UK Visa Vignette Transfer - Replace Entry Sticker
If your UK entry vignette expires before you travel, or you receive a new passport, you may need a vignette transfer through GOV.UK from Thailand.
Thai Visa Centre helps Bangkok-based applicants prepare financial evidence, relationship documents, certified translations, and checklist reviews before lodging.
The 30-day entry sticker, not full visa validity on BRP or eVisa.
When vignette expired before you travelled to the UK.
Move vignette to new passport when issued.
BRP collection in UK is separate from vignette transfer.
When do you need a vignette transfer?
This replaces the entry vignette sticker in your passport. It does not extend your overall visa validity shown on your BRP or eVisa record.
- Applicants whose UK entry vignette expired before they travelled to the UK
- Applicants who received a new passport and need vignette transferred
- Applicants with valid UK visa approval but unusable entry sticker
- Applicants who must travel with a valid vignette when one is required
- Applicants eligible to apply online from Thailand per GOV.UK guidance
- Applicants who may need VAC biometrics if required for their case
Important: Do not overstay expecting an automatic fix. Do not travel without a valid vignette when one is required for UK entry.
Vignette transfer scenarios
Identify your situation before applying. Confusing BRP with entry vignette causes incorrect applications.
| Situation | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vignette expired unused | Apply for transfer | Before attempting UK travel |
| New passport issued | Transfer to new passport | Keep old passport if it contains visa history |
| BRP in UK | Separate from vignette | Collect BRP after UK entry on valid vignette |
| Full visa validity | Not replaced by transfer | Transfer only replaces entry sticker |
Vignette transfer application process
Read the full GOV.UK guidance for your situation before applying from Thailand.
Read transfer criteria on GOV.UK
Read transfer visa vignette criteria on GOV.UK for your case
Gather UKVI reference numbers
Gather UKVI reference numbers and passport details
Apply online from Thailand
Apply online from Thailand if eligible per GOV.UK
Pay transfer fee
Pay fee as stated on the GOV.UK transfer page
Attend VAC if biometrics required
Attend VAC for biometrics if required for your case
Receive new vignette for travel
Receive new vignette in passport for UK travel
Travel and collect BRP if applicable
Travel within new vignette validity and collect BRP in UK if applicable
Documents for vignette transfer
Requirements vary by situation. Check the live GOV.UK page for your specific case.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| New passport | If transferring vignette to a newly issued passport |
| Old passport | Containing expired vignette or visa history if applicable |
| UKVI reference numbers | From original visa approval or decision letter |
| Biometric appointment | Attend VAC if biometrics required for your transfer case |
| Fee payment | Pay transfer fee per current GOV.UK guidance |
| Travel plans | Evidence of intended travel dates if requested |
| Decision letter copy | Original UKVI approval letter with vignette details |
Vignette vs BRP vs full visa validity
Understanding the difference prevents incorrect applications and travel without valid entry permission.
| Topic | Entry vignette | Biometric Residence Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | 30-day UK entry permission | Full visa conditions in the UK |
| Transfer route | Vignette transfer on GOV.UK | Separate BRP replacement process |
| Where collected | Sticker in passport before travel | Collected in UK after entry |
| Expiry issue | Apply for vignette transfer | Report lost BRP through GOV.UK |
Additional guidance
Entry vignette explained
The vignette is a 30-day entry sticker in your passport. Your full visa validity is recorded separately on your BRP or eVisa after UK entry.
Expired before travel
If your vignette expired before you used it to enter the UK, apply for a transfer on GOV.UK before attempting travel.
New passport situation
When you receive a new passport, transfer your valid vignette to the new document through the GOV.UK transfer process.
TVC guidance support
We help clarify whether you need a vignette transfer or a different process, and prepare supporting documents before you apply.
Common mistakes
Vignette transfer mistakes cause missed travel and additional fees.
- Confusing Biometric Residence Permit with entry vignette sticker
- Missing application deadline after vignette expiry
- Travelling without valid vignette when one is required for UK entry
- Applying for vignette transfer when a different process is needed
- Overstaying in Thailand or elsewhere expecting automatic vignette extension
Frequently asked questions
Questions about UK vignette transfers from Thailand.
Q:Can I do this from Bangkok?
A:Many transfers are online. Verify current process on GOV.UK for your specific case.
Q:Does TVC submit my application?
A:We prepare documents and checklists. You lodge through the official online portal.
Q:What if my vignette expired?
A:Apply for a vignette transfer on GOV.UK before attempting UK travel with your approved visa.
Q:Is this the same as extending my visa?
A:No. Vignette transfer replaces the entry sticker only, not your overall visa validity.
Q:Do I need biometrics for transfer?
A:Some cases require VAC attendance. Check GOV.UK transfer page for your situation.
Q:What about my BRP in the UK?
A:BRP collection and replacement are separate processes from vignette transfer.
Official references
Official sources verified June 2026. Confirm current transfer fees and process on GOV.UK before applying.