What is UK eVisa: Access, update & prove your online immigration status
No matter your purpose—study, work, tourism, or family—the UK eVisa provides a simple way to experience the country's incredible culture, economy, and way of life.
If you're ready to begin your UK visa journey, we're here to help! If not, this Global Law guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the UK eVisa, from how it works and who needs it, to how to apply and keep your UKVI account up to date.
What is UK eVisa (Online immigration status)?
The UK eVisa is a digital visa linked to your passport or identity document, eliminating the need for physical documents like visa stickers or biometric residence permits (BRPs). It serves as proof of your immigration status, allowing you to live, work, or study in the UK.
Accessible through an online portal provided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the eVisa simplifies immigration management by providing a centralized platform for applicants to view visa details, generate UK share codes, and update personal information.
How does UK eVisa work?
The UK eVisa is entirely digital and linked directly to your passport or identity document. Once approved, it securely stores your immigration status online, eliminating the need for physical documents like visa stickers or biometric residence permits (BRPs). This digital system is managed through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online portal.
Through the portal, you can easily check important visa details, including:
How long your visa is valid.
Any conditions or restrictions.
What activities (like work or study) are permitted under your visa.
Credit: Home Office/YouTube
This ensures you always have access to accurate information about your immigration status.
If you need to prove your status—for example, to an employer, landlord, or school—you can generate a share code through the portal. This code allows them to quickly verify your right to work, rent property, or study without requiring you to present physical documents.
The eVisa system also makes it simple to update your details. If you get a new passport, you can log in to your UKVI account, update your information, and ensure your eVisa stays linked to the correct passport. This prevents any issues when traveling or proving your status.
At the UK border, immigration officers will verify your eVisa electronically. All you need is the passport or identity document linked to your visa—no extra paperwork is required. The system instantly confirms your immigration status, making entry into the UK quick and hassle-free.
UK eVisa advantages
What are the benefits of having a UK visa? Having a UK visa provides you with numerous advantages, whether you're pursuing education, seeking career opportunities, or simply looking to experience all that the UK has to offer. Let's explore the key United Kingdom eVisa advantages:
Security: As a digital visa, the eVisa is more secure than physical documents, reducing the risk of loss or forgery.
Convenience: Access your immigration status anytime via the UKVI portal and share it electronically with employers or landlords.
Eco-friendliness: The paperless system reduces the use of plastic and paper, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Integration with UK Services: The eVisa connects to essential UK systems, including:
Credit: Home Office/YouTube
Who needs a UK eVisa?
The UK eVisa is designed for individuals from eligible countries traveling for:
Tourism: Visiting the UK for leisure or holidays.
Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or short-term work engagements.
Education: Taking short courses or training programs.
Transit: Passing through the UK en route to another destination.
UK eVisa eligibility depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Always check the UKVI website to confirm your eligibility.
How to apply for UK eVisa
Applying for a UK eVisa is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Check eligibility: Confirm your eligibility based on nationality and travel purpose.
Prepare documents: Gather necessary documents, including your passport, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and a passport-sized photo.
Create a UKVI Account: Register on the UKVI website with your email address. Find out how to create a UKVI account using our Global Law UK visa guide.
Complete the UK e-Visa application: Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
Pay the UK visa fee: Use a debit or credit card to pay the applicable fee (fees vary depending on visa type).
Schedule a biometric appointment: Book an appointment at a Visa Application Center to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Submit your application: Upload the required documents and biometric information via the UKVI portal.
Receive your decision: Check your email for updates. Once approved, your British eVisa will be linked to your passport.
Travel to the UK: At the border, your eVisa will be verified electronically using your passport.
Credit: Home Office/YouTube
Want to apply for your UK online immigration status as easily as possible? Apply with Global Law!
How much does UK eVisa cost?
The UK eVisa fee varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. As of 2025, standard fees for a UK visitor visa are typically around £115 for up to 6 months, but prices may differ for other types of eVisas like work or student visas.
You can check the latest UK visa fees by visiting our detailed guide.
How to link passport to UK eVisa in 5 steps
Linking your passport to your UK eVisa is a needed process that ensures your visa details are correctly associated with your travel documents.
First, visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website and log in using the email and password you used to apply for your UK e-Visa.
Once logged in, go to the "Update Details" section. Here, enter your new passport details, such as the passport number, expiration date, and issuing country.
If required, upload a scanned copy of your new passport to complete the process.
After entering your details, click “Submit” to save the changes. You’ll receive a confirmation once your passport is successfully linked to your eVisa.
After the update, check your eVisa status online to confirm that your new passport is linked correctly.
Remember to update your details as soon as you get a new passport to avoid any travel issues.
How to update UK eVisa account: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account details explained
Updating your UK eVisa details is essential if there are any changes to your personal information or travel documents. Here’s how to keep your UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account up to date:
Start by visiting the official UKVI website and logging into your account with the email and password you used when you applied for your UK eVisa.
Once logged in, navigate to the "My Account" or "Profile" section of your account. This is where you can make changes to your personal and contact information.
In this section, you can update any necessary details, such as your name, address, email, phone number, or passport information.
Credit: Home Office/YouTube
After making the necessary updates, carefully review the changes to ensure all the information is accurate. Once confirmed, save the changes.
After updating your details, log out of your account to secure your information.
Here is a detailed UK eVisa update guide that can help you through the process.
By keeping your UKVI account details up to date, you ensure that your UK eVisa remains valid and correctly linked to your current information.
How to use UK eVisa for travel & more
Using your UK eVisa makes traveling and living in the UK easier by:
When traveling to the UK, simply carry your passport or identity document linked to your UK eVisa. At the border, immigration officers will electronically verify your status, so you don’t need to present any physical documents.
To prove your right to work, rent, or study in the UK, generate a share code through your UKVI account. You can share this code with employers, landlords, or schools, and they can verify your status online instantly.
If you get a new passport or need to update any personal details, log into your UKVI account to make changes. This keeps your eVisa information accurate and up to date.
Ensure you follow the conditions of your visa, such as the duration of your stay and what activities are allowed. You can check the details and restrictions of your eVisa at any time through the UKVI portal.
FAQs
Is the eVisa a valid visa?
Yes, the eVisa is a fully recognized visa by UK authorities. It serves as legal proof of your immigration status.
What is the difference between a visa and an eVisa?
A traditional visa is a physical document, such as a sticker in your passport, while an eVisa is entirely digital and linked to your passport electronically.
When to switch to UK eVisa?
The UK is phasing out physical visas and transitioning entirely to the eVisa system. Here's what you need to know about the timeline:
October 31, 2024: All new visa applicants are issued eVisas instead of physical visas.
December 31, 2024: Holders of biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) must transition to eVisas to maintain proof of immigration status.
Individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) are encouraged to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) endorsement to transfer their status to the eVisa system.
This shift ensures that all immigration records are stored digitally, reducing the reliance on physical documentation and improving accessibility for travelers.
Featured image credit: Home Office/YouTube
