If you have been granted a UK visa for a period of more than six months, you would usually be issued a visa vignette.
A visa vignette is a physical sticker placed in a passport, issued by the UK government to indicate a person’s permission to enter the UK. It is typically granted for a short period, such as 30 or 90 days, allowing the holder to travel to the UK and collect their biometric residence permit (BRP) or activate their digital immigration status. The vignette includes details such as the visa holder’s name, photograph, type of visa, and conditions of entry.
Visa holders must ensure they arrive in the UK during the validity of the vignette. Failure to do so could result in the need to apply for a vignette transfer, incurring additional costs and delays. Employers and educational institutions relying on individuals entering on specific visas should verify that the vignette aligns with the individual’s intended arrival date and activities.
A lost or damaged vignette requires immediate action, as the visa holder cannot board a flight or enter the UK without valid documentation. Checking the accuracy of details on the vignette before travel is also important to avoid entry issues.
What is a UK visa vignette?
The visa vignette is a sticker that is added to your passport (or travel document) when your entry clearance application is approved. It includes an image of your photographic identification and will state the type of visa you have been granted, as well as the visa validity issue date and end date.
The vignette is not the actual visa; it allows you to travel to and enter the country, but you will require formal proof of your status, now in the form of an eVisa, or pre-2025 under the previous rules, a Biometric Residence Permit.
The start date will usually be the date you provided on your visa application as your intended date of travel, although ‘special arrangements’ may apply for certain visa routes. For example, Skilled worker visas generally have a start date of 14 days before sponsored employment is due to commence, as stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, while Student visa vignettes typically start on the later date of either one month before the start of the course or 7 days before the stated intended travel date.
Visa vignette and eVisas
The introduction of the UK’s eVisa system has streamlined immigration processes by replacing physical documentation with a digital record of immigration status. However, the visa vignette is still used in certain situations to facilitate travel to the UK for individuals who are yet to fully transition to the eVisa system.
A visa vignette is typically issued to individuals who apply for a UK visa from outside the country. It allows them to enter the UK during the validity period (usually 30 or 90 days) to activate their immigration permission and, if applicable, collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Upon entering the UK, individuals who qualify for an eVisa will no longer need to rely on the physical vignette. Their immigration status will be stored digitally, accessible via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
Employers, landlords, or other stakeholders can check an individual’s immigration status online using a share code generated by the eVisa holder. This replaces the need for physical documentation, including the vignette, after the initial entry.
The eVisa system is replacing physical BRPs. For those issued a vignette, the shift to digital verification occurs automatically once the individual’s status is confirmed in the UK.
Vignette validity
This visa vignette itself will ordinarily only be valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must travel to the UK within this 30-day period. You cannot attempt entry to the UK on your visa before the validity date on the vignette.
Travellers must enter the UK during the vignette’s validity. Failure to do so may require a vignette transfer or reapplication.
Types of UK visa vignette
On 1 February 2023, the UK launched two newly designed visa vignettes for Entry Clearance and Certificate of Entitlement. These vignettes are based on the same technical specifications as the previous versions but include improved security features to reduce the risk of fraud.
The UK issued both old and new design vignettes in parallel until 31 December 2023. Since 1 January 2024, only the new design vignettes have been issued.
All previously issued vignettes, including older designs, remain valid for use until their expiry dates.
CAT D vignettes are the standard for long-stay entry clearances, issued for most visa categories requiring a stay of six months or more. Examples include visas for employment, study, family settlement or visits of extended duration.
CAT D vignettes are generally valid for 30 days (or occasionally 90 days), allowing visa holders to enter the UK. Upon arrival, they must access their eVisa digital immigration status.
Failure to travel within the vignette’s validity period may require a vignette transfer or reapplication.
CAT C Vignettes are used in specific short-term scenarios where permission to enter the UK is granted for 3 months (90 days) or less. These vignettes are typically issued for:
- Approved Destination Status (ADS) visas: Valid for 30 days, allowing Chinese nationals to travel to the UK under the ADS scheme.
