An eVisa is a digital record of a person's identity and UK immigration status, including the conditions of that status, such as whether they are allowed to work or study. It is viewed online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. eVisas have replaced physical immigration documents.
Key points
- You get an eVisa when you successfully apply for a visa or another type of permission to be in the UK.
- You need a UKVI account to see it. Setting up the account and viewing the eVisa are free.
- It shows your status and its conditions, for example indefinite leave to remain or the right to work.
- You prove your status to others with a share code generated from the eVisa.
- To travel with an eVisa, add your passport or travel document details to your UKVI account first.
How an eVisa works
When the Home Office grants a visa or another kind of permission to be in the UK, it records that decision digitally. That record is your eVisa.[1]Home Office, eVisas: access and use your online immigration status It holds two things:
- your identity and immigration status, for example the type of visa you have or that you hold indefinite leave to remain
- the conditions of your status, for example whether you may work or study
Nothing is posted to you. You sign in to your UKVI account to see it.
What you need to access it
You need a UK Visas and Immigration account. If you do not have one you can set it up, and there is no charge for the account or for viewing the eVisa.[1]Home Office, eVisas: access and use your online immigration status
You sign in with the document or number linked to the account, such as your passport, national identity card, biometric residence card, an expired biometric residence permit or your UKVI customer number. You also need the mobile phone number or email address you registered.[2]Home Office, eVisas: View your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status
Once the eVisa is linked to your account you can usually see it straight away, though it can take up to 24 hours.[1]Home Office, eVisas: access and use your online immigration status
What you use an eVisa for
| Situation | How the eVisa is used |
|---|---|
| Starting a job | You generate a share code and give it to your employer |
| Renting a home in England | You give a share code to your landlord |
| Travelling to or from the UK | You travel on a passport or travel document that is on your UKVI account. The eVisa is checked by your carrier and at the border |
Your eVisa also shows what rights you have in the UK, for example to work, to rent or to claim benefits.[2]Home Office, eVisas: View your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status
Example
Daniel is granted a Skilled Worker visa. No card arrives. He signs in to his UKVI account with the passport he applied with and sees his eVisa, which shows his status and that he is allowed to work. Before he flies he checks that the passport on the account is the one he will travel on. On his first day he generates a share code for his employer’s right to work check.
What people get wrong
People renew their passport and forget the eVisa. The eVisa is tied to the documents recorded on your UKVI account. You must travel with a passport or travel document that you have added to the account. If the details are wrong, your carrier may not let you travel and you may be delayed at the border.
The second mistake is assuming the record must be right. If your eVisa shows the wrong status or the wrong date of birth, report the error. If you have changed your name or nationality, update your UKVI account before you generate a share code.[2]Home Office, eVisas: View your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status[3]Home Office, eVisas: Travel with your eVisa
An eVisa is also not an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). An ETA is for people who do not need a visa and lets them travel to the UK for up to 6 months.[3]Home Office, eVisas: Travel with your eVisa
The bottom line
An eVisa is your immigration status held online by the Home Office. It replaces the cards and stickers that used to prove permission to be in the UK. Set up your UKVI account, check that the details and the passport on it are current, and use a share code whenever someone needs to see your status.
Common questions
No. It is an online record of your identity and immigration status. You view it by signing in to your UKVI account.
No. GOV.UK says you do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or to access your eVisa.
Usually straight away once it has been linked to your UKVI account. GOV.UK says it can take up to 24 hours.
A visa vignette remains valid until it expires. If you hold a biometric residence card you may still be able to use it in some situations.
Sources
We cite the Immigration Rules, legislation and GOV.UK guidance directly. Rules change, so each source shows the date we last checked it.
- Home Office. eVisas: access and use your online immigration status. Checked 11 November 2026. ↩
- Home Office. eVisas: View your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status. Checked 11 November 2026. ↩
- Home Office. eVisas: Travel with your eVisa. Checked 11 November 2026. ↩