Major transformation for the residents of the UAE intending to apply for the UK visa. Starting February 25, 2026, a majority of the UK visa applicants will transition to all-digital. No more hassle of visa stickers or standing in line for weeks. The UK is switching to eVisas, which will transform the method of application and travelling for UAE travellers and others.
UK eVisa Advises The UAE Residents Starting February 2026
The change is brought by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). They are substituting hardcopy visa vignette stickers and biometric residence permits with electronic evidence of immigration status.
The report of the Gulf News states that the UK government is completing the last stage of its digital immigration. There are over 10 million eVisa users. As of February 25, 2026, most visa routes will be switched to eVisas.
The Importance Of This To The UAE Residents
People travel often to the UK, be it for work trips, family visits or Quick getaways. Most of the residents have multiple visas. In the former system, you were required to present your passport and wait. The process was long and would halt your travel to any other place during the term.
Now you can keep your passport. It is also possible to apply for a UK visa and travel to other countries simultaneously. You will even be able to fly home and still have your application being processed in the UK. That is a huge stress reliever for expats in the UAE.
The UK eVisa Process
The procedure remains organised but is not as constraining.
- Open your application on the official UK government website and fill out the online form.
- Book your slot at VFS Global.
- Pay a visit to the Visa Application Centre, submit documents, and give biometrics.
- Exit with your passport and await the decision via mail. Provided it is approved, you will be given instructions on how to access your eVisa online.
The majority of the applicants will visit the centre only once to identify and present the necessary documents.
The Key Benefits At A Glance
- No passport retention
- Simultaneously apply to UK and other visas.
- Fancy-free in the meantime of making up your mind.
- Document returns are not postponed by any courier.
- Online visa status on demand.
The UK started this transition in 2024. As early as July 15, 2025, work, study and mobility visas were already issued online. Since February 25, 2026, visitors and most other categories come next.
Also Read: Why Has UK Made eVisas Mandatory For Indians? What To Know Before Your UK Trip
A Bigger Digital Shift
The UK government is expected to transform its border into a digital default. It implies a reduction in the number of hard copies and an increase in the number of online cheques. To the UAE citizens who engage in a lot of travelling, this shift eliminates one of the greatest inconveniences of the visa procedure. You apply and attend one appointment and simply stroll away with your passport.
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