- Visitor in Transit visas: Permitting a stay of up to 48 hours for passengers transiting through the UK.
- Direct Airside Transit Visas (DATV): For individuals travelling through the UK airside without formally entering the country.
- Visit visas with restricted validity: Issued at the discretion of caseworkers when specific circumstances justify limiting the visa to three months or less.
CAT C vignettes remain valid until their expiry, even as new design vignettes are introduced.
Lost or damaged vignette
Before entering the UK, individuals with a lost or damaged vignette must apply for a replacement as the eVisa becomes active only after arrival.
Exempt vignette
To avoid delays at the border, travellers may apply for an exempt vignette if they are exempt from UK immigration control and would not usually need a visa. An exempt visa is not mandatory but can speed up border processing.
You may apply for an exempt vignette if you are:
- a diplomat, or working for a diplomatic mission in the UK, and you were outside the UK when offered the post
- an overseas government minister on official business, or travelling with one as part of your job
- a member of Commonwealth or Overseas Territories armed forces posted in the UK or training in the UK
- a head of state, or working for a head of state (eg on a state visit)
- exempt from immigration control for any other reason
Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are specialist UK immigration lawyers. We advise employers, sponsored workers and other travellers to the UK on entry and visa requirements, including issues relating to visa vignettes and eVisas. For expert advice, speak to us.
Visa vignette FAQs
What is a visa vignette?
A visa vignette is a physical sticker placed in a passport that provides permission to enter the UK. It includes key details such as the visa holder’s name, visa type, and validity period.
What are the different types of UK visa vignettes?
The main types are CAT C (short-term visas, such as transit or visitor visas) and CAT D (long-term visas for study, work, or settlement). Additionally, there are newly designed vignettes for Entry Clearance and Certificates of Entitlement introduced in 2023.
Are older visa vignettes still valid?
Yes, all previously issued vignettes, including older designs, remain valid until their expiry date, even though new vignette designs are now in use.
What happens if my vignette expires before I travel?
If your vignette expires, you may need to apply for a vignette transfer to obtain a new one. This process incurs an additional fee.
What should I do if my vignette is lost or damaged?
You must apply for a replacement vignette before travelling to the UK. Without a valid vignette, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the UK.
What are the new visa vignette designs introduced in 2023?
The new designs for Entry Clearance and Certificates of Entitlement include enhanced security features to reduce the risk of fraud. They are now the only design issued as of 1 January 2024.
Can I travel on a visa vignette alone?
Yes, the vignette allows you to travel to the UK, but for long-term stays, it must be followed by BRP collection or eVisa activation.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Visa Vignette | A physical sticker placed in a passport, issued to individuals as temporary permission to enter the UK. |
| CAT C Vignette | A vignette used for short-term visas, such as transit or visitor visas, typically valid for 30 to 90 days. |
| CAT D Vignette | A vignette issued for long-term visas, such as work, study, or settlement, valid for initial travel to the UK. |
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | A physical card that confirms an individual’s immigration status, issued after arrival in the UK for long-term visa holders. |
| eVisa | A digital record of immigration status, replacing physical BRPs for some visa holders, accessible via an online UKVI account. |
| Entry Clearance | Permission granted to enter the UK for a specific purpose, documented on a visa vignette or eVisa. |
| Certificate of Entitlement | A vignette issued to individuals with a right of abode in the UK, confirming their unrestricted right to enter and stay. |
| Vignette Transfer | The process of obtaining a replacement vignette if the original expires or is lost before travel to the UK. |
| Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) | A visa allowing travellers to transit through the UK without formally entering the country, valid for short durations. |
| Approved Destination Status (ADS) | A short-term visa issued to Chinese nationals travelling to the UK under the ADS agreement, valid for up to 30 days. |
| New Vignette Design (2023) | Updated visa vignette introduced in 2023 with enhanced security features, replacing older designs from 1 January 2024. |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
