UK Moves to Fully Digital Visas for Pakistani Applicants, Scraps Passport Stickers

ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom has rolled out a fully digital visa system for Pakistani travelers, removing the requirement for physical visa stickers in passports and shifting verification to an online process.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, announced that under the updated procedure, applicants from Pakistan will complete their UK visa applications online and visit a visa application centre solely to provide biometric data. They will no longer need to return to collect their passports once a decision has been made.

Successful applicants will receive a digital record of their visa, accessible through their UK Visas and Immigration account. The new system is designed to enhance security, ensure easier access to immigration status, and minimize the risk of lost or damaged documents.

Applicants will also be issued a “share code” to confirm their visa status when required, including at border control and other official checkpoints.

Welcoming the initiative, Jane Marriott said the changes will simplify travel to the UK for Pakistanis by making the process faster, more secure, and more convenient.

The digital visa model was first introduced last year for student and work visa categories. With its expansion, approved applicants will no longer need to revisit visa centres after submitting biometrics.

The British government has further advised applicants to apply directly through the official UK government website rather than relying on visa agents, aiming to ensure transparency and efficiency. The e-visa rollout is expected to streamline the overall application experience for Pakistani citizens planning to travel to the UK.