In a significant reform of the UK’s immigration framework, the government is set to introduce a digital eVisa system, eliminating the reliance on physical immigration documents.
This transition, aimed at enhancing efficiency, security, and convenience for travellers and visa holders, will be gradually implemented with a grace period extending until March 31, 2025. During this period, airlines and carriers will continue to accept Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) as valid proof of immigration status. The decision to extend the grace period to March 2025 responds to the technical difficulties and challenges visa holders have faced during the roll-out of the eVisa system.
It allows carriers to adapt their operations, thereby minimizing travel disruptions and improving customer support during this transition. Under the new regulations, airlines are permitted to provisionally accept BRPs and BRCs expiring on or after December 31, 2024, as valid documentation for travel to the UK until the end of March 2025. The eVisa system presents numerous advantages, including increased convenience, enhanced security, and greater flexibility. Unlike physical documents, eVisas are protected from being lost, stolen, or tampered with.
They also provide visa holders with means to instantly and securely verify their immigration status. The UK government is encouraging visa holders to make the switch to eVisas before the end of the year to maximize these benefits. Additionally, the Home Office has established support measures for vulnerable individuals throughout the transition, which include increased assistance and simplified processes for those possessing legacy paper documents. Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, highlights the importance of a smooth transition to the eVisa system.
She reaffirms the government’s commitment to addressing feedback from visa holders and other stakeholders, noting improvements such as more flexible document acceptance for travellers, streamlined processes for individuals with legacy documents, enhanced support services for vulnerable groups, and automated travel checks for airlines. Visa holders with BRPs or BRCs expiring on or after December 31, 2024, may continue to use these documents until March 31, 2025, for travel to the UK.
However, they are advised to transition to an eVisa as early as possible to mitigate any potential issues. Individuals yet to switch to an eVisa—including parents and guardians managing BRPs for children, as well as those with indefinite leave to remain utilizing ink stamps or vignettes—are particularly encouraged to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa, which offers added convenience. Transitioning to an eVisa is both free and simple, providing key benefits such as enhanced security, instant verification of immigration status, and no alteration to existing immigration rights.
As the UK moves toward a digitally-driven immigration system, visa holders are urged to transition to eVisas before the year-end to avoid travel disruptions. The extended grace period until March 2025 affords additional flexibility but should not serve as a reason for delay. For further details and guidance regarding the eVisa transition, individuals are encouraged to visit the Home Office website to access necessary support services.
