People can still apply for visas for other countries while the UK visa decision is in progress
The UK has expanded the use of digital visas since February 25, in a move designed to simplify applications and reduce the need for travellers to surrender passports during processing, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said.
Under the changes, e-visas will replace physical visa vignette stickers for most applicants, allowing them to retain their passports while a decision is pending. This also means applicants can apply for visas to other countries at the same time, a step expected to ease travel planning.
More than 10 million people already use e-visas, which are replacing physical immigration documents such as biometric residence permits and passport stickers, UKVI said, adding the system is entering its final implementation phase and will become the default proof of immigration status across most routes.
Applicants will still need to attend a visa application centre once to confirm identity and submit biometric data, after which they can leave with their passport and await a decision.
Srinarayan Sankaran, COO for Global Operations at VFS Global, said the shift would give travellers greater flexibility by allowing parallel visa applications and removing reliance on courier delivery of documents.
Successful applicants will receive instructions by email on how to access their e-visa.
UKVI said travellers must create an online account and verify their visa details before travelling to the UK.
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