No more visa stickers! UK moves Jamaicans to eVisa system

Jamaicans planning a trip to the United Kingdom will now have to get used to a new digital system.

As of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, visitors who require a visa to enter the UK will no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passport. Instead, they will be issued a digital electronic visa, known as an eVisa.

The move is part of the UK Government's push to modernise and secure its border system.

Under the new arrangement, approved visas will be electronically linked to a traveller's passport and stored online. This means no more paper documents or visa vignettes. Travellers will be able to access and manage their immigration status through a UK Visas and Immigration account.

Jamaicans travelling for tourism, business, study, or other short-term visits will receive their permission to travel in digital form. The eVisa will serve as a secure online record of a person's identity, immigration status and any conditions attached to their stay, including permission to work or study where applicable.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, is urging travellers to get familiar with the changes before booking their flights.

"We are encouraging Jamaican travellers to familiarise themselves with the new digital entry arrangements ahead of their travel time, to ensure smooth and stress-free journeys to the United Kingdom," she said.

Herbert added that the introduction of eVisas reflects the UK's commitment to a more modern and efficient border system and that support will be available to travellers during the transition.

DUAL NATIONALS TAKE NOTE

The new rules also affect Jamaican citizens who hold British citizenship.

As of February 25, dual nationals must travel to the UK using a valid British passport. Authorities are warning that those who fail to do so could face issues, including being denied boarding.

WHAT JAMAICANS SHOULD KNOW

* All Jamaican nationals travelling to the UK require a visa.

* Visas will now be issued digitally as eVisas.

* Travellers should create a UKVI account to view and manage their visa status online.

* Dual British citizens must travel with a valid British passport.

* Always check UK entry requirements before booking travel.

For more information, travellers can visit the UK Government's official website to check visa requirements and learn more about the eVisa system.

With the changes now in effect, Jamaicans heading to Britain are being urged to prepare early to avoid last-minute travel hiccups.

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