ISLAMABAD: Pakistani nationals travelling to the United Kingdom, including tourists, will now be able to use the e-visa system and receive confirmation by email instead of having visa stickers placed in their passports, the British High Commission announced on Wednesday.
Previously, the UK government had introduced the e-visa system for Pakistanis in July 2025, but it was restricted to study and work visas. Applicants for general visitor visas were still required to obtain physical visa stamps.
Under the updated arrangement, visitors will continue to submit their applications online and visit a visa application centre to provide biometric information. However, successful applicants will receive a digital record of their immigration status through an online UK Visas and Immigration account.
According to the High Commission, applicants will no longer need to return to the visa centre to collect their passports after submitting biometrics, as they can retain their passports throughout the process.
The statement added that e-visas offer a more secure way to manage immigration status and reduce the chances of documents being lost or damaged. Applicants will also be able to generate a share code to confirm their visa status at borders and other checkpoints. There will be no changes to processing times, eligibility requirements, or visa conditions.
British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Jane Marriott described the development as a “hugely exciting step” for Pakistanis travelling to the UK. She noted that the new system not only saves time by removing the need to resubmit passports but also makes it simpler to prove visa status through the share code facility. In a separate video message shared on her X account on Wednesday, Marriott said that nearly all visitors travelling to the UK can now use the new e-visa service. UK visa applicants have been strongly advised not to use visa agents and to apply directly through gov.uk, which is the only official and reliable source of information.
UK Extends | eVisa Facility To Pakistani Tourists
