The United Kingdom’s long-planned transition to a fully digital immigration system is now a reality. As of February 25, 2026, the Home Office will no longer issue entry vignettes, biometric residence permits (BRPs), paper stamps, or other physical status documents. Instead, every successful visa applicant will receive an electronic visa (e-visa), which is linked directly to their passport and stored online.

This transition is the most visible step in the UK’s multi-year “Border 2025” program, designed to create a fully digital border similar to Australia’s model. Border officials scan passports, instantly retrieve the underlying e-visa or ETA record, and grant entry without stamping. According to the Home Office, the digital status reduces administrative costs, combats document fraud, and enables faster, data-driven security checks.

If you are planning a trip to the UK, you will need a visa. VisaCenter will help you obtain your UK visa quickly and easily and help you avoid unnecessary hassle.