5 top tips for understanding eVisas and international travel

If you had a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that expired on 31 December 2024 and have now transitioned to a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account with an eVisa, you may be wondering how this affects your international travel. The Home Office has indicated that eVisas will simplify the process and have produced a video and guidance for reference. To ensure a smooth experience, follow these key steps.

1. Keep your UKVI account and eVisa details updated

Before you travel, it is crucial to verify that your UKVI account reflects your current personal details, including:

• Name, address and contact information
• Updated passport details linked to your eVisa
• Check if your passport is linked to your eVisa

Your UKVI account must be linked to the passport or travel document you intend to use. If you’ve updated your passport recently, ensure the changes are reflected in your UKVI account before travel. If the update is still pending, carry your old passport alongside the new one to avoid border delays.

Additionally, if you hold multiple nationalities and have more than one passport, you can add additional passports to your UKVI account for ease of travel.

2. Use the ‘View and Prove Your Immigration Status’ service

Before departure, use the UKVI’s ‘View and Prove Your Immigration Status’ service to:

• Confirm your eVisa details are accurate
• Obtain a ‘share code’ for travel providers who may request verification of your status

Why you need a share code

A share code is valid for 90 days and provides proof of your immigration status. Since a stable internet connection is required to generate the code, it is recommended that you print a copy before travelling.

3. Ensure your travel bookings match your UKVI details

When booking flights or other transport, always ensure that:

• The details you provide to the travel provider match your UKVI account information
• The passport number you use for booking is the same as the one linked to your eVisa
• Discrepancies can lead to issues at check-in or immigration, so double-check all details before confirming your travel plans.

4. Prepare for border control checks

Upon arrival in the UK, you must present the passport or travel document linked to your UKVI account. This can be done:

• At the eGates, where applicable
• To a Border Force officer if manual verification is required

5. Carrying Physical Evidence

While eVisas are digital, carrying physical evidence of your immigration status is advised. If your BRP expired on 31 December 2024 but you still have valid permission left on your visa, the Home Office allows travel using the expired BRP until 1 June 2025.

6. Troubleshooting eVisa access issues abroad

If you experience problems accessing your UKVI account while abroad, visit the UKVI account recovery page and use your passport, biometric residence card or permit to regain access.

If recovery fails, contact UKVI by phone, ensuring you have a new email and phone number available for verification.

If your immigration status is displaying incorrectly, you can use the ‘View and Prove Your Immigration Status’ service to report any errors before travelling.

If facing urgent travel issues at an airport, ask your carrier to contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub or call the Passenger Support Helpline at 0800 876 6921.

eVisas are designed to streamline international travel, but staying proactive is essential. By keeping your UKVI account updated, securing a share code and ensuring your travel documents match, you can avoid unnecessary delays. If issues arise, the Home Office provides support options, ensuring a smoother journey in and out of the UK.

Updated: 04 March 2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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