British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott. Photo: Facebook/UK in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistani nationals traveling to the United Kingdom can now access a fully digital visa system, eliminating the need for physical visa stickers in passports and streamlining the application process, the British High Commission in Islamabad announced on Tuesday.
Under the new arrangement, visitors – including tourists, business travelers and family visitors – will continue to submit applications online and attend a visa application center to provide biometric data.
But successful applicants will now receive confirmation of their immigration status electronically through an eVisa, rather than returning to collect their passports with visa stickers attached.
eVisa creates a secure digital record of a traveller’s immigration status, accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration online account. Applicants will be able to keep their passports after their biometric appointment, eliminating the need for a second visit to the visa center and potentially reducing waiting times and logistical hassles.
High Commissioner Jane Marriott described the move as a significant development for Pakistani travellers. “This is a hugely exciting step for Pakistanis visiting the UK for tourism, visiting loved ones or business meetings, which removes a big step from the application process,” she said.
Applicants issued with an eVisa will be able to generate a Cooperative Code to prove their immigration status at UK borders and, where necessary, to other relevant authorities. “By being able to save time by holding on to your passport, the new part code system makes it easier than ever to demonstrate your visa status,” said Marriott.
There is no change to visa processing times, eligibility requirements or conditions attached to visas. The High Commission stressed that visa applicants are strongly discouraged from using third-party agents and should instead apply directly through the official UK government website, which remains the only authorized source of information and applications.
The introduction of eVisa for visitors follows the successful rollout last year for international students and individuals on work visas. According to the High Commission, thousands of travelers worldwide have already used the digital system at UK airports.
The authorities clarified that existing sticker visas remain valid and are not affected by the recent changes. Further guidance on accessing and using eVisa is available through official UK government channels, the High Commission said.
