20 May 2026
Important update about eVisas
If you have applied for a UK visa and your passport or travel document is held by the Visa Application Centre (VAC), it may be returned to you while your application continues to be processed. This applies to most types of UK visa. UKVI will contact you directly on 20 May 2026, on the email address you used to submit your application, if it applies to you.
You will be contacted by the VAC when your passport or travel document is ready to collect. If you paid for a courier return service, your passport will be returned to the address provided.
Please note: This does not apply to you if you are applying for permission to travel to Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, or are applying for a EUSS travel permit, temporary travel visa or vignette transfer. It also does not apply if your visa will be attached to a form for affixing a visa (FAV).
If your visa application is successful, you will get an eVisa only. Before you travel to the UK, you need to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa to check your permission is correct. You will be told how to access your eVisa when you get your decision.
GOV.UK provides further information on eVisas
05 March 2026
UK Government to introduce visa brake for select nationalities from March 2026
Important: The UK Government will soon apply a visa brake to some students and skilled workers for some nationalities. Applications submitted online by affected nationals on these routes on or after 26 March 2026 will be refused.
Check if the visa brake affects you before you apply - www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-brake-changes-to-the-uk-visa-system.
20 June 2025
Important update about rescheduling your appointment
We are pleased to inform customers that you no longer need to submit a new application if you miss your scheduled appointment. You now have the option to reschedule within five days of the missed appointment for an additional fee.
To reschedule after a missed appointment, please log into your account and select the reschedule option.
11 March 2025
Important information about Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travellers to the UK
From 2 April 2025, nationals of select countries will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. Please refer to the list below for the full list of eligible countries.
What is an ETA?An ETA is a digital travel requirement for visitors from select countries who do not require a visa to enter the UK. Travellers must apply for and receive an ETA before their journey to the UK. This applies to those visiting for short stays, tourism, business trips, or transit purposes. VFS Global is not involved with the processing of ETA, to find out more please click here or visit GOV.UK: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
Who Needs an ETA?For full details on eligible nationalities, please visit GOV.UK:
- on or before 1 April 2025 - GOV.UK: Who can apply
- on or after 2 April 2025 - GOV.UK: Who can apply
Applying for an ETA is a quick and straightforward online process. Travellers will need to provide:
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Travel plans
- A small application fee
Once approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and will be valid for multiple visits over a specified period. Find out more.
Start your application on GOV.UK: Apply Now.
Plan AheadTravellers planning to visit the UK should check their ETA eligibility and apply well in advance of their trip. For more information, visit GOV.UK: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
20 December 2024
At our Visa Application Centres, we offer a range of optional value-added services to enhance your visa application experience. These services can be purchased online and directly at the centre. For more information, please click here.