What is the UK e‑Visa?
The e‑Visa is a new digital way to prove you have permission to stay in the UK. Before, you’d get a physical visa sticker in your passport or a card like a BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). Now, everything is online.
Who Needs It?
You need an e‑Visa if:
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You're applying for a student visa
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You're coming for work
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You're settling in the UK
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Your stay is longer than 6 months
This system started from 15 July 2025, and now applies to most people applying from outside the UK.
How Does the e‑Visa Work?
Instead of a sticker or card, the UK government will store your visa digitally. You’ll create a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) online account where your visa details are saved.
Here’s what you’ll do:
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Apply for your visa as usual.
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Set up your UKVI account (you’ll need your email, passport, and visa details).
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Your passport is linked to your e‑Visa online.
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When needed (e.g. for a job, renting a home), you give people a share code from your account so they can see your visa info.
Why It’s Good:
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No physical documents to lose or damage
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Easier and faster checks at the airport
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More secure against fraud or misuse
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Passport stays with you (no need to send it away)
What If I Already Have a BRP or Visa Sticker?
If you already live in the UK with a BRP or visa vignette, you’ll still need to switch to an e‑Visa. Everyone must do this before December 2024.
Don’t worry – the UK Home Office will email you when it’s time to make the switch. You won’t have to pay again, but you must create the UKVI account to view your e‑Visa.
What is the ETA?
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is different from the e‑Visa. It’s for short visits to the UK – like for tourism, business, short courses, or transit (changing flights).
Who Needs an ETA?
People from countries that don’t usually need a visa to visit the UK (like the USA, Canada, EU, and Gulf countries) must now apply for ETA before traveling.
This means you can’t just buy a ticket and go anymore. You must get approval first.
ETA Details at a Glance:
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Who needs it? | Visa-free visitors (e.g. US, EU, UAE) |
| Valid for | 2 years (or until passport expires) |
| Visit duration allowed | Up to 6 months at a time |
| Cost | £16 |
| Where to apply | ETA app or UK government website |
How Do You Apply for an ETA?
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Download the UK ETA app or visit the official UK government website.
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Fill in your passport info, travel details, and answer some basic security questions.
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Take a photo with your phone.
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Pay the £16 fee.
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Wait for a decision – usually within a few hours or days.
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Once approved, your ETA is linked to your passport electronically.
Airlines will check it before you board. You won’t get a sticker or paper.
Important Reminders
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If your ETA is refused, you’ll need to apply for a full visa.
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ETA is not a visa – it’s a pre-check for visa-free travelers.
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Even if you have an ETA, UK border officers can still refuse entry, so be honest in your application.
Special Note for Students and Workers (From Countries Like Pakistan, India, Nigeria)
If you're planning to study or work in the UK from July 2025 onwards:
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You will get an e‑Visa, not a visa sticker.
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You must create a UKVI account.
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If your current visa has a 90-day sticker, it’s still valid to travel, but you must set up your e‑Visa after arriving.
