ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistanis travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) can now use an e-visa, receiving confirmation by email rather than stickers in passports, the British High Commission said in a statement on Wednesday.
Earlier in July 2025, the UK government introduced an e-visa system for Pakistanis travelling for study or work, but now it has been expanded for general visitors too.
The High Commission said that visitors, including tourists, will continue to submit their applications online and attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics.
“Successful applicants will have a digital record of their immigration status provided through an eVisa, accessible through an online UK Visas and Immigration account,” it said.
It said that applicants would no longer need to attend a visa application centre a second time to collect their passport; instead holding on to it after their biometrics session.
The British High Commission said that “eVisas provide a more secure way to manage immigration status and reduce the risk of lost or damaged documents.”
“Applicants can generate a share code to prove their visa status at borders and elsewhere. There is no change to visa processing times, eligibility criteria, or conditions.”
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott
The statement also quoted British High Commissioner Jane Marriott as saying that this was a “hugely exciting step” for Pakistanis travelling to the UK for tourism, visiting loved ones, or business meetings, which removes a big step from the application process.
“As well as being able to save time by holding on to your passport, the new share code system makes it easier than ever to demonstrate your visa status,” she stated.
From today, visitors to the UK will get eVisas AND you get to keep your passport while you wait! Simply create your @UKVIgovuk account, apply as normal, and we’ll email it to you. Happy travels! pic.twitter.com/M45hOqr3c8
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) February 25, 2026
In a separate video message, Marriott added that nearly all visitors going to the UK can now use the new e-visa service when they travel”.
She said that under the new system, travellers will be able to keep their passports with them as they will not be required to hand them in.
She added that the major difference is that you get to keep your passport with you, and you no longer need to visit a visa centre for a second time (to pick up your passport).
