United Kingdom | Grace period announced in eVisa transition

The government announced expired physical documentation will be accepted for international travel after Dec. 31 until March 2025 for visa holders making the transition to the new eVisa system.

Key Points:

• The government stated that carriers will be allowed to accept Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) or Biometric Residence Cards issued under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS BRC) that expire on or after Dec. 31, 2024, as valid evidence of permission to travel until March 31, 2025.
• All visa holders were previously given until the end of December to make the switch to an eVisa.
• Eligible non-European nationals are now able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA). The deadline for switching to an eVisa has been extended for international travel until March 2025.

Additional Information: Officials are responding to reports of technical issues with the application system and problems securing eVisas. In a statement by Seema Malhotra, U.K. Minister for Migration and Citizenship, she advised visa holders that a “wide range of guidance and support is available.” The government recently published updated guidance on the transition to eVisas, including informational videos and a range of downloadable fact sheets to provide further guidance and resources on the most frequently asked questions.

BAL Analysis: Secretary of State for the Home Department Yvette Cooper, MP, recently published a statement reaffirming the government’s commitment to bring down historically high levels of net migration and restore order to its “broken” immigration system.

The Home Office is transitioning to a new eVisa system to create a more digital and streamlined border and immigration system. The grace period is designed to ease the shift to the digital system and address technical issues faced by some visa holders. The March 31, 2025, date will be kept “under review,” and officials stated that this update does not affect the way that Border Force conducts its passenger checks and that passengers will remain subject to the usual immigration checks and requirements.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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