What is a UK Visa Vignette?
- Amir Nikfekr
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 25
A visa vignette is a type of sticker that is attached to your passport or travel document following a successful immigration application. It serves as official permission for the holder to travel. UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) uses different types of visa vignettes, depending on your circumstances. Read more to learn about when you can expect your vignette, how long it is valid for, and the difference between a vignette, biometric residence permit, and eVisa.
Will I Receive a Visa Vignette?
You will normally receive a visa vignette in your passport following a successful immigration application from outside the UK. This includes for common types of visa categories such as visitors, students, and skilled workers. The vignette will serve as a form of entry clearance permission, allowing you to seek entry to the UK. Once your application has been approved, you will need to collect your passport from the visa application centre or wait for delivery if the courier return service was purchased. You will not be able to travel to the UK until you have your passport and vignette, even if you have been told your application has been successful.
What is the Validity of my UK Visa Vignette?
Your visa vignette will grant you permission to enter the UK for a short period of time (usually 90 days). If you do not travel to the UK before your visa expires you will need to apply to transfer your visa.
Example 1
Example 2
Will I receive a BRP?
Before 31 December 2024, the holder of a short-term visa vignette would enter the UK and later collect their BRP (biometric residence permit) from a Post Office. The BRP would set out the form of permission that person had to stay in the UK (e.g. as a visitor or skilled worker ) in addition to the validity period. Migrants are no longer issued BRPs following a successful application. In its place, the Home Office introduced the eVisa system in 2025.
What is an eVisa?
The new eVisa system operates as on online record migrants can use to view and prove their immigration status, including their right to work and rent in the UK. It mirrors the system in place for those who have since 2018 applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Once an application for entry clearance has been approved, UKVI will issue an eVisa and provide guidance on how it can be accessed.
How do I access my eVisa?
You need a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
If you already have a UKVI account, you can use it to view your eVisa.
If you do not have a UKVI account, you can create one using your phone number, email address, and one of the following:
Valid passport and visa application number (UAN or GWF)
Valid passport and BRP number
Expired BRP card (if less than 18 months have passed since its expiry)
You will then to use your smartphone to verify your identity and link your account to your eVisa. If you do not have access to a smartphone, you must prove your identity in another way.
How we can help
Clients often face difficulties with expired vignettes, registration of their UKVI account, or issues with incorrect details on their eVisa. If you are facing any problems with your vignette or eVisa, contact us for help.
