By February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom will have completed its ambitious transition to a fully digital immigration system. This milestone marks the end of physical visa vignettes, residence permits, and paper-based travel documents for nearly all categories of immigration permission.
The End of Physical Documents
From late February 2026, all temporary permissions—including visitor visas, Certificates of Entitlement, and Home Office travel documents—will exist only in electronic form. These digital records, known as eVisas, are linked directly to the traveller’s passport and UKVI account.
Travelers will no longer receive a physical sticker or card. Instead, they can view and share their immigration status online through the ‘View and Prove’ service.
Strict ETA Enforcement
Crucially, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) regime will be strictly enforced from February 25. All non-visa nationals, including citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and EU member states, must hold an approved ETA before boarding any flight, ferry, or Eurostar service to the UK.
Carriers will be required to verify ETA status digitally before boarding. Those without a valid ETA or eVisa will be denied boarding at the point of departure.
Key Steps for Travellers
- Document Verification: All travellers are expected to ensure their passport is linked to their UKVI account before travel.
- Early Application: Non-visa nationals are required to apply for an ETA at least 72 hours before travel.
- Account Updates: Anyone who obtains a new passport is required to update their UKVI account promptly to avoid travel delays.
The shift to a digital-first border is intended to streamline entry processes and improve security, but it requires travellers to be more proactive in managing their digital status.