eVisas – what are they, and do you need one?

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is developing a digital system, which means it is replacing physical documents with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa.

Common documents being replaced are:

• Biometric residence permits (BRP).
• Biometric residence cards (BRC).
• Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps.
• Vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or Visa vignettes.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. To be able to access your eVisa, a UKVI account will need to be created during this process.

When travelling to the UK in the future, you’ll be able to use an eVisa to travel to the UK and will only need to carry your passport as a physical form of identification. Your passport must be registered to your UKVI account.

What are the benefits of eVisas?

There are several benefits of making the switch to eVisas, including:

• They are secure and cannot be stolen or lost.
• There is no need to wait for or collect a physical document.
• It’s a much quicker process to prove your status at the UK border, as well as sharing with third parties such as employers or landlords.

How to use your UKVI account

After creating a UKVI account, you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online. This will include your type of permission when it expires and the conditions of your stay in the UK. Personal information can also be updated in your online account.

Your eVisa will be automatically linked to your passport in your UKVI account, however, you must keep your passport or ID card details up to date and declare any changes to allow for a smooth transition at the UK border.

Current physical passports will still need to be carried.

How can I get an eVisa and a UKVI account?

If you have a biometric residence permit (link to previous article) that is due to expire on 31st December 2024, you can create a UKVI account and be able to access your eVisa. This should be done before the BRP expiry date.

It’s recommended that you keep your BRP card as it may help you with future applications to stay in the UK.

If you have lost your BRP card, don’t worry, you can use the reference numbers from travel documents such as your passport or visa application.

Next steps

If you’re worried about the changes to an eVisa and creating your UKVI account, speak to our experts at Five Star for guidance and support to ensure you can continue to prove your status.

Contact us