The Home Office has urged holders of biometric residence permits to apply for eVisas before the end of this month or risk being denied entry to the UK if they travel abroad after the documents expire.
Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are due to expire at the end of this month but will remain valid for international travel for a limited period in the New Year.
A Home Office reminder to visa holders to apply for eVisas reported that 3.1 million people have already switched from physical to digital documents.
It noted eVisas “are a key element of the government’s move to a digital, streamlined border and immigration system, replacing physical documents with digital proof of immigration status”.
Most biometric residence permits and residence cards (BRCs) will expire on December 31 and holders will require an eVisa to prove their immigration rights in Britain.
But the Home Office said airlines and other carriers will be able to accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs as evidence of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally up to March 31, 2025.
It said this final expiry date would be kept under review.
Passengers will remain subject to the usual immigration checks and requirements.
Seema Malhotra, Home Office minister for migration and citizenship, said: “It’s encouraging that over 3.1 million people have taken action to access their eVisa and make use of the convenience and security this brings.
“A wide range of guidance and support is available for those yet to switch.”
Malhotra added: “I’m pleased to confirm greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents.
“I have been listening to feedback, and we’re continually streamlining and adapting the process to ensure a smooth transition.”
The Home Office noted an eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, are free to apply for, and allow visa holders to instantly prove their immigration rights.
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 today, including for travel. However, they are encouraged to make a ‘No Time Limit’ application to access an eVisa.
Full details are available at www.gov.uk/eVisa