Christmas travelling tips for UK Visa Holders
As Christmas approaches, many UK visa holders will be planning trips abroad to visit family, enjoy a holiday, or celebrate the festive season. If you are travelling internationally during this period, it’s important to ensure you are prepared, especially given the UK’s ongoing transition to eVisas.
Here are some essential tips to make your journey smoother and stress-free.
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Check that your eVisa and Passport are linked
Your eVisa is now the primary way to confirm your right to travel to the UK. Before you travel:
- Ensure your current passport or travel document is correctly linked to your eVisa.
- You can check and update this information at the UKVI website.
If your passport or travel document details do not match those linked to your eVisa, you could face unnecessary delays at the border. You should update your eVisa account every time your passport changes to avoid complications.
If you have not yet applied for an eVisa, you must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to enable you to access your eVisa and prove your immigration status.
Information on how to create a UKVI account is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa
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Create a Share Code before You travel
While carriers should be able to verify your eVisa electronically, there may be situations where you are asked to provide evidence of your immigration status. To avoid delays, generate a share code in advance of your trip.
This code can be created through your online UKVI account and is valid for 90 days.
Print, write down, or securely store the code so you can provide it when required.
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Carry Your BRP until it expires
If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or an EU Settlement Scheme Biometric Residence Card (EUSS BRC) that expires on 31st December 2024, it is strongly advised to carry it with you when you travel.
Although your eVisa will confirm your immigration status, carriers may provisionally accept a BRP or EUSS BRC as evidence of your permission to travel to the UK until at least March 2025.
If you no longer have a BRP or were not issued one, your permission to travel will still be checked through other means.
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Plan ahead for the holiday rush
Christmas is one of the busiest travel seasons, so planning ahead is crucial.
Keep all your travel documents, including your passport, eVisa-linked travel document, and BRP (if applicable), together in a secure and accessible place.
Check the specific requirements of your airline or carrier in advance to avoid surprises.
If you have any queries on the above, please reach out to our immigration team on info@migrate-uk.com
Season Greetings and we wish you safe travels.