Evisa grace period extended to 1 June 2025
Over 4 million UK visa holders have now successfully created an account to access their eVisa, according to Home Office statistics published in February. It is also estimated that around 600,000 people are yet to switch from their physical document to an eVisa.
The eVisa rollout, which began last year, forms part of the UK government’s efforts to introduce a fully digital end-to-end immigration system. This means physical documents are being phased out and most migrants with valid immigration permission in the UK will now hold proof of this digitally, in the form of an eVisa.
Grace period extended
To support a continued smooth transition to eVisas, and ensure no one is disadvantaged, the Home Office is extending the ‘grace period’ announced in December 2024, from 31 March 2025 to 1 June 2025.
This transitional measure will allow people with a biometric residence permit (BRP) or EUSS biometric residence card (BRC) that expired on or after 31 December 2024, and who continue to hold underlying immigration status, to continue to use their expired document for international travel up to and including 1 June 2025.
From 2 June 2025, expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs will no longer be acceptable evidence of immigration status when travelling to the UK. This policy will be kept under review.
Accessing your eVisa
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of the type of permission you have to enter or stay in the UK.
You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status and conditions, such as your right to work or rent in the UK, using the view and prove service.
You can use your valid or expired BRP to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
Travelling with an eVisa
Travelling internationally will be easier and more convenient for eVisa holders, as digital statuses can be quickly verified at the border.
Your eVisa will be linked to your passport in your UKVI account. You must keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account and inform the Home Office about any changes, so that your immigration status can be easily identified at the UK border.
You should make sure your personal details are up to date well in advance before you travel. You may be delayed or denied boarding by carriers if your information is not correct. You’ll still need to carry your current passport with you.
Get help with your eVisa
Those yet to switch to an eVisa are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, 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. Detailed guidance can be found on the gov.uk website here.
Speak to an immigration advisor
If you have questions about eVisas and immigration compliance, Smith Stone Walters can help. To speak to an immigration expert, please contact us today.
