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16 Jan How to use eVisa to travel from 2025

Posted on January 16, 2025 in Migra & Co by
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The UK government had planned to transition to a digital immigration system, with the process set to be completed by 31 December 2024, and all migrants’ BRPs expiring after that date would only be valid until the end of 2024. Since October 2024, all newly granted visas have been issued in digital form.

The Home Office has recently announced that, although transitioning to an eVisa is a must and must be actioned as soon as possible, BRPs/BRCs holders, who have permission to remain in the UK post 31 December 2024, can still use their physical cards as proof of status until 31 March 2025.

However, all long-term visa holders (who were originally issued BRPs) and ILR holders are now required to register for a UKVI account and link it to their current passport. They can view their immigration status on the “View and Prove Your Immigration Status“, which is accessible anytime through their UKVI account.

When traveling, visa holders should be able to have access and show their eVisa, in particular they should log in to their UKVI account to access the eVisa page, which displays their name, ID photo, visa type, and visa expiry date, to present to airline staff during check-in and boarding.

The Home Office also advises eVisa holders to generate a share code, save it to their phone, or print it out before traveling, as airline staff may request it to verify their immigration status.

In the case of migrants who have lost their BRP, although the Home Office no longer provides BRP replacement services, they are still required to report the loss of their BRP to the Home Office. They can use the eVisa exclusively when traveling but should also carry the approval letter and a copy of the BRP loss report.

When entering the UK, eVisa holders should be able to prove their immigration status by presenting their passports, which staff can scan as they are linked to their online UKVI accounts.

After 31 March, further announcements from the Home Office are anticipated to provide guidance on traveling smoothly with eVisas. Future developments are expected to include enhanced integration between immigration services, government agencies, and airlines to improve the user experience and address confusion caused by some airline staff’s inability to recognize eVisas. These advancements aim to enhance the efficiency and convenience of immigration practices.

UKVI has also introduced an eVisa Webchat service , which can assist with inquiries related to UKVI accounts and eVisas. We recommend that visa holders contact this service if they have any concerns or require further assistance.

 

Contact Our Immigration Team

For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.