If you are a citizen of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria or Ghana, your travel to the United Kingdom is about to change forever.
Starting February 25, 2026, having a valid visa in your hand might not be enough to get you on the plane. The UK is moving to a “No Digital Link, No Travel” rule.
What is changing on Feb 25?
The UK Government is officially stopping the use of physical visa stickers for many visitors. Instead, they are moving to eVisas.
Even if you already have a sticker in your passport, the airline’s computer system will now look for a digital UKVI account linked to your passport number. If the computer doesn’t see that link, the airline will be forced to deny you boarding at the airport.
3 Things You Must Do Right Now
If you have a flight booked after February 25, do not wait. Follow these simple steps:
- Create your UKVI Account: Go to the official GOV.UK website. You must register your name and passport details to create a digital profile.
- Link your Visa to your Passport: If you have an old visa sticker, you must “connect” it to your current passport through your online account.
- Check for “Active” Status: Use the UK’s “View and Prove” service online. If it shows your photo and says your visa is active, you are cleared to fly.
Warning for Families and Students
Students: If you are starting your course in 2026, you will likely not get a sticker at all. You will only get an email. You must show the airline your digital “Share Code” or they will not let you check in.
Parents: You must create separate accounts for your children. Every single traveler needs their own digital link.
Why this is happening
The UK is making the border “contactless.” This means instead of a human looking at your sticker, a machine will scan your passport and check the UK database instantly. This is why the digital link is more important than the paper sticker.
Important Tip: If you recently renewed your passport, your visa is still linked to your old passport number. You must log in to your UKVI account and update it to your new passport number at least 72 hours before you fly.
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J. Maham is a specialized travel and immigration analyst with a focus on European work permits and South Asian’s mobility. With over 5 years of experience tracking global visa policy shifts, Maham provides verified, actionable insights for professionals seeking legal pathways to the EU and beyond.