The United Kingdom will move to a fully digital immigration system for visitors from Feb 25, 2026, replacing physical visa vignette stickers in passports with electronic visas, the UK High Commission in Dhaka said in a notice posted on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.

Under the change, visitors to the UK who require a visa will receive an eVisa only, marking a key milestone in the government’s wider transition to digital immigration status records, according to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Visitors were advised by the High Commission to obtain additional information by visiting www.gov.uk/eVisa.

According to a LawFlash released by Morgan Lewis, the United Kingdom will conclude its long-awaited transition to a fully digital immigration system on February 25, 2026. 

UPCOMING CHANGES FROM 25 FEBRUARY

Electronic Travel Authorisation Enforcement

From 25 February, eligible non-visa nationals travelling as visitors must hold a valid electronic travel authorization (ETA). Carriers will deny boarding where an ETA is required but not held. This is a shift away from the current policy that allows carriers to exercise discretion to allow boarding even where an ETA is not held.

British Dual Nationals

British citizens, including dual nationals, are not eligible for an ETA and must travel using a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement (CoE). Failure to do so may result in denied boarding or delays.

Visitor Visas Move to eVisas

Visa nationals must obtain a visitor visa prior to visiting the UK. Beginning 25 February, visitor visas will be issued as eVisas only, replacing physical visa vignettes. All eVisa holders must create a UKVI account and ensure passport details are kept up to date.

Digital Proof of Status Expands

From 25 February, exempt applicants will receive a Digital Record of Exemption instead of a physical vignette.

Also from 25 February, CoE and Home Office travel documents will be digital and linked to UKVI accounts.

Source: UK HC in Dhaka/Morgan Lewis