With the official launch of the UK government's integrated "eVisa" (electronic visa) system on February 25, 2026, UAE residents can now keep their passports during the visa application process. This strategic change addresses a long-standing concern for frequent travelers who need to plan multiple trips simultaneously.

End of Physical Visa Labels

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) aims to streamline services by replacing traditional passport stickers (Vignettes) and biometric residence permits (BRPs) with a "fully digital immigration status." According to the agency, more than 10 million people worldwide are already connected to this secure system, and the eVisa has now become the default and standard document for entering the UK.

Key Benefits of the eVisa System for Travelers:

▪️ No more passport confiscation: Applicants no longer need to surrender their passports and can apply for visas to other countries simultaneously without paying extra fees for passport retention services.

▪️ End of postal delays: With the digitization of the process, concerns about courier delays in receiving or delivering passports are completely eliminated.

New Application Process

The initial registration process remains unchanged, but the visa issuance steps have been transformed:

1️⃣ Complete the online form on the official UK government website and book an appointment.

2️⃣ Attend a visa application center (VFS Global) in the UAE solely to register biometric data and submit documents.

3️⃣ Leave the center with your original passport and wait for final approval via email.

⚠️ Important Security Note: All applicants are required to create a unified UKVI Account before traveling. This digital status will be their only official and legal document for identification and entry into the UK.