UK e-Visa (Visit Visa) Application – 2025 Guide
🔹 What is a UK e-Visa?
The UK e-Visa (standard visitor visa or other visa types) is applied for entirely online. The visa is digitally linked to your passport (no physical sticker).
As of 2024, the UK is shifting towards digital-only immigration status, starting with GCC countries and expanding globally by 2025.
✅ Who Needs a UK Visa?
You need a visa if you:
Are a citizen of a non-visa-exempt country (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.)
Plan to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK
🔗 Check if you need a visa:
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
📋 Eligibility Criteria for UK Visitor e-Visa
You must:
Have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Intend to return to your home country
Have enough funds to support yourself during the visit
Have a clear travel purpose (tourism, family, business, study, etc.)
Provide proof of employment, income, or business
Have no criminal or immigration history in the UK
📝 Documents Required for UK e-Visa Application
Mandatory Documents:
✅ Valid Passport (original + scan copy)
✅ Passport-sized Photograph (as per UK guidelines)
✅ Proof of Funds (bank statements for 6 months)
✅ Travel Itinerary or Invitation Letter
✅ Accommodation Proof (hotel booking or host details)
✅ Employment Letter / Business Registration / Income Proof
✅ Travel History (if any)
Additional (based on visa type):
Student Visa: CAS Letter, proof of tuition fee payment
Work Visa: Certificate of Sponsorship, job offer letter
Family Visa: Relationship documents, sponsor proof
💻 How to Apply for UK e-Visa – Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Check Your Visa Type
Go to: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
✅ Step 2: Apply Online
Create an account on the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) portal.
Fill out the online form with your personal and travel details.
✅ Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): £115
Priority processing (optional): extra charges apply
✅ Step 4: Upload Documents Online
Via the VFS Global portal: https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/
✅ Step 5: Book a Biometric Appointment
Go to nearest VFS UK Visa Application Center
Submit biometrics (fingerprints, photo)
✅ Step 6: Wait for Decision
Processing Time: 15 working days (Standard), 5 days (Priority)
📩 Visa Outcome & Digital eVisa
You will receive a PDF confirmation of your visa decision by email. The eVisa is linked to your passport number, and can be shown at border control digitally.
ℹ️ Notes:
India is part of UK’s eVisa rollout plan for 2025–2026
UKVI may call for an interview in certain cases.
Use the “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” tool here:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
📎 Quick Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Check visa requirement | https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa |
| Start eVisa application | https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk |
| Book biometrics (VFS) | https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/ |
UK eVisa – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ 1. What is a UK eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital visa linked to your passport. You do not receive a physical sticker. Instead, UK authorities verify your visa electronically at the border.
❓ 2. Who needs to apply for a UK eVisa?
Anyone who is not visa-exempt, including Indian citizens, must apply for a UK visa online for tourism, study, work, or family visits.
❓ 3. Can I apply for a UK visa completely online?
Yes. You can:
Fill the form,
Pay online,
Upload documents, and
Book your biometric appointment online.
The only physical step is giving biometrics (photo + fingerprints) at a UK Visa Application Center.
❓ 4. Is a UK eVisa available for Indians?
Yes. Indians must apply online via the UKVI portal. India is expected to be part of the full eVisa rollout (2024–25) where even BRPs and visas become 100% digital.
❓ 5. How much does a UK visitor visa cost?
Standard 6-month Visitor Visa: £115
Priority (5 working days): +£500
Super Priority (next working day): +£1000
❓ 6. What documents do I need?
Valid passport
Passport-size photo
Travel itinerary
Bank statements (6 months)
Job/business/income proof
Hotel or host details
Visa/immigration history (if any)
❓ 7. How long does it take to get a UK eVisa?
Standard processing: ~15 working days
Priority: 5 working days
Super Priority: 1 day (in select locations)
❓ 8. Can I work on a UK Visitor Visa?
No. You cannot take up any paid or unpaid employment on a visitor visa.
❓ 9. Where do I give my biometrics?
At your nearest VFS UK Visa Application Center (e.g., in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.)
❓ 10. How will I receive my eVisa?
Your eVisa approval will be emailed in PDF form. You can also view it at:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
❓ 11. Can I edit my application after submission?
No. Once submitted, you cannot edit the application. If needed, cancel and reapply.
❓ 12. What if I make a mistake?
You must either:
Cancel and reapply (if not yet submitted),
Or contact UKVI for correction (for submitted cases).
❓ 13. Is there a physical visa sticker for UK eVisa?
Not for future eVisas. You will only receive a digital status tied to your passport number.
❓ 14. What happens if I change my passport?
You must update your eVisa record. The eVisa is tied to the passport number, so it must be updated with UKVI.
Learn how to apply for a UK eVisa online from India or abroad. Complete step-by-step guide for NRIs, required documents, eligibility, fees, and FAQs – 2024 update.