From July 15, physical stickers will no longer be required in the passports of people traveling for study or work.
Jane Marriott, British High Commissioner to Pakistan. Photo: Facebook/UK Pakistan
The United Kingdom has introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for Pakistani applicants, the British High Commission in Islamabad has announced. Applicants will now complete their visa applications online and physical visa stickers will no longer be placed on passports, the High Commissioner said.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott confirmed the launch of the e-visa system, describing it as a “simpler and safer” way for students and workers to obtain British visas.
From 15 July, physical visa stickers will no longer be required in the passports of the majority of principal applicants traveling to the UK for the purposes of study or work. The UK government will replace physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status, known as an e-Visa.
From today, visitors to the UK will get eVisas AND you can keep your passport while you wait! Simply create your @UKVIgovuk account, apply as usual and we will email it to you. Happy travels! pic.twitter.com/M45hOqr3c8
– Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) February 25, 2026
An e-Visa serves as an online record of a person’s permission to immigrate to the United Kingdom, 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 transition to digital documentation will simplify identity and visa verification while allowing applicants to keep their passport 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 will be able to keep their passport, 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.
