Applying for UK visa? UAE residents can now keep their passports as per new eVisa system
UAE residents applying for a UK visa will now be able to hold on to their passports while their applications are being processed. This comes as the British government rolled out a new digital eVisa system starting February 25, 2026.The move by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) replaces the traditional visa vignette sticker placed inside passports with a fully digital immigration status. For thousands of UAE-based tourists, business travellers and students, this means greater flexibility when planning international trips.What changes for UAE applicants?Under the new system, applicants will no longer have to hand over their passports while waiting for a decision—a key concern for frequent travellers in the UAE who often apply for multiple visas at once. Those who wanted to retain their passport with them had to pay additional fees to do so.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.However, under the new system, applicants can leave with their passports and continue making other travel plans once biometric data and documents are submitted at a visa centre.“Over 10 million people are already using secure and convenient eVisas, which are replacing physical immigration status documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and visa vignette stickers in passports. We are now in the final phases of implementation, with eVisas becoming the default evidence of status for most immigration routes to the UK,” UK Visas and Immigration said.For UAE residents who regularly travel across Europe, Asia or North America, the ability to apply for a UK visa while simultaneously applying for other destinations could significantly reduce travel disruptions.No courier delayApplicants will still need to complete an online form via the UK government website and book an appointment with VFS Global, which operates visa application centres in the UAE.At the centre, they will submit documents and enroll biometrics. After that, they can leave with their passports and wait for the decision electronically. If approved, instructions on accessing the eVisa will be sent by email.Srinarayan Sankaran, Chief Operating Officer, Global Operations at VFS Global, said: “The move to eVisas will significantly enhance the customer process for travellers, providing them the ease and flexibility of retaining their passports, allowing for applications to other countries in the interim.”Another benefit for UAE applicants is the elimination of courier delays, as there will no longer be a need for passport collection or delivery once a decision is made.UKVI accountsBefore travelling, customers must create a UKVI account, access their eVisa online and ensure all details are correct. The digital status will serve as official proof of their immigration permission to enter the UK.With the UAE being one of the region’s busiest outbound travel hubs, the shift to eVisas is expected to make UK travel smoother for residents juggling multiple international trips each year.Emirates issues travel advisory on e-visa rules, ETA requirements for UK passengersOne-step renewal: UAE combines passport, Emirates ID updates in new serviceLost your passport abroad? UAE Golden Visa holders can get a replacement in 30 minutes
UAE residents applying for a UK visa will now be able to hold on to their passports while their applications are being processed. This comes as the British government rolled out a new digital eVisa system starting February 25, 2026.
The move by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) replaces the traditional visa vignette sticker placed inside passports with a fully digital immigration status. For thousands of UAE-based tourists, business travellers and students, this means greater flexibility when planning international trips.
What changes for UAE applicants?
Under the new system, applicants will no longer have to hand over their passports while waiting for a decision—a key concern for frequent travellers in the UAE who often apply for multiple visas at once. Those who wanted to retain their passport with them had to pay additional fees to do so.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
However, under the new system, applicants can leave with their passports and continue making other travel plans once biometric data and documents are submitted at a visa centre.
“Over 10 million people are already using secure and convenient eVisas, which are replacing physical immigration status documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and visa vignette stickers in passports. We are now in the final phases of implementation, with eVisas becoming the default evidence of status for most immigration routes to the UK,” UK Visas and Immigration said.
For UAE residents who regularly travel across Europe, Asia or North America, the ability to apply for a UK visa while simultaneously applying for other destinations could significantly reduce travel disruptions.
No courier delay
Applicants will still need to complete an online form via the UK government website and book an appointment with VFS Global, which operates visa application centres in the UAE.
At the centre, they will submit documents and enroll biometrics. After that, they can leave with their passports and wait for the decision electronically. If approved, instructions on accessing the eVisa will be sent by email.
Srinarayan Sankaran, Chief Operating Officer, Global Operations at VFS Global, said: “The move to eVisas will significantly enhance the customer process for travellers, providing them the ease and flexibility of retaining their passports, allowing for applications to other countries in the interim.”
Another benefit for UAE applicants is the elimination of courier delays, as there will no longer be a need for passport collection or delivery once a decision is made.
UKVI accounts
Before travelling, customers must create a UKVI account, access their eVisa online and ensure all details are correct. The digital status will serve as official proof of their immigration permission to enter the UK.
With the UAE being one of the region’s busiest outbound travel hubs, the shift to eVisas is expected to make UK travel smoother for residents juggling multiple international trips each year.
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