UK to issue eVisas starting July 15: What students must do before boarding a flight

The United Kingdom will fully phase out physical visa stickers (called vignettes) for study, work and certain related visa routes from July 15. Eligible applicants will receive an electronic visa ( eVisa) linked directly to their passport via an online UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record of a person's immigration status, stored and managed online. It replaces physical visa labels or residence permits. Once issued, it shows the type of visa granted, the duration of stay, and permission conditions. eVisas can be accessed by logging into a UKVI account and do not require a passport sticker or card. Airlines and border officers can verify the eVisa electronically.

What changes after July 15 and who must switch to eVisa?

Applicants for Student visas, Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Global Talent, International Sportsperson, Youth Mobility Scheme, and Temporary Worker routes will no longer receive visa stickers in their passports. After completing biometric enrolment at a Visa Application Centre, they will get instructions to create a UKVI account where their eVisa will be available.

Anyone granted permission to stay in the UK for more than six months, or given indefinite leave to remain, must access their status through a UKVI eVisa. Individuals holding Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) must switch to an eVisa by since BRPs will no longer be valid.

Applicants with short-term visas of less than six months are not yet eligible for eVisas and may continue to receive paper vignettes.

Before travel-the student checklist

Students should follow these steps before flying:

• Create a UKVI account and link the passport you plan to travel with.
• Confirm your eVisa has been issued and linked correctly.
• Keep a copy (printed or digital) of the visa decision letter to show at the airport or border control.
• Update the passport details in your UKVI profile if you have renewed or changed passports.
• Retain expired BRPs until the cut-off, they may be needed when setting up your account.

If you applied before July 15

If you completed biometrics before this date, you may still receive a 90‑day vignette sticker. You will need to travel within its validity. After arrival, you must still set up a UKVI account to access eVisa and prove your status for longer stays.

Dependants (such as spouses or children) may continue receiving vignettes initially, but will also be required to access the eVisa system. The end date for their vignette issuance remains to be confirmed.

Why this change matters

The switch to eVisa is designed to streamline travel and border control, reduce reliance on physical documents, and enhance digital security. Applicants will no longer need to wait for passport return or worry about losing visa stickers.

However, students and other visa holders must be proactive: ensure they link the correct passport, save their login details, and verify access to the UKVI account to avoid boarding or entry delays .