UK eVisa for Pakistanis: Here Is How You Can Apply

Pakistani visitors traveling to the United Kingdom can now use a new eVisa system, the British High Commission in Islamabad announced on February 25, 2026. The change removes the requirement for physical visa stickers in passports, replacing them with a secure digital record accessible through an online UK Visas and Immigration account.

The announcement was made by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE.

"This is a hugely exciting step for Pakistanis visiting the UK for tourism, visiting loved ones, or business meetings, that 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," Marriott said.

The rollout covers Pakistani visitors traveling for tourism, family visits, and business meetings. According to the official UK government announcement, there is no change to visa processing times, eligibility criteria, or conditions under the new system.

eVisas were successfully introduced for Pakistani students and those on work visas in 2025. Thousands of people across the globe have already used them at UK airports. The extension to visitor visas announced on February 25 is a significant expansion of the program, as tourist and family visit categories represent a major share of Pakistani applications to the UK each year.

The British High Commission strongly advises all applicants to apply directly through the official gov.uk website and to avoid using third-party visa agents. The gov.uk website is the only trusted and official source for UK visa applications and information.

How to Apply for a UK eVisa From Pakistan

The application process under the new eVisa system is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of exactly what Pakistani visitors need to do.

• Step 1: Go to the official UK government website at gov.uk and begin your visa application online. Do not use third-party agents or unofficial websites. The British High Commission explicitly warns against using visa agents and advises applying directly on gov.uk only.
• Step 2: Complete the online application form. You will need to provide your personal details, travel information, and the purpose of your visit, whether tourism, family visit, or business. Supporting documents such as proof of finances, accommodation details, and travel itinerary are typically required for a standard visitor visa application.
• Step 3: Pay the visa application fee online as part of the application process. Fees are paid digitally through the gov.uk platform.
• Step 4: Book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric data. This is a fingerprint and photograph scan and is a required step. Under the new eVisa system, this is the only visit to the visa application centre you need to make. Previously, applicants had to return a second time to collect their passport with a physical sticker. That second visit is no longer required.
• Step 5: Attend your biometrics appointment and keep your passport with you when you leave. Under the old system, applicants had to hand over their passport at this stage and wait to collect it with the visa sticker. With the eVisa system, you keep your passport after the biometrics session and do not need to return.
• Step 6: Wait for the visa decision. Processing times remain unchanged from the previous system, according to the official UK government announcement. Once a decision is made, you will receive confirmation by email rather than a physical sticker in your passport.
• Step 7: Set up or log in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account at gov.uk. This is free to create and is where your eVisa digital record will be stored. Your eVisa is accessible through this account at any time.
• Step 8: Before traveling, make sure your passport or travel document details are linked to your UKVI account. This is required for travel and border checks.
• Step 9: When you need to prove your visa status at the UK border or elsewhere, generate a share code through your UKVI account. This share code is a digital reference number that border officers and other authorities can use to verify your immigration status instantly. You do not need any physical document. The share code can be shown on your phone or any device.

What Pakistani Visitors Need to Know About the UK eVisa

Existing physical sticker visas are not affected by this change. According to the official UK government announcement, existing sticker visas remain valid and fully usable for travel.

The eVisa system is designed to be more secure than physical stickers. Digital records cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged the way a passport sticker can. The share code system also makes it faster and easier to verify status at UK airports and ports of entry.

Pakistani applicants with questions or needing guidance on the eVisa system can visit gov.uk/evisa for full official instructions on setting up a UKVI account, accessing an eVisa, and generating a share code.

Stay tuned for more updates!