The Home Office has issued new guidance for customers on travelling into or out of the UK with an eVisa.
The UK’s immigration system is going ‘digital by default’ by 2025. This means the government is replacing physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa. It is free and straightforward to switch to an eVisa and affected individuals must take action before 31 December 2024.
Once you have set up your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and obtained your eVisa, it is important to check your details are correct and kept up to date, especially when it comes to international travel.
Below, we address some frequently asked questions about travelling with an eVisa.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You need to create a UKVI account to be able to access your eVisa.
You can find out more about the switch to eVisas and what action you need to take in the Home Office guidance here.
How will the switch to eVisas impact international travel?
If you currently hold a physical document to evidence your immigration status in the UK, you must obtain an eVisa if you wish to travel internationally from 1 January 2025. With an eVisa, international travel will be easier, because UK Border Force and international air, sea and rail carriers will be able to automatically access your immigration information that is held on your UKVI account, to verify your permission.
You can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with your current passport which must be linked to your UKVI account. Until the end of 2024 you should continue to carry your physical document if you have it, for example your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), until it expires.
Before you travel internationally, it is important to check your eVisa has all the correct details. You may be delayed or denied boarding by carriers if your information is not correct. You will still need to carry your current passport with you.
How can I check my eVisa details are correct?
If you are travelling out of the UK or travelling into the UK and you have an eVisa, you will need to check the information in your UKVI account is correct before you travel.
You can do this by:
If your status is displaying incorrectly on your eVisa, you should report the error to the Home Office here.
I have dual nationality – which passport should I add to my UKVI account?
If you have dual nationality and neither of those nationalities is British or Irish, you will need to add the passport you will use to travel to your UKVI account. If you have a passport for both nationalities, you can add both to your account.
If you are a British or Irish citizen holding dual nationality or if you have the right of abode, you will need to show your carrier (for example, an airline, rail company or other transport provider) either:
- Your British or Irish passport
- Another passport containing a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode.
How can I add a different passport to my UKVI account?
If you are outside the UK and need to add a different passport to your UKVI account, you can do this using the update your UKVI account details service, as long as none of your personal details have changed.
If your personal details have changed, you will not be able to use this service to add your new passport from outside the UK. You should consider applying for a temporary visa which lets you re-enter the UK once only. Once you are inside the UK, you will be able to add your new passport to your UKVI account and update your personal details.
Personal details include your name, nationality, date of birth and sex.
What should I do if I am unable to access my eVisa?
If you are outside the UK and you cannot access your eVisa, you can get help to recover access to your UKVI account.
If you are unable to recover your account but have a valid physical document that shows you have permission to travel, you can show that to the carrier.
If you are unable to recover your account and have no other evidence of your permission to travel, you should consider applying for a temporary visa which lets you re-enter the UK once only.
Is there anything else I should be aware of when travelling with an eVisa?
Travellers should be aware it is your responsibility to check the entry, exit and transit requirements of other countries you are visiting. You may be asked to show evidence of your UK immigration status to authorities in other countries. You should check what they will require before you travel, but they may accept evidence such as a share code from the view and prove service, viewing your UKVI account on a screen, or a physical document confirming your status and permissions.
You should also check that the passenger information you have provided to your transport carrier matches the details on your passport or immigration permission.
How can I access further support regarding my eVisa?
If you need help with creating your UKVI account and getting access to your eVisa, you can contact the Home Office.
Alternatively, our team of immigration experts here at Smith Stone Walters is on hand to guide you through the process.
To speak to an immigration advisor, please contact us today.