More than 3.1 million people have transitioned from physical immigration documents to eVisas. Biometric residence permit (BRP) holders are urged to switch before their documents expire later this month. To ease the transition, expired BRPs will remain valid for international travel into 2025.
The Home Office has reported that over 3.1 million individuals have successfully replaced their physical immigration documents with an eVisa, a key part of the government’s effort to modernize the border and immigration system. The digital eVisa streamlines proof of immigration status, offering greater convenience, enhanced security, and increased efficiency.
With the expiration of most biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) set for 31 December 2024, the high uptake demonstrates growing recognition of the benefits of eVisas.
To ensure a seamless transition, airlines and other carriers will accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid for travel to the UK until 31 March 2025. This temporary measure will be reviewed periodically. However, passengers must still meet immigration requirements, as those with expired underlying immigration status will be denied entry.
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, stated:
“It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have already switched to an eVisa, taking advantage of its convenience and security. For those yet to make the switch, comprehensive guidance and support are available to ensure a smooth transition.
“We are listening to feedback and adapting the system to meet people’s needs. As part of this effort, we’re providing flexibility for expired documents to be accepted by carriers, ensuring smoother international travel while maintaining border security.”
The government is committed to ensuring that the switch to eVisas is simple and accessible for all status holders. Recent improvements to the process include:
• Simplified procedures for holders of older paper documents.
• Expanded support services for vulnerable individuals.
• Automatic permission checks for airlines and carriers.
Visa holders yet to switch are urged to act before the year ends to enjoy the benefits of eVisas, including secure and instant proof of immigration status. Parents or guardians of children using BRPs should also make the transition on behalf of their child.
For those with indefinite leave to remain and using ink stamps or vignettes in passports, current documents remain valid. However, these individuals are encouraged to apply for a No Time Limit eVisa to enjoy its added benefits.
Switching to an eVisa is free, straightforward, and secure. It eliminates the risks of loss, theft, or tampering and does not alter an individual’s existing rights or immigration status. Transition now to join the millions already benefiting from this innovative system.
VISA HOLDERS SHOULD SWITCH TO AN eVisa NOW
INTRO: 3.1 million people have already switched from physical immigration documents to an eVisa. Remaining biometric residence permit (BRP) holders are encouraged to get access to their eVisa before these documents expire later this month. To ease transition and address concerns, expired documents will be valid for international travel for a limited time into 2025
COPY: Home Office statistics revealed that over three million people have now made the switch from using physical immigration documents to an eVisa.
eVisas are a key element of the government’s move to a digital, streamlined border and immigration system, replacing physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status. This transformation will enhance people’s experience and increase the immigration system’s security and efficiency.
With less than one month to go until most biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) expire on 31 December 2024, these figures show significant uptake among those who use physical immigration documents to prove their immigration rights in the UK.
To help ensure a smooth transition to eVisas, airlines and other carriers will be able to accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs expiring on 31 December 2024 or later as evidence of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally until 31 March 2025. This will be kept under review. Passengers will remain subject to the usual immigration checks and requirements, and anyone seeking to enter the UK whose underlying immigration status has expired will be liable for refusal of entry.
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said:
“It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have now taken action to access their eVisa and are making use of the convenience and security that this brings. For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available.
“I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders and MPs, and we are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition.
“As part of that, I am pleased to confirm greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents, to smooth the transition for those travelling internationally without compromising on border security.”
This government is committed to ensuring the transition to eVisas is as straightforward as possible for all status holders. Listening to concerns raised, the Home Office has already delivered changes to quickly improve the process for customers and resolve issues as they arise. This includes streamlining the process for legacy paper document holders, increasing the number of support services available to vulnerable people and enabling carriers such as airlines to check travel permissions automatically.
Those yet to switch are encouraged to do so before the end of the year to make the most of the benefits of using an eVisa, joining the millions – including all EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders – who already have an eVisa. This includes parents or guardians of children who use a BRP, who should take action on their child’s behalf.
Anyone with indefinite leave to remain who uses an ink stamp or vignette in a passport to prove their rights can continue to use their documents as they do today, including for travel. These people are encouraged to make a No Time Limit application to access an eVisa to reap the benefits.
It is free and straightforward to switch to an eVisa, which offers greater convenience. An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights. Switching won’t change, impact or remove someone’s current rights or immigration status.
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