Over 4 million UK visa holders have successfully created an account to access their eVisa, according to Home Office statistics published in February. However, an estimated 600,000 individuals have yet to transition from their physical documents to an eVisa. This rollout, which began last year, is part of the UK government’s initiative to implement a fully digital immigration system. As a result, physical documents are being phased out, and most migrants with valid immigration permission in the UK will now hold digital proof of their status through an eVisa.
Grace Period Extended
To ensure a smooth transition to eVisas and prevent disadvantages for visa holders, the Home Office has extended the grace period announced in December 2024. The deadline has now been moved from 31 March 2025 to 1 June 2025.
This extension allows individuals with a biometric residence permit (BRP) or an EUSS biometric residence card (BRC) that expired on or after 31 December 2024—and who still hold valid immigration status—to continue using their expired document for international travel until 1 June 2025.
From 2 June 2025, expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs will no longer be accepted as proof of immigration status for travel to the UK. This policy will be reviewed as needed.
Accessing Your eVisa
An eVisa serves as an online record of your immigration status and details the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
To access your eVisa, you must create a UKVI account, which allows you to share your immigration status and conditions, including your right to work or rent in the UK, via the “View and Prove” service.
You can use either a valid or expired BRP to set up your UKVI account and access your eVisa.
Travelling with an eVisa
For eVisa holders, international travel will be more seamless, as digital statuses can be quickly verified at border control.
Your eVisa is linked to your passport in your UKVI account. It is essential to keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account and inform the Home Office of any changes to avoid issues at the UK border.
To prevent travel disruptions, ensure your personal details are updated well before you travel. If your information is incorrect, you may experience delays or be denied boarding by carriers. You must still carry your current passport when travelling.
Get Help with Your eVisa
If you have not yet switched to an eVisa, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to ensure you can continue to prove your immigration status in the UK.
The process to switch to an eVisa is free and straightforward. Support is available to help visa holders and employers remain compliant. For detailed guidance, visit the official gov.uk website.