TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government of the United Kingdom has initiated a major transformation in its immigration system by discontinuing physical documents starting from February 25, 2026. The country will now only issue e-Visas to replace visa stickers (vignettes), physical documents, and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). This move is part of a comprehensive digital border modernization effort, including expediting the airport entry process to reduce waiting time for foreign tourists.
Every visitor will be required to have an online Visa & Immigration UKVI account, as reported by Travel and Tour. The e-Visa will be directly linked to the passport via the "Digital Border Tripod" system, which automatically synchronizes Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Travelers must ensure that their data is synchronized, as discrepancies could result in boarding rejections. Additionally, travelers with more than one passport or those who have recently renewed their travel documents are required to promptly report these changes to their UKVI accounts to avoid technical complications.
The importance of migrating to this digital system is also emphasized by the official Instagram account @UKinIndonesia for Indonesian travelers. "Starting February 25, 2026, applicants for visit visas to the UK will receive an eVisa (electronic visa) replacing visa stickers (vignettes) in the passport," as stated in the post.
You can create a UKVI account for free through the official UK government website. To do so, you will need your passport and email address, as reported by Travel+Leisure. Local authorities have stated that this new system is much more efficient, allowing users to generate a "share code" to prove their immigration status to third parties without paper documents. Long-term visa holders who still possess old physical documents are strongly advised to promptly migrate to e-Visas to ensure the continued validity of their immigration data.
On the other hand, the requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) now applies to travelers from visa-exempt countries. Airlines now bear greater responsibility in verifying passengers' digital status before departure. Therefore, it is highly recommended that every traveler recheck their UKVI account at least 24 hours before departure to ensure that their immigration data is synchronized with their latest passport information. The British government assures us that they have strengthened its cybersecurity system to protect the personal data of all visitors during this digital transition period.
Imanda Zahwa contributed to this article
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