As the UK transitions to a fully digital immigration system, the new eVisa is now the primary way for non-British and non-Irish nationals to prove their right to live and work in the country. Travellers are being urged to ensure they can verify their immigration status before returning to the UK, as expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) are no longer valid for travel.
Immigration lawyer Gurjit Pall explains what individuals need to know - and do - to navigate the new eVisa system confidently.
Understanding the eVisa transition
The UK’s physical residence permits, which were once used to prove an individual’s right to live and work in the country, expired on 31 December 2024. Following some initial delays, from 2 June 2025, expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and EU Settlement Scheme Biometric Residence Cards (EUSS BRCs) can no longer be used for travel purposes. Instead, non-British and non-Irish nationals must now rely on an eVisa to prove their permission to enter and stay in the UK.
Travellers who are not British or Irish nationals will require either an eVisa or, in certain limited cases, other valid evidence to demonstrate their immigration status when travelling to the UK. Other types of evidence may include:
- A valid Home Office issued travel document
- A Home Office endorsement confirming your permission to enter the UK on your current passport
- An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for those travelling to the UK for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to 6 months.
These are important considerations for anyone planning to travel to the UK, especially those returning after a period abroad.
What you need to do before travelling
It is strongly recommended that travellers ensure their eVisa details are accurate and up to date before travelling. Additionally, travellers will need to ensure they have access to their eVisa and have the relevant share code from their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This share code, which is valid for 90 days, allows airlines and Border Force officers to check a traveller’s immigration status when entering the UK.
Travellers must ensure that their current passport or travel document is linked to their UKVI account, and that personal details are correct and up to date. Carriers, such as airlines, will be able to check the traveller’s immigration status using their passport, but it is also advisable to create a share code before travelling and carry it as proof of valid permission to enter the UK.
The UK government has informed airlines that they could face fines if they allow people to travel without the necessary immigration documents, including the eVisa. As a result, airlines will take extra caution and may deny boarding if the required paperwork is not in order.
Keep your expired documents handy
While BRPs and EUSS BRCs can no longer be used as evidence of the traveller’s permission to travel to the UK, you should keep your expired BRP or BRCs safe and not destroy these documents.
These expired cards can still be used for up to 18 months after their expiry date, provided the person has valid permission to stay in the UK. Although no longer relevant for travel to the UK, expired documents can be useful for:
- Creating a UKVI account
- Generating share codes to prove an individual’s Right to Work in the UK
- Submitting further visa applications, where reuse of the biometric information stored on the cards is permitted, avoiding the need to attend a visa application centre.
The Home Office advises travellers to retain expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for personal records and any potential future applications.
The importance of eVisas
There is a requirement for those eligible to switch from their BRP to the eVisa within 18 months of their BRP expiring - for those holders where their BRP expired on 31 December 2024, this represents a deadline to the end of June 2026. Additionally, for eVisa holders aged between 16 and 70, there is a requirement to update their facial image (photograph) on their eVisa at least every ten years.
Failure to either switch from a BRP to an eVisa within the required timeframe, or to update their facial image every 10 years could result in a number of sanctions, including but not limited to the individual’s immigration status being cancelled or varied by curtailment, their application being refused, civil penalties of up to £1,000, and in certain cases, they may be prevented from creating a share code which would prevent them from proving their right to work in the UK.
In some cases, individuals holding legacy paper documents may be unable to access the eVisa system and are advised to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) application. If this applies to you, please get in touch for support.
How the eVisa system works
To obtain an eVisa, travellers must first create an account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), linking it to their passport. The eVisa will then serve as a digital record of immigration status and permission to stay or enter the UK. If the traveller is under the age of 18 and unable to create their own account, a parent or guardian can do this for them.
Since April 2022, UK employers have been required to verify the Right to Work for non-British and non-Irish nationals using a digital platform. The introduction of the eVisa will streamline this process further.
Contact information
The Home Office has confirmed that carriers - for example, airline, rail company, or other transport providers – can contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub for advice if they are unable to check the traveller’s permission to travel to or from the UK. This service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is for carriers only.
Unfortunately, the Home Office no longer offers the passenger support helpline for individuals experiencing difficulties with the eVisa. Instead, individuals are prompted to contact the Home Office’s Resolution Centre or use the eVisa Webchat service.
For anyone returning to the UK, it is strongly advised to prepare in advance by ensuring all necessary documentation is in order. By doing so, travellers can avoid unnecessary complications and ensure a smooth re-entry into the UK.
If you require expert advice or assistance regarding the eVisa system or any other immigration matters, Lindsays is available to help. Our team offers comprehensive legal guidance to ensure you meet all requirements and can navigate any challenges related to your immigration status.
First published 24 March 2025, updated 10 June 2025
Lindsays immigration services
Since Brexit, Lindsays has seen a steady rise in demand for immigration advice across various visa routes, including skilled worker visas, global talent visas, and applications for people seeking to reunite with partners or family members. Employers seeking to sponsor overseas staff must now hold a sponsor licence, and the firm assists with compliance, including conducting Right to Work checks. Gurjit Pall leads the firm’s immigration team, helping individuals and businesses with a range of immigration matters. Whether you’re looking to live, work, study, start a business, or reunite with family in the UK, the team is here to guide you through the process.
