Navigating the eVisa Rollout: Advice for Those Travelling this Holiday Period.
6th December, 2024
The Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, has announced to the House of Commons that the full implementation of eVisas planned for 1 January 2025 will not go ahead as scheduled.
With the festive season upon us and reports of existing issues with accessing eVisas, concerns are growing among people relying on these digital documents for their travel plans.
The shift to eVisas represents a significant change in how individuals evidence their immigration status. While the convenience of a digital-first approach is clear, it is also prone to technical glitches, particularly during peak travel times like Christmas. Ensuring you have both digital and physical documentation offers additional layers of security and flexibility.
Employers can play a vital role in supporting their staff by issuing this guidance early. For employees on time-limited visas, a simple email outlining these recommendations can reduce stress and equip them with the tools they need to navigate holiday travel confidently.
Here are some key steps to ensure a smooth journey:
-
Check your online account and eVisa status before travelling
Confirm the details match your expectations, including visa type, expiration dates and other key information
-
Carry your BRP card as a backup
Although the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) officially expire 31 December 2024, the Home Office has confirmed they can still serve as evidence of immigration status until at least 31 March 2025.
-
Print supporting documents in addition to your BRP card:
- Emails from the Home Office, including confirmation emails outlining your visa type, dates of validity and any other relevant correspondence. Whilst they are not official proof of status, they can support your case if questions arise.
- A printed copy of your eVisa status page from your online account to serve as a useful reference should electronic access become unavailable.
-
Generate a view and prove share code
The Home Office’s “View and Prove” service allows individuals to generate a share code that provides third parties, such as border officials, temporary access to view their immigration status. Share codes remain valid for 90 days, so generating one before traveling ensures you are prepared to prove your status, even if technical issues affect your eVisa access.
By following these steps and staying proactive, travellers can ensure their holiday journeys are as stress-free as possible, even amid the teething challenges of the eVisa rollout.
For further advice, contact one of our Immigration experts.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
This page may contain links that direct you to third party websites. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.
