UK E-Visa for Pakistanis 2026: New Digital System for Visitors

In a major update for international travel, the UK e-visa for Pakistanis 2026 has been expanded to include general tourists and visitors. According to a statement released by the British High Commission on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The transition to a fully digital immigration system is now complete for nearly all categories of travelers from Pakistan. This change marks a significant shift from traditional physical passport stickers to a more streamlined, digital record-keeping process.

How the New System Works

While the core application process remains digital, there are key changes in how the visa is issued and managed. Applicants will still need to:

1. Complete their application online via the official UK government portal.

2. Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

The breakthrough in the UK e-visa for Pakistanis 2026 update is that successful applicants will no longer receive a physical vignette (sticker) in their passports. Instead, they will receive confirmation via email, and their immigration status will be linked to an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

[Image showing a digital ‘Share Code’ on a smartphone screen next to a Pakistani passport]

Key Benefits for Travelers

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott described this move as a “hugely exciting step.” The primary advantages of the new digital format include:

• Passport Retention: Applicants no longer need to hand over their passports for several days or weeks. You can keep your passport with you immediately after your biometrics session.

• No Second Visit: Since there is no physical sticker to collect, travelers do not need to visit the visa center a second time.

• Enhanced Security: E-visas eliminate the risk of lost or damaged visa stickers and provide a secure digital record that cannot be tampered with easily.

• Share Code System: Travelers can generate a “share code” through their online account to prove their status to airlines, border officials, or employers.

What Remains Unchanged?

It is important for travelers to note that while the delivery method has changed, the underlying requirements have not. The UK e-visa for Pakistanis 2026 still follows the same:

• Processing Times: Standard and priority processing windows remain the same.

• Visa Fees: Application costs remain consistent with the current fee structure.

This digital transformation is part of the UK’s global initiative to move toward a “borderless” digital immigration system by the end of 2026. For Pakistani tourists planning trips to London, Manchester, or beyond, this update offers a much more convenient and modern experience.

Please visit Pakistan Updates For More