Latest Visa Update United KIngdom
Switch to
UK's new eVisa by March 2025: Here's a step-by-step guide
The United
Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday announced a grace period until March 2025 to allow
expired physical visa documentation for international travel as holders
transition to an online eVisa system. The announcement affects visa holders
globally, including many Indians.
The Home
Office has been moving visa evidence online, asking holders of biometric
residence permits (BRP), biometric residence cards (BRC), and indefinite
leave-to-remain stamps or vignette stickers in passports to switch to eVisas by
December.
Over 3.1
million people have already moved to the digital system. However, others have
faced challenges, including technical issues, leading to an extension for
expired physical documents to be accepted provisionally for international
travel.
“For those
who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is
available,” said Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship. She
added that the government is working to ensure the transition is smooth. “We
are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth
transition,” she said.
Airlines
allowed to accept expired documents
Airlines and
carriers can now accept BRPs and BRCs expiring on or after December 31, 2024,
as valid for travel until March 2025. The Home Office said it will review the
provision periodically and confirmed passengers remain subject to standard
immigration checks.
“Anyone seeking to enter the UK whose underlying immigration status has expired will be liable for refusal of entry,” the Home Office said.
Switching
to eVisa
The Home
Office issued another appeal urging paper visa holders to move to the eVisa
system using the GOV.UK portal. Those with indefinite leave to remain are being
advised to apply for a "No Time Limit" eVisa, a process that is free
of charge.
“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,” the Home Office said in a
statement.
If your BRP
is expiring or has been lost or stolen, follow these steps to obtain an eVisa:
1. Report
the loss or theft: Immediately inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
about your lost or stolen BRP to prevent unauthorized use (if it has been
stolen or lost).
2. Create
a UKVI account: Visit the official UKVI website to set up a free
account. You'll need access to a smartphone, a valid email address, and your
BRP number or visa application reference.
3. Verify
your identity: Use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your identity
document and capture a live photo. This process confirms your identity and
links it to your eVisa.
4. Access your eVisa: Once your identity is verified, your eVisa will be available in your UKVI account. This digital record serves as proof of your immigration status.
5. Update
personal details: Ensure your UKVI account reflects current information,
such as passport details and contact information, to avoid issues during travel
or status verification.
Key points
about eVisas:
< eVisas eliminates
the need to carry physical documents.
< Holders
do not need to leave passports with authorities while awaiting decisions.
< No need
to renew or collect physical permits.
<
Existing immigration rights remain unchanged during the switch.
Digital
transition by 2025
The e-visa program
began under the previous government and has continued under the current Labour
government. By 2025, the Home Office intends for most visa processes to be
fully digital.
The rollout
has seen some concerns raised by digital rights groups, who warn that
individuals without digital proof of residency may face challenges. The
government dismissed these concerns, stating the three-month extension would
allow for issues to be resolved.
British and Irish citizens are unaffected by the changes. Those who have acquired British citizenship but previously held visas are also excluded from the transition requirement.
(This Article Published in Business Standard)
