British eVisas: Read This Before You Leave the UK

More and more countries are adopting new technologies when it comes to immigration and travel. It can feel like a lot to keep track of: ETA, ETIAS, EES, EU VAP, you name it.

While it isn't new news, it is timely as the UK just recently rolled out the system (in March of 2025).

But what is the UK's new eVisa? Who needs it? And what do you need to know? We're answering all of that and more.

What is the eVisa?

To date, immigrants in the United Kingdom have relied on physical documents (like BRPs, short for Biometric Residence Permits) to prove their legal right to stay in the country.

The UK has decided