From 15 July, physical stickers will no longer be required in passports for people traveling for study or work purposes
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott. Photo: Facebook/UK in Pakistan
The United Kingdom has introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for Pakistani applicants, the British High Commission in Islamabad announced. Applicants will now complete visa applications online and physical visa stickers will no longer be placed in the passport, the High Commissioner said.
The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, confirmed the launch of the e-Visa system, describing it as an “easier and safer” way for students and workers to obtain UK visas.
From 15 July, physical visa stickers will no longer be required in passports for the majority of principal applicants traveling to the UK for study or work. The UK government will replace physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status, known as an e-Visa.
From today, visitors to the UK will get an eVisa AND you can keep your passport while you wait! You just need to create yours @UKVIgovuk account, apply as normal and we’ll send it to you via email. Happy travels! pic.twitter.com/M45hOqr3c8
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) 25 February 2026
An eVisa acts as an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK, including any applicable conditions. Applicants can access and manage their status through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.
According to the British High Commission, the move to digital documentation will simplify identity and visa verification while allowing applicants to keep their passports during the application process.
“These changes to the UK visa system will make it much easier for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also means applicants can hold on to their passports, saving them time,” Marriott added.
The digital transition does not affect anyone’s immigration status or rights, and holders of existing visa stickers do not need to take any action.
