UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra this week extended the deadline for an ongoing transition from paper-based to electronic visas from the end of this month to March-end 2025 to ensure smooth travel and greater “flexibility” for those yet to make the switch.
Malhotra said: “It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have now taken action to access their eVisa and are making use of the convenience and security that this brings. For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available.
“I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders and MPs, and we are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition. As part of that, I am pleased to confirm greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents, to smooth the transition for those travelling internationally without compromising on border security.”
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Most biometric residence permits (BRPs) – used by most visa-holders, including Indians, and biometric residence cards (BRCs) expire on 31 December 2024. However, airlines and other carriers will be able to accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs expiring this month or later as evidence of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally until 31 March 2025 – a date to be kept under review.
The Home Office stressed that passengers would 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.
The Home Office said: “Anyone with indefinite leave to remain who uses an ink stamp or vignette in a passport to prove their rights can continue to use their documents as they do today, including for travel. These people are encouraged to make a No Time Limit application to access an eVisa to reap the benefits.
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“It is free and straightforward to switch to an eVisa, which offers greater convenience. An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights. Switching won’t change, impact or remove someone’s current rights or immigration status.”
British passport holders and Irish citizens, including those who previously held an immigration status but have since acquired British citizenship, are not impacted.
*Info: Gov.UK/eVisas
