The United Kingdom has transitioned to a system where electronic…
The United Kingdom has transitioned to a system where electronic visas (eVisas) are the primary method for confirming immigration status for visa holders. The Diplomatic Mission clarified that issuing sticker visas (visas-veins) to new applicants has been discontinued, while already issued visas will remain valid for travel until their expiration date.
Consensus
- The United Kingdom has transitioned to a digital immigration system for visas.
- Electronic visas (eVisas) are now the primary method of confirming immigration status.
- Physical visa stickers in passports will no longer be issued to new applicants starting in July 2026.
- Previously issued visa stickers with unexpired validity remain valid for travel until their expiration date.
- The change was communicated by the UK embassy in Moscow via a note addressed to Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Points of divergence
- The transition began in July 2026, with the cessation of issuing physical visa stickers for new applicants. — vedomosti
- The UK has already implemented a digital immigration system as of July, replacing physical documents with electronic records. — interfax
- The transition to eVisas began in July 2026, and previously issued visa stickers remain valid until their expiration date. — vm
- Russia's President Vladimir Putin extended the temporary visa-free regime for Chinese citizens until the end of 2027. — vedomosti
- Serbia will continue to maintain a visa-free regime for Russian citizens, and China has also extended its visa-free arrangement with Russia until December 31, 2027. — vedomosti
- Applicants may be required to appear in person to provide biometric data after their application is approved. — interfax
Coverage (5 sources)
- UK switches to electronic visas for Russians from July — Вести
- UK has fully switched to electronic visas — Ведомости
- UK introduces electronic visas — Интерфакс
- UK switches to electronic visas from July — Вечерняя Москва
- UK fully switches to electronic visas from July; stickers will no longer be affixed to passports — ТАСС (Telegram)