UK Swaps Physical Visas for Digital E-Visas in Major Immigration Shake Up

The United Kingdom has officially entered the digital era of immigration.
As of 15 July 2025, the UK government has begun replacing physical visa documents with electronic ones — known as e-visas — for most people applying to work or study in the country. This move, part of a broader push toward streamlined border control, marks a big shift in how international visitors interact with the UK’s immigration system.

Who’s Getting an E Visa?

If you’re applying online to study or work in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ll now receive an e-visa instead of the traditional sticker or biometric card. The new digital format is being issued for a wide range of visa categories, including:

• Student and short-term study visas (up to 11 months)

• Skilled Worker visas (including health and care workers)

• Global Talent visas

• Youth Mobility Scheme

• Temporary work visas (such as charity, creative and religious work)

• International Sportsperson visas

• Global Business Mobility routes like graduate trainees and service suppliers

The only catch? You’ll need to link your travel document to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, so the authorities can verify your status electronically. Applications are processed through the official GOV.UK website.

Still Paper for Some… For Now

Not everyone is getting the digital treatment just yet. Those applying for visas outside the work or study categories — or applying as a dependant — will still receive physical visa stickers. But UKVI has confirmed that the long-term plan is to roll out e-visas across all visa routes eventually.

Why the Change?

According to UK authorities, the goal is to make the system simpler, faster, and more secure. E-visas eliminate the risk of lost or damaged physical documents and allow for real-time updates and checks at the border. The move also aligns with the UK’s broader efforts to digitise public services.

For travellers from South Africa and across the globe, this shift could mean fewer delays and easier access to their immigration status. But it also means getting familiar with the UKVI portal, and keeping those travel documents synced with your online profile.

Local Reaction and Social Buzz

The e-visa rollout has stirred conversation online, especially among frequent travellers and international students. While some have welcomed the convenience, others are worried about potential tech hiccups.

“I get the digital angle, but what if I lose access to my account or there’s a system error at immigration?” one Reddit user asked in a popular travel thread.

Others see it as a necessary step forward. “It’s about time the UK went fully digital,” tweeted a London-based immigration consultant. “Physical BRPs were outdated and easily lost.”

What This Means for South Africans

With the UK being one of the top study and work destinations for South Africans, this update is worth paying attention to. Whether you’re heading off to university, taking up a healthcare job, or joining a temporary cultural exchange, your immigration status will now live online.

If you’re planning a trip, double-check that your passport is correctly linked to your UKVI account and that you know how to log in and show proof of your status if asked.

The Bottom Line:

The UK is moving with the times, and paper visas are on their way out. Whether you see it as a win for efficiency or a digital risk, the e-visa is now the new normal for work and study applicants. So if you’re packing your bags for London, be sure your online profile is as ready as your suitcase.

Source:Travel News 

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com