Pakistani nationals planning trips to the United Kingdom can now benefit from a fully digital visa system, replacing the traditional paper-based sticker process with eVisas. The British High Commission in Islamabad announced the move on 25 February 2026, marking a significant upgrade in how Pakistanis apply for and receive UK visas for tourism, business and family visits.
New Digital Visa for General Visitors
Under the updated system, visitors from Pakistan including tourists, business travellers and those visiting family will continue to apply online and attend a visa application centre to provide biometric data. However, after approval, successful applicants will no longer need to return to collect their passports with visa stickers. Instead, they will receive a secure electronic visa (eVisa) via email that creates a digital record of their immigration status.
This eVisa can then be accessed through an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Applicants can also generate a share code to prove their visa status at UK entry points, with authorities emphasising that this digital shift does not change visa processing times or eligibility criteria.
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Convenience and Security Upgrades
One of the biggest advantages of the eVisa system is passport retention following biometric submission. Under the old model, applicants had to surrender their passports to receive visa stickers, which often led to delays and inconveniences. With eVisas, applicants keep their passports after biometrics and can travel without the risk of lost or damaged documentation.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott described the change as important for travellers from Pakistan, saying:
“This is a hugely exciting step for Pakistanis visiting the UK for tourism, visiting loved ones, or business meetings, that removes a big step from the application process.”
Marriott also highlighted how easier access to visa status via an online account helps eliminate uncertainty during travel and planning, particularly for first-time visitors and frequent travellers alike.
Broader Rollout and Background
The extension of eVisas to general visitors builds on an earlier rollout that introduced electronic visas for Pakistani students and workers since July 2025. Under that earlier phase, most main applicants for study or work visas no longer required physical visa stickers, streamlining immigration procedures and improving user experience.
Digital immigration records are now being used for millions of applicants around the world and the UK government says the transition to an eVisa is part of a global move toward secure, digital travel documentation. This modernisation aims to reduce administrative burdens and enhance the security of traveller identity confirmation.
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What This Means for Pakistani Travellers
For Pakistanis, the shift to eVisas means a simpler, faster and more secure visa experience. Travellers will no longer face the inconvenience of visa stickers and can avoid the additional step of passport submission after their biometrics appointment. Access to immigration status online helps reduce the risk of lost passports and speeds up trip planning.
While requirements for biometric submissions and online applications remain unchanged, the overall process has become more user-friendly. According to immigration experts, digital visa systems like the UK’s eVisa also help reduce errors and improve transparency during travel.
Final Note
Existing physical visas remain valid until their expiry and travellers are not required to replace them immediately. The UK government strongly encourages applicants to use the official gov.uk portal for visa applications and avoid third-party agents to ensure secure and authentic processing.
