Travelling Outside the UK? Make Sure Your UK eVisa is Current and Correct

The transition to digital status continues with the latest Home Office guidance, published on the 31^st October 2024, providing recommendations to eVisa holders looking to travel outside the UK. The recent update included issuing vignettes to Entry Clearance applicants, stopping the issue of BRPs to NTL applicants, and a new form to report issues with eVisas to the Home Office.

The new guidance includes recommendations for eVisa holders to take steps before traveling overseas to ensure their details are correct. Some of the steps the Home Office recommends eVisa holders to take prior to travelling outside the UK are:

• Ensure the immigration status on the ‘view and prove’ service is accurate;
• Check that personal details are correct; and,
• Check that the passport being used to travel is linked to the UKVI account.

The guidance also recommends that non-British/Irish dual nationals should check that their UKVI account includes the passport that they will be using to travel out of, and re-enter, the UK. 

Additionally, new guidance was published following the implementation of the decision to stop issuing Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) from 31^st October 2024. Those with pending No Time Limit (NTL) applications will not be issued with a BRP and will instead be required to apply for an eVisa after a positive decision is received.

Another update states that those granted Entry Clearance for over six months will still be issued with passport vignettes, until at least early 2025. Once an applicant arrives in the UK within the validity of their vignette, they will be required to create a UKVI account which comprises part of their application to enter the UK.

Finally, visa holders can now use the new online form to report issues with their eVisa. The personal details that can be reported using this form includes incorrect visa conditions, validity dates, name, photograph or the incorrect sponsor listed on the eVisa.

If you would like our advice or assistance regarding making an NTL application, or should you believe your indefinite leave to remain has lapsed, then please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced solicitors in our immigration team.