UK Rolls Out Digital Visa Process for Pakistani Travelers in 2024

In a groundbreaking move, the British High Commission has announced a transition to a digital immigration system for Pakistani travelers, eliminating the need for traditional physical documents. This shift is expected to significantly simplify the visa application process for Pakistanis, providing a more efficient and secure method of managing their UK immigration status online. As part of this transition, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), vignette stickers, and “wet ink stamps” will no longer be required, replaced by an electronic visa (eVisa) accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.

The British High Commission highlighted that individuals granted visas for more than six months, such as those for work or study, will need to create a UKVI online account. This account will serve as their digital record of immigration status, streamlining the process of entering and staying in the UK. However, short-term visa applicants, such as tourists, are not required to set up this account, allowing them to continue using the existing visa process.

Enhancing Security and Efficiency

The shift to a digital visa system reflects the UK government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and security of its immigration processes. By digitizing the immigration status of travelers, the UK aims to reduce the reliance on physical documents, which can be lost, damaged, or forged. The High Commission emphasized that the new eVisa process is not only secure but also free and easy to use, making it an attractive alternative to the traditional paper-based system.

Travelers applying for long-term visas will benefit from the enhanced convenience and accessibility of managing their immigration status online. Once approved, applicants will receive their passport and visa from the Visa Application Centre (VAC) as usual. However, they are advised not to travel to the UK until these documents have been received. Importantly, the move to an eVisa system does not affect an individual’s immigration status or the terms of their stay in the UK.

Preparing for a Digital Future

For Pakistani travelers, the introduction of the digital immigration system means adapting to a new way of managing their UK visas. Upon arrival in the UK, visa holders will still be required to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which remains valid until the end of 2024. The BRP can be used to set up the UKVI online account, providing access to the eVisa. Travelers are encouraged to keep their BRP cards until they expire and to carry them, along with their passports, when traveling outside the UK to ensure smooth re-entry.

The digital shift also aligns with broader global trends toward e-governance and the use of technology in public services. The UK’s move to a digital immigration system is expected to set a precedent for other countries looking to modernize their visa processes.

A New Chapter in UK-Pakistan Relations

This transition to a digital visa system is particularly significant for Pakistan, a country with strong historical and cultural ties to the UK. The British High Commission’s announcement marks a new chapter in UK-Pakistan relations, demonstrating a commitment to making travel between the two countries more accessible and secure. By embracing digital solutions, the UK is ensuring that its immigration system remains robust and responsive to the needs of travelers in an increasingly digital world.

For Pakistani travelers, the benefits of this new system are clear: a more straightforward, secure, and efficient way to manage their UK visas. As the world moves towards greater digital integration, the UK’s eVisa system is a timely and welcome development, providing a modern approach to immigration that meets the demands of today’s global travelers.