The United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI) has announced that they are phasing out the 90-day vignette stickers for non-EU applicants for visa routes from July 15, 2025. This means that they will no longer put a visa stamp on the passport and will issue an eVisa with all the information.
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What Is a Visa Vignette Sticker?
A visa vignette sticker is a stamp or sticker placed on the passport following a successful entry clearance application. It contains basic details about applicants and the immigration permission they have been granted. This is a traditional system which is slowly being phased out by most countries in favour of the eVisa. Some countries still use this method as an eVisa is not available everywhere in the world.
Why Did UKVI Take This Decision?
UKVI took this decision to phase out the Visa Vignette Stickers to replace them with eVisas. Visa Vignette Stickers require the UKVI authority to keep the passports of applicants which delayed visa issue. Now it will be replaced with eVisas, and it will require a lot less time to process the visa.
What Does This Mean for the Applicants?
This means that applicants from July 15, 2025, will no longer receive a vignette sticker in their passports for entry into the UK within 90 days. Instead, applicants will need to create their eVisa using their Unique Reference Number or GWF number from the application decision email. This document will allow them to travel to the UK as they would with a Visa Vignette sticker. It also indicates that applicants must ensure they have their eVisas before travelling to the UK.
This also means that applicants do not need to submit their passports to the UKVI centre, as passports will not be stamped with a vignette sticker.
However, this change will only affect the principal applicant. Dependent family members will still receive the vignette sticker but will also need an eVisa. Family members will have to surrender their passports at the biometric appointment to receive the sticker.
Who Will Be Affected by This Decision?
Here we will list everyone who will be affected by UKVI’s decision to discontinue the visa vignette sticker:
- Students (including short-term up to 11 months)
- Global Business Mobility
- Global Talents
- International Sportsperson
- Skilled Workers
- Temporary Workers
- Youth Mobility Scheme
What Should You Do After This Decision?
Students and other visa applicants should create their eVisa after this decision because physical stamps on visas are becoming obsolete. They should also link their passport to the eVisa before travelling and make sure all of the details on their eVisa are correct.
Conclusion
The UK’s decision to stop using visa vignette stickers signifies a major move toward digital immigration procedures. Starting July 15, 2025, the majority of applicants will be issued eVisas rather than passport stamps. This updated system is designed to make the process more efficient, minimise delays, and enhance accessibility. Applicants are now required to generate and verify their eVisa information online prior to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Does the UK Have a Sticker Visa?
No, the UK no longer has a sticker visa and will only issue eVisas from now on.
What if There Is an Error on the Vignette of the UK Visa?
There is no longer a chance for an error on the Vignette of the UK visa as the UKVI authority will no longer issue them.
How to Extend a UK Visa Vignette?
Extending your visa will extend a UK Visa Vignette. However, this has been discontinued and replaced with an eVisa.
Can I Delete My UKVI Account?
No, you cannot permanently delete your UKVI account.