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.
