eVisas and travel to the UK

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of immigration status and the conditions of permission to enter or stay in the UK. It replaces physical documents like Biometric Residence Permits and Passport vignettes.

Anyone with limited or indefinite permission to stay in the UK needs an e-visa. They can then view and share their immigration status e.g. with their employer or landlord and for travel.

How do you get an eVisa?

You need to create a UKVI account. Here is a link to a video on how to create an account: Creating a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

Expired Biometric Residence Permits can be used for up to 18 months after expiry to create a UKVI account, access an eVisa and create a share code to prove identity and status.

Travelling to and from the UK

You cannot use a Biometric Residence Pemit or Card for travel after 2 June 2025.

Before you travel outside the UK, you need to:

• Create a UKVI account to access your eVisa, if you have not already done this
• Link your current Passport to your UKVI account
• Get a share code to prove your immigration status e.g. to airline staff

Here is a link to a video on how to travel with an eVisa: How to Travel With Your eVisa

What if you get a new Passport?

You need to update your UKVI account if you get a new Passport or change other key information like your address or mobile phone number. You can use this link: Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details: Overview – GOV.UK

If you have not received confirmation that your UKVI account has been updated, you should travel with your old Passport too.

Be aware that if you change your name, Passport or any other details in the UKVI account while you are outside the UK you may not be able to update your UKVI account. If you cannot then you will then need to apply for a Temporary Visa to enter the UK.

Passport vignettes

When you apply for a visa from outside the UK, your Passport will usually be endorsed with a vignette which you use to travel to the UK.

From 15 July 2025 you may not get a Passport vignette for a work or student visa. Instead, you will need to create a UKVI account and access to your eVisa before you travel to the UK to prove your immigration status.

You will still get a Passport vignette if you apply as for other visas e.g. spouse or partner or as a dependant of someone with a work or student visa.

Help with your eVisa

We can assist with setting up and using a UKVI account.

There are also organisations funded to provide free support to vulnerable and at-risk people who need help with creating their UKVI account and getting access to their eVisa: eVisa: community support for vulnerable people – GOV.UK

Contact us for specialist immigration law advice