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:
- Can I travel without a BRP?
- Will border staff in other countries recognise my eVisa?
- What happens if my passport expires?
- How do I prove my immigration status at the airport?
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:
- Many international airlines and non-UK border officials still ask to see a BRP or BRC.
- Some travellers have been denied boarding because airline staff didn’t recognise or understand eVisas.
- If your passport is lost or renewed, your eVisa may not automatically transfer to the new passport unless you update it online.
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:
- Create a UKVI account (if not already done).
- Link their eVisa to their passport.
- Carry proof of visa status using the “share code” system when travelling.
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:
- Log in to your UKVI account – this is where your eVisa is stored.
- Update your passport details – especially if you’ve renewed or changed your passport.
- Generate a share code – use this for official checks and be ready to show it at the airport.
- Travel with your valid passport – make sure it’s the same one linked to your eVisa.
- Print confirmation of your eVisa – it’s not required, but helpful if you face confused airline staff or border officers.
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:
- Students returning home during the holidays
- Workers with short-term visas who frequently travel
- Family visa holders visiting loved ones abroad
- Individuals with expiring or renewed passports
- Those switching from BRPs to eVisas without guidance
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
- eVisas are the future, but physical BRPs and BRCs are still in use until the end of 2024.
- Make sure your passport and UKVI account are linked properly.
- Always prepare before international travel, even if your visa is valid.
- Share codes are useful but not always understood abroad—so carry a printout as backup.
- If in doubt, get professional legal help to avoid travel problems.
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.