The UK has taken another decisive step toward modernising its immigration system, especially for Pakistani visitors. This means that the applicants from this category will continue to apply online and attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics. However, what happens next has changed in a meaningful way. Instead of returning to collect a passport with a visa sticker, successful applicants will now receive a digital immigration status known as an eVisa.
This change, announced by the UK Government, removes an entire step from the process. After submitting biometrics, applicants can keep their passports, eliminating the inconvenience of a second visit to the visa application centre. It is a practical improvement that saves time and reduces unnecessary travel.
From Visa Stickers to eVisa
For years, physical visa stickers have been the norm in the UK. They were tangible and familiar, but they also came with limitations. Lost passports, damaged documents, and delays in collection were common concerns.
The new eVisa system replaces physical evidence with a secure digital record accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration online account. Instead of presenting a sticker, visa holders can generate a share code to prove their immigration status at borders or when required elsewhere.
The table below highlights the key differences:
| Traditional Visa Sticker | Physical sticker placed in the passport |
| Physical sticker placed in passport | Fully digital immigration record |
| Requires passport collection after approval | No second centre visit required |
| Risk of loss or damage | Secure online access |
| Proof is limited to a physical document | Share code available for instant verification |
While the format has evolved, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Visa processing times, eligibility criteria, and visa conditions continue as before. The transformation is administrative and technological rather than regulatory.
Advantage for Pakistani Visitors
According to British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE, the rollout marks an important milestone for Pakistanis travelling to the UK for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. By removing the passport collection step and introducing the share code system, the process becomes more streamlined and user-friendly.
The emphasis is clearly on convenience without compromising security. The digital system reduces document risks while making status verification simpler and faster.
Apply Directly
Applicants are strongly advised to apply directly through gov.uk, which remains the only official and trusted source of information. The use of visa agents is discouraged to avoid misinformation, unnecessary costs, or potential fraud. Furthermore, the direct applications ensure clarity, transparency, and control over the process.
Building on Previous Success
This is not the first phase of the eVisa rollout. Last year, digital visas were successfully introduced for students and work visa holders. Thousands of travellers worldwide have already used eVisas at UK airports without difficulty.
Importantly, existing visa stickers remain valid and are not affected by the new system. The shift simply offers a modern alternative for new visitor applications.
Overall, the introduction of eVisas for UK visitors represents a clear move toward efficiency and digital security. By replacing physical stickers with secure online records, the UK has simplified the application journey without altering eligibility or processing timelines.
For travellers, the message is straightforward: fewer steps, reduced document risk, and faster verification—without changing the rules of entry.