Making your UK visa digital with an eVisa is completely free at gov.uk/eVisa
Designed to replace physical immigration documents, an eVisa can’t be lost or stolen. It’s also free and your immigration status won’t be affected.
With the switch already underway, we asked the UK Government’s experts to answer some common questions about eVisas…
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status in the UK, allowing you to view and prove your immigration status, including your rights to live, work or study in the UK.
It replaces the physical documents you have and you can link your UKVI account to your passport to make international travel straightforward.
What’s changing for UK visas?
If you’re one of the millions of people using a BRP (biometric residence permit) card that expires on 31 December 2024, you should head to gov.uk/eVisa to create your UKVI account.
You’ll then be able to get access to your eVisa. It’s important you do this to avoid unnecessary delays in proving your immigration status, particularly if you’re planning to travel internationally.
When will I need an eVisa?
The transition is currently taking place. If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024, take action now.
And while legacy paper documents are still valid, and you can continue to use them as evidence of your immigration status as you do today, you should still make a free “no time limit” (NTL) application online at gov.uk/eVisa, which means you can get access to your eVisa.
What should I do to get an eVisa?
Go to gov.uk/eVisa and create a UKVI account. Don’t worry, your immigration status won’t be affected. If you have a BRP, you should create your account by 31 December, so get ahead and do it now.
If you’re a parent or guardian of a child who uses a physical immigration document, you should take action on their behalf too.
What if I have paper documents?
You should still make an NTL application. You might be asked to provide a photograph and fingerprints as part of this process, but you’ll be given full instructions on what to do online.
Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll then receive a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
What are the benefits of eVisas?
eVisas are a digital record so you’ll no longer need physical documents. They have a number of benefits, as an eVisa can’t be lost, stolen or damaged.
You can prove your rights instantly, accurately and securely, while only sharing the necessary information with anyone who requests it.
It will also prevent unnecessary delays while travelling internationally, as your UKVI account can be linked to your passport.
There are no penalties for failing to transition to an eVisa by 2025, but not transitioning could result in unnecessary delays when proving your immigration status in the UK or while travelling overseas.
Plus, your information is always held securely. You can also share your status easily with your landlord or employer via the “view and prove” service.