The United Kingdom no longer affixes physical visa vignette stickers to passports for Indian applicants. In guidance updated on 1 July 2026, UK Visas & Immigration confirmed that all successful visa applications made outside the UK now result in a purely digital eVisa, stored in a UKVI online account.
What the UK eVisa Change Means for Indian Passport Holders
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Who Is Affected | All Indian nationals applying for a UK visa from outside the UK |
| What Changes | Visa approval is now a digital record; no sticker is placed in the passport |
| Where to Access It | UKVI online account (create or sign in after approval) |
| Biometrics Requirement | Still required at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) |
| Existing Stickers | Valid until expiry; renewals convert to eVisa automatically |
Once an application is approved, the applicant must create or sign into a UKVI online account to view and download proof of immigration status. Because staff no longer print and affix vignette stickers, physical passports are returned to applicants sooner.
UKVI states that eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or altered. The format is also designed to speed up airline check-in and automated border gate clearance at UK airports.
For Indian travelers departing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, or Hyderabad, the immediate practical step is to carry a printed or digitally saved permission-to-travel letter. A PDF copy of the eVisa or screenshots saved offline are advisable before heading to the airport. Use our Document Checklist to confirm every item you need to carry for a UK-bound trip under the new system.
UK eVisa Process: Steps for Indian Corporate Travelers
The change carries additional administrative weight for Indian companies sending employees to the UK. Airlines are now required to validate eVisas through the Advance Passenger Information System rather than visually checking a sticker. Indian corporate mobility teams must update internal policy handbooks that previously referenced visa labels.
Companies sponsoring workers on Tier 2 and Global Business Mobility routes should require employees to share a “prove your status” link in place of a photocopy of the vignette page. This link is generated through the UKVI online account and can be shared with employers or airlines as official confirmation of permission to travel.
For a full breakdown of UK visa costs and to compare fees across visa categories, use the Visa Fee Calculator.
Indian applicants planning a UK trip can also review the complete UK Visa Guide for end-to-end requirements, document lists, and application steps specific to Indian passport holders.
Source: UK Visas & Immigration, United Kingdom
FAQ
From when did the UK stop issuing physical visa stickers?
UK Visas & Immigration confirmed in guidance updated on 1 July 2026 that all successful applications made outside the UK now result in a purely digital eVisa. No vignette stickers are issued from that date onwards.
Where does an Indian applicant access their UK eVisa after approval?
Approved applicants must create or sign into a UKVI online account to view and download proof of their immigration status. The eVisa is stored as a digital record there, not in the passport.
Do Indian travelers still need to visit a Visa Application Centre?
Yes. Applicants still lodge biometrics at a visa application centre (VAC). Only the outcome changes — approval is recorded digitally rather than printed as a sticker.
Can I still use an existing vignette sticker in my passport?
Yes. Those with existing vignette stickers may continue to use them until they expire. Renewals will convert to eVisas automatically.
What should Indian travelers do before flying to the UK?
Travelers should print or store a digital permission-to-travel letter before departure. Downloading a PDF copy of the eVisa or taking screenshots before leaving for the airport is advisable given connectivity concerns at airports.
What do Indian employers sponsoring UK visas need to update?
Companies sponsoring Tier 2 and Global Business Mobility routes should ask employees to share a “prove your status” link instead of photocopying a vignette page. Internal policy handbooks that reference visa labels also need to be updated.