UK Travel Guide for eVisa Holders

A growing concern for many people with UK visas, particularly eVisa holders, is whether travel in and out of the UK will be possible without possessing a physical visa document, such as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC). The next question many have raised, following the UK government’s move towards a complete digital-only immigration status, is whether a person might be denied entry or face risky delays at the border. This study aims to provide eVisa holders with essential information on what they need to know, how to travel safely, and what to expect from the Home Office. For those visa holders who are part of this digitization, this is one article that can keep them a step ahead. What Is an eVisa and Why Is It Important? An eVisa represents a virtual immigration status certifying a person’s entitlement to reside, work, or study in the UK, without the presence of a physical card such as a BRP or BRC. Your immigration status is stored online and linked to your passport.  This is part of the UK government’s digital transformation scheme undertaken by the Home Office to remove all paper documents by the end of 2024. It was intended to simplify things, but for a lot of people, it has done the opposite–creating confusion and anxiety about travel rights, checks on status, and proof of having stayed legally. What Happened to BRPs and BRCs? Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) were once the main documents used by visa holders to confirm their legal status in the UK. These cards showed vital information, including visa expiry, work rights, and biometric data. However, the Home Office has announced that all BRPs and BRCs will be phased out by 31 December 2024. After this date, all UK visa holders will rely solely on their eVisa. This shift has left many wondering: These are serious concerns, especially for individuals who travel for family emergencies, work, or study. The Travel Challenge for eVisa Holders Right now, the biggest challenge facing eVisa holders is travel uncertainty. Here’s the reality: This creates real risks. Imagine needing to leave the country urgently—but being stopped at the airport because you don’t have a physical document. What the Home Office Says The Home Office maintains that the eVisa system is secure, modern, and the future of UK immigration. All eVisa holders are encouraged to: But here’s the problem: many visa holders don’t even know how to access their eVisa or generate a share code. Some are unsure whether the airline or foreign border control will accept it. And when dealing with time-sensitive travel, these doubts become major stressors. Key Things eVisa Holders Must Do Before Travelling To avoid travel issues, follow this step-by-step advice: Even though eVisas are meant to reduce paperwork, it’s still wise to carry printouts until global systems catch up with the UK’s digital direction. Who Is Most Affected? The travellers facing the most problems tend to fall into these categories: If you’ve recently moved from a physical card to an eVisa and haven’t updated your records, you are at risk of delays or travel refusal. What If I Lose Access to My UKVI Account? This is a growing issue. If you lose the email or phone linked to your UKVI account, recovering access can be frustrating and slow. Without access, you can’t update passport info, generate a share code, or prove your status quickly. In such cases, getting legal advice is crucial. You may need to contact the Home Office or submit formal change requests, which can take weeks to process. Final Thoughts: What You Should Remember Why Farhan & Co. Is the Right Help for You Understanding visa rules is one thing. Navigating them during travel is another. At Farhan & Co., we help visa holders make sense of their eVisa status, update their records correctly, and prepare for safe, stress-free travel. Whether you need to switch from a BRP to an eVisa, update your passport with the Home Office, or understand your rights while travelling—we provide clear, personalised support. We’ve guided hundreds through complex UK immigration issues, and we’re ready to help you too. Don’t risk your journey. Let us make your next trip worry-free.

Born in the UK to Non-British Parents – Am I a British Citizen?

You were born in England, but your parents aren’t British. Now you’re older and wondering—am I a British citizen? Many face this confusion. Some even spend years not knowing they need to apply. Others end up paying unnecessary application fees or miss out on rights they could’ve claimed early on. The rules are not as simple as “born here, belong here.” The UK doesn’t automatically give citizenship by birth. But don’t worry—this blog clears the confusion. You’ll find clear steps, real answers, and what to avoid before paying or applying. Why Being Born in the UK Doesn’t Always Make You British When it the assumed that if a baby were born in England, it would automatically be a British citizen, many people have come to know that this is no longer true. The law changed on January 1, 1983, in Great Britain, which now states that at least one parent must have been a British citizen or legally settled in this country at birth for the child to be British at birth. If your parent was in temporary resident status or not settled when you were born, then it is likely that you did not acquire citizenship at birth, even if you have lived there eternally. This is most confusing for people. Some do not know that they have to apply for registration as British citizens. Others only come to know about it while applying for a passport, university, or a job where proof of status is required. Common Misunderstandings to Avoid So, Can You Still Become British? Yes! Even if you weren’t British at birth, you may still qualify to register as a British citizen. The UK allows certain people to apply for citizenship if they meet conditions such as: Each of these routes has different rules. The most common way is through registration. How to Register as a British Citizen Registration is the process of becoming a British citizen by application. It’s not automatic and involves steps. Here’s what to expect: What If You Can’t Afford the Fee? You may be able to get help if: This is where legal advice can help. They’ll make sure you’re applying under the right route and not wasting money. Why Legal Help Matters You’re not alone if this feels overwhelming. Many people find the process too complex to handle on their own. UK immigration law changes often, and what worked last year may not work now. Seeking help from legal experts, immigration advisors, or government departments ensures: Some non-profits and charities also help children and families with the registration process at a low or no cost. What Happens After You Register? Should your application be successful, you will be able to acquire a certificate of British citizenship. You can go ahead to apply for a British passport, with full rights as a UK citizen: voting, traveling, studying, and working. Beyond the paperwork itself, it is peace of mind, an identity, and a stable future. A Few Final Tips Before You Begin Take it easy, do not rush, and check your status first. On your end, keep a copy of every document sent. Check the most recent rules on the official UK Government webpage. If anything does not make sense, always know you can ask. Still Not Quite Sure? If you have questions about whether you are British or if you need to register, you should start asking the following questions: Were you born in the UK? What was your parents’ status at your birth? Have you lived in the UK all your life? Have you ever applied for a passport and been refused? These questions can help you identify what your next step should be. Speak to someone who knows the system if you are still confused. Don’t let the confusion stop you from accessing what is rightfully yours. In Conclusion Being born in England gives you a chance to be British. There might be a case for citizenship. A multitude of individuals missed the opportunity to register as British citizens just because they were unaware of the stipulated rule.  Yes, the application fee feels like a block; yes, the forms are mind-boggling. But then again, security, identity, and opportunity are worth it.  You don’t have to go through it alone, are government departments, legal specialists, and community help are available. If you are born in the UK to parents who do not hold British citizenship, your path to British citizenship may not be over-it may have just begun.

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