The UK government is working on digitizing the border and immigration system. As part of the program, the eVisa system was introduced, to which expats were required to switch by the end of 2024. Find out what this new program is and which foreigners need to switch to eVisa

An eVisa is a new digital way to confirm your immigration status in the UK, replacing physical documents. The Government of the United Kingdom urges all visa holders residing in the country to switch to an electronic visa as soon as possible. The deadline was set for December 2024.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status that will replace:

- biometric residence permits (BRP);

- biometric residence cards (BRC);

- marks in your passports, for example stamps;

- stickers in the passport, such as an entry permit.

Importantly! From January 1, 2025, you will need an eVisa to prove your immigration status. The above documents will no longer be accepted.

Expats will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Upgrading your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the terms of your permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom.

Advantages and prospects of the British eVisa system

1. Electronic visas are safe, they cannot be lost, stolen or forged, unlike a physical document.

2. Expats will no longer need to wait or receive a physical document once your application is accepted.

3. The procedure for confirming the status at the border of Great Britain will become much faster and easier. It will also be easier to communicate your status to third parties such as employers and landlords.

In future you will be able to use an e-Visa to travel to the UK - you will not need to carry a physical document with you, apart from your current passport which must be registered to your UKVI account.

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When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy, which will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

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How can I get an electronic eVisa?

- If you do not already have a UK Visa or Immigration Account (UKVI)

The system will prompt you to create a UKVI account and verify your identity using the “UK Immigration ID Check” program.

This information will be used to link eVisa to your UKVI account. You will receive an email when you can access your eVisa in your account.

- If you already have a biometric residence permit

If you already have a BRP, you will have a UKVI account created and you can apply directly to the eVisa system online. You must do this even if your current visa is valid after the introduction of the eVisa system on 1 January 2025. You can apply for an electronic visa here.

- If you do not yet have a biometric residence permit

If you do not already have a BRP, you need to obtain one before you can apply for an eVisa.

For those who have a settlement document (permanent entry permit or permanent residence permit) and you currently use a physical document such as a piece of paper or a stamp in your passport to prove your status, then you need to register for a BRP before you you can get an electronic visa. If successful, you will receive a UKVI account and be able to apply for an eVisa.

You may need to provide evidence that you were a UK resident when you applied. You may need to provide evidence for each year you have been in the country. All of this evidence must be provided online and can include things like mortgage statements and work and travel records. Apply for a biometric residence permit here.

- If you already have a Biometric Residence Card (BRC)

For those who already have a BRC, your status has already been granted under the EU Settlement Scheme and you already have an eVisa. You do not need to apply.

- If you apply for a visa or permanent residence permit

If your application to stay in the UK is accepted through a visa or permanent residence permit, you will be issued with a temporary BRP as well as an eVisa. By the end of 2024, this will change to an electronic visa.

- If you have the status of previous residence or settlement

If you already have settled status or prior residence under the EU Resident Status Scheme (EUSS), you will be issued with an e-Visa.

Registration in the system is free.

How can I use my UKVI account?

Once you've created a UKVI account, you'll be able to view the details of your e-Visa online, such as the type of permit, how long it's valid and how long you'll be in the UK.

You will also be able to update your personal information in your UKVI account, such as contact details.

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 report any changes so that your immigration status can be easily determined at border controls.

How do I share my visa information?

You will be able to share information about your immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords, by generating a sharing code in the review and verification service that will give them time-limited access to information about your immigration status.

The eVisa system for children

Everyone should have their own UKVI account. If a child cannot create and manage their own account, a parent, guardian or responsible adult must do so for them.

When is it necessary to register in the eVisa system?

The UK Government is urging all visa holders living in the country who use a physical immigration document to prove their entitlement to switch to an eVisa as soon as possible.

Most biometric residence permits expire in December 2024, and although biometric residence permits can be used to create a UKVI account to access eVisa even after they expire. However, everyone is advised to take care of this requirement without further delay.

We will remind you! The Home Office of Great Britain has announced the dates for the introduction of its electronic travel authorization scheme for representatives of various countries around the world. We previously talked about the terms when citizens of the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia and others will need a British ETA.

Photo – parkviewsolicitors.co.uk

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure safe passage to the UK, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.

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