Expired BRPs and BRCs can be used to travel until 31 March 2025
Home Office statistics published this month show that over 3 million people have now made the switch from using physical immigration documents to an eVisa.
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.
The government is urging everyone who currently uses a physical immigration document to switch to an eVisa as soon as possible. From 2025, the immigration status of all persons will be recorded electronically and will be accessible through an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, linked to the person’s travel document.
Whilst the government is confident that their systems and processes will ensure nobody is disadvantaged by the move to a digital immigration system, they are conscious that some people remain concerned about the transition, particularly in the context of international travel.
To help ensure the switch to eVisas is as smooth as possible, the government has introduced a transitional measure for customers travelling internationally in early 2025.
Transitional arrangements for international travel
The UK government has announced that airlines and other carriers will be able to accept Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and EU Settlement Scheme Biometric Residence Cards (EUSS BRCs) expiring on 31 December 2024 or later as valid evidence of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally until 31 March 2025. This policy will be kept under review.
Passengers whose immigration permission is still valid but whose BRP/EUSS BRC expires on or after 31 December are advised to continue to carry their expired BRP/ EUSS BRC with them when they travel in the early part of 2025. This transitional measure is intended to provide additional reassurance to travellers during the early phase of this transition. Passengers may also wish to create a View and Prove share code in advance of travel, which is valid for 90 days.
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.
Help with switching to an eVisa
Those yet to switch to an eVisa are encouraged to do so before the end of the year, to ensure they can continue to prove their immigration status in the UK.
It is free and straightforward to switch to an eVisa, and support is available to help visa holders and employers remain compliant.
If you have any questions about the process or require support with gaining access to your eVisa, please contact us today.
