broader Immigration Context
The move to eVisas and ETAs is part of a wider reform of the UK immigration framework, which includes changes to work visa thresholds, sponsorship rules and long-term settlement pathways. Together, these reforms signal a long-term shift toward automation, digital identity verification and stricter pre-travel screening.