Starting July 15, physical passport stickers will no longer be required for people traveling for study or work.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott. Photo: Facebook/UK in Pakistan
The United Kingdom has introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for Pakistani applicants, the British High Commission in Islamabad announced. Applicants will now complete visa applications online and physical stickers will no longer be placed on passports, the High Commissioner said.
The UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, confirmed the launch of the e-Visa system, describing it as a “simpler and more secure” way for students and workers to obtain visas for the UK.
From 15 July, physical visa stickers will no longer be required in passports for most primary applicants traveling to the UK for study or work. The UK government will replace physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status, known as an e-visa.
Starting today, visitors to the UK will get e-visas AND you can keep your passport while you wait! Just create your @UKVIgovuk account, request it normally and we will send it to you by email. Happy travels! pic.twitter.com/M45hOqr3c8
—Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) February 25, 2026
An e-visa serves as an online record of a person’s immigration permission 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 and allow applicants to retain their passports 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 passports, saving them time,” Marriott added.
The digital transition does not affect the immigration status or rights of any individual, and existing visa tag holders do not need to take any action.
