Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:39am on 04 Feb 2026,Wednesday International
UK immigration transitions to digital eVisas starting February 25, eliminating physical vignette stickers in passports. Applicants still visit Visa Application Centres for biometric appointments and identity verification, but passports are returned same-day instead of being held during processing. UK Visas and Immigration confirmed the streamlined system allows one VAC visit only, with digital records accessible through UKVI accounts anytime. eVisas display immigration status, visa type, indefinite leave status, and work/study permissions. UKVI issued 555,468 visitor visas to Indians in the year ending September 2025. Travel operators praised the reform, anticipating reduced processing times and increased flexibility. TAFI's Anil Punjabi highlighted the major advantage: travelers retain passports, enabling trips to other countries while awaiting UK approval. (PC: The Telegraph)
