As UK Visas and Immigration (‘UKVI’) transitions to a digital immigration system, understanding eVisas is essential for anyone travelling to or residing in the UK. With biometric residence permits (‘BRP’) and biometric residence cards (‘BRC’) set to expire by 31 December 2024, this guide explains what eVisas are, why they matter, and how to access and update your UKVI account to stay travel-ready during the festive season.
Check Your eVisa Before Travelling This Festive Season
We are fast approaching the end of the year. If you are travelling during the festive season, there is one more essential task to add to your to-do list: ensuring that your eVisa is up to date and contains all the correct details.
If you are travelling out of the UK and have permission to stay here along with a UKVI account, you must check that the information in your eVisa linked to your account is accurate.
During busy travel seasons, even minor inaccuracies in your immigration details can cause delays or complications while checking into your flight or at the border. This is especially important for individuals with:
- BRPs expiring on 31 December 2024; and
- A passport that has been renewed since your last trip.
Your eVisa is important for travel because it replaces physical immigration documents like BRPs, BRCs, vignettes and immigration status documents. Ensuring your eVisa and linked passport details are correct is critical to avoid being denied boarding by airlines or facing issues at the UK border.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a secure, online record of your immigration status and conditions of stay in the UK. It replaces physical documents like:
- BRPs;
- BRCs;
- Passport endorsements (vignettes);
- Immigration status documents.
Using an eVisa does not change your immigration status; it simply makes it easier to access and share your status.
Why eVisas Are Important Now
With BRPs expiring on 31 December 2024, and no replacements being issued, you must act now to:
- Set up a UKVI account, if you have not done so already;
- Link the passport you intend to use for travel to your eVisa;
- Ensure your immigration details are correct and up to date.
Key Deadline: You can use your BRP to travel until 31 March 2025, provided your immigration status is valid beyond 31 December 2024.
How to Access Your eVisa
To view and manage your eVisa, you need to create a UKVI account.
Step-by-Step Guide to Create Your UKVI Account
- Check Eligibility:
You can create an account if you:
- Have permission to stay in the UK for more than 6 months;
- Were granted permission to stay in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
- What You Will Need:
A valid passport and either:
- Your visa application number (GWF or UAN), or;
- Your BRP card or BRP number;
- An active email address and phone number.
- Verify Your Identity:
Use a smartphone to install the verification app (if using a BRP or passport) (UK Immigration: ID Check app).
- Access Your Status:
Log in to the View and prove your immigration status to:
- View your eVisa details;
- Generate a share code to prove your immigration status.
How to Update Your UKVI Account
Keeping your eVisa details up to date is vital, especially for travel. Update your account if:
- Your passport details change;
- Your personal information (e.g., contact details) needs to be amended.
To update your details:
- Log in to your UKVI account;
- Use the “Update Your Details” service.
How to Prove Your Immigration Status
You can use your eVisa to prove your immigration status to:
- Employers
- Landlords
- Carriers (e.g. airlines)
To prove your status:
- Log in to the View and Prove service;
- Generate a share code (valid for 90 days);
- Share the code with the third party.
Replacing a Settlement Document with an eVisa
If you hold indefinite leave to remain (‘ILR’) or indefinite leave to enter (‘ILE’) endorsed on a physical document (such as a vignette in your passport), you should make a No Time Limit application as soon as possible.
How to Link Your Passport to Your eVisa
Your eVisa must be linked to the passport you use for travel.
- Log in to your UKVI account;
- Update your passport details through the “Update Your Details” service.
Tip: If waiting for an update confirmation, carry both your old and new passports when travelling.
What to Do If You Lose Your BRP
If your BRP is lost or stolen:
- You can no longer request a replacement;
- Use your visa application number and passport to access your eVisa via the UKVI account.
Key Deadlines to Remember
- 31 December 2024: Most BRPs and BRCs expire;
- 31 March 2025: BRPs can be used for travel until this date.
Conclusion
The transition to eVisas marks a secure and efficient step forward for UK immigration records. It is not without its pitfalls as those who have used the service have experienced technical problems. By setting up your UKVI account and updating your details now, you ensure a smooth process for travel, employment, and renting in the UK.
Help and Support for eVisa Setup - CDS Mayfair Are Here to Help
Navigating the UKVI digital immigration system and ensuring your eVisa details are correct can feel overwhelming, especially during the busy festive travel period. At CDS Mayfair, our expert immigration team is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need assistance updating your UKVI account, understanding your eVisa obligations, or preparing for upcoming deadlines, we are here to help.
We will ensure your immigration status is correctly managed, so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
If you would like further information please contact Elena Tsirlina +44 (0) 207 758 8170 elenatsirlina@cdsmayfair.com
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