UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) on 25 February began rolling out its new eVisa platform, replacing the visa sticker (vignette) with a secure digital record. VFS Global confirmed on 28 February that its India centres have started capturing biometric enrolment for the scheme and that applicants will retain their passports during processing. (travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com)
Under the phased programme, all new visit, student and work visa applicants in India will receive a UKVI account link once a decision is made. Travellers must download a PDF or Apple/Google wallet pass that airlines can verify via the Advance Passenger Information System. Existing long-term visa holders will be invited to register later this year, ahead of the UK Border Force’s transition to full ‘contactless’ entry gates in 2027.
Travellers who prefer expert guidance while navigating the new UK eVisa process can leverage VisaHQ’s services. Through its dedicated India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/), the company offers end-to-end online applications, document vetting and real-time status updates for UK visas as well as Schengen, US and other destinations—helping individuals and mobility teams avoid costly delays.
![UK Launches Fully Digital eVisa; VFS Global Begins Enrolment for Indian Applicants]()
For Indian corporates, the change removes a long-standing pain-point: executives will no longer have to part with passports for weeks, enabling parallel visa filings for Schengen or US travel. Mobility managers should update document checklists—printed visa vignettes will no longer be accepted at UK ports after the grace period ends.
Travel agencies expect faster itinerary turnaround, but caution that digital status must be downloaded before departure; absence of connectivity at remote airports could pose hiccups. VFS says its centres will install kiosks to help digitally-challenged applicants activate accounts before leaving the premises.
Employers sending Tier 2 assignees should note that the UK’s eVisa does not change sponsor-licence obligations; right-to-work checks will move to the Home Office online portal from June.
Under the phased programme, all new visit, student and work visa applicants in India will receive a UKVI account link once a decision is made. Travellers must download a PDF or Apple/Google wallet pass that airlines can verify via the Advance Passenger Information System. Existing long-term visa holders will be invited to register later this year, ahead of the UK Border Force’s transition to full ‘contactless’ entry gates in 2027.
Travellers who prefer expert guidance while navigating the new UK eVisa process can leverage VisaHQ’s services. Through its dedicated India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/), the company offers end-to-end online applications, document vetting and real-time status updates for UK visas as well as Schengen, US and other destinations—helping individuals and mobility teams avoid costly delays.
For Indian corporates, the change removes a long-standing pain-point: executives will no longer have to part with passports for weeks, enabling parallel visa filings for Schengen or US travel. Mobility managers should update document checklists—printed visa vignettes will no longer be accepted at UK ports after the grace period ends.
Travel agencies expect faster itinerary turnaround, but caution that digital status must be downloaded before departure; absence of connectivity at remote airports could pose hiccups. VFS says its centres will install kiosks to help digitally-challenged applicants activate accounts before leaving the premises.
Employers sending Tier 2 assignees should note that the UK’s eVisa does not change sponsor-licence obligations; right-to-work checks will move to the Home Office online portal from June.
