Britain launches fully digital e-Visa system from today, Indians can apply under new rules

The United Kingdom has rolled out its fully digital visa system starting today, replacing traditional visa stickers in passports with electronic visas, or eVisas. 

With over 5.5 lakh recent visitor visa applications from India, the new system allows Indian nationals to apply under the updated digital framework immediately.

What has changed?

Physical visa stickers will no longer be pasted into passports.

Applicants will receive an eVisa, which can be accessed online.

Visa holders can generate a share code to prove their immigration status to employers, landlords, or authorities.

The share code remains valid for 90 days and can be reused or regenerated.

The eVisa displays identity details and specifies rights in the UK, such as permission to work or rent accommodation.

Indian applicants can now:

Apply for different visa categories even while awaiting a decision on a previous application.

Travel while their UK visa decision is pending, subject to immigration rules.

Manage their visa status digitally without relying on passport endorsements.

However, each family member including minors must create a separate online account and carry digital proof on their phone or a printed copy.

Despite the digital transition, applicants must still visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to complete biometric enrolment and identity verification. Passports will be returned the same day after the appointment.

The UK Home Office has acknowledged that minor technical issues may arise during the initial implementation phase and stated that the system is being closely monitored.

The digital shift is aimed at modernising Britain’s immigration process, making it more streamlined and paperless for global applicants particularly for high-volume countries like India.