DIGITAL IMMIGRATION SYSTEM (UPCOMING CHANGES)

The UK is moving to a digital immigration system. As part of this move, eVisas were introduced to replace documents previously used to evidence one’s immigration status, such as BRPs and vignette stickers. Now, in pursuit of the same objective, the following changes are set to take place from 25th February 2026 (“the Date”):

• Eligible nationals travelling to the UK must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) unless they already hold a valid UK immigration visa. Boarding will be denied to those who require an ETA but do not have it.

To learn about ETAs, please visit the following link: https://www.gov.uk/eta

• British citizens will have to prove their right to enter the UK with a valid British passport or through another passport (if a dual citizen) which includes a certificate of entitlement. Boarding may be denied to those who are unable to present either one of these documents.
• Applicants who submit a visit visa application on or after the Date will receive an eVisa – if successful in their application. A stamp recording their visa details will not be added to their passport and their passport will be returned to them during the biometrics appointment.
• All eVisa holders – including children, must keep their UKVI accounts up to date. This includes ensuring their current passport or travel document has been linked to their eVisa. They must also ensure the correct contact email address and phone number has been linked with their UKVI account.

To learn about eVisas, please visit the following link: https://www.gov.uk/evisa

• From 26th February 2026, anyone who currently holds a valid Certificate of Entitlement (CoE) will be invited by email to create a UKVI account to access their digital CoE. Any new applications made for CoE from outside of the UK from this date, if successful, will also lead to the issuance of a digital CoE.

Switch to an eVisa if you have settlement and a legacy immigration document.

We have launched new guidance and a streamlined application to help people with settlement (also called Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR) who still use legacy immigration documents to get an eVisa. Legacy documents include expired passports with ILR stamps or vignettes, old Home Office letters or status documents issued before Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).

The improved guidance and simplified, free “no time limit” (NTL) application makes switching easy. See:

https://www.gov.uk/evisa-no-time-limit

You can also find the guidance via the third menu option at the top of:

https://www.gov.uk/eVisa

Switching to an eVisa will not change their immigration status and they can continue to use their legacy document. However, having an eVisa will bring significant benefits:

• Streamlined access to services: Government departments like the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the NHS can verify status directly with the Home Office, reducing the need to present documents. Switching to an eVisa now will also make it easier to transition to, using a digital ID, in line with the government’s recent announcement on the roll out of a national digital ID.
• Improved user experience: users can manage their status online and share it with landlords and service providers easily. Unlike the legacy document, an eVisa can also be used to prove a right to work.
• Stay informed : people with eVisas can get updates and notifications relevant to their immigration status through their UKVI account.
  We are asking everyone with a legacy document to apply for NTL and switch to an eVisa. This helps ensure they benefit from our secure, modern, digital immigration system.

Please share this update widely across your networks, community groups and frontline services – and encourage people to apply, especially those who may be harder to reach, Help is also available.