The United Kingdom has rolled out a sweeping overhaul of its immigration and border framework, making e-visas mandatory for Indian nationals and introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for travellers from visa-exempt countries.
E-Visas Replace Physical Stickers
The new system, introduced in phases, replaces the long-standing paper visa sticker and ink stamp mechanism with a fully digital record. Under the revised rules, Indian travellers across categories—tourist, student or work—will receive visas exclusively in electronic format. The digital status will serve as the official proof of immigration clearance.
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Modernised Biometric Process
Officials said the move is part of a broader push to modernise the country’s border infrastructure and tighten identity verification measures. Physical “vignette” visa stickers pasted inside passports will no longer be issued under the updated system. Instead, applicants will be able to access and share their visa status online through a secure portal.
Under the new framework, applicants will still be required to visit a visa application centre for biometric enrolment. However, authorities have removed the earlier requirement of leaving passports behind during processing. This change is expected to ease travel planning and reduce concerns about document handling during the application period.
Phased Transition Complete
The UK government has been transitioning towards a digital immigration system for several years. As part of this effort, physical biometric residence permits and biometric residence cards are being phased out. Individuals who previously relied on such documents—including those carrying visa vignette stickers or indefinite leave to remain endorsements—are being migrated to an entirely online immigration status platform.
ETA Now Required for 85 Countries
According to official data, more than 10 million e-visas have already been issued under the ongoing digital transition. Authorities maintain that electronic records provide stronger safeguards against document forgery and streamline verification processes at ports of entry.
For Indian travellers, the shift signals a structural change in how travel documentation is issued and verified. While the application process will remain similar in terms of documentation requirements, the proof of status will now exist solely in digital form. Travellers will be expected to ensure their visa details are accurately linked to their passport information before departure.
In addition to the changes affecting visa-required nationals, the UK has extended ETA requirements to citizens of 85 countries, including the United States, Canada and France, who were previously allowed entry without obtaining a visa. These visitors must now secure an online travel authorisation prior to arrival. The ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and remain valid for a limited duration.
Aviation and travel industry observers say the move aligns the UK with several countries that have adopted digital entry systems in recent years. Governments worldwide have increasingly relied on electronic travel permissions to pre-screen visitors and strengthen border controls.
Travellers are being advised to check updated entry requirements well in advance of departure and complete digital formalities through official channels to avoid last-minute complications at airports.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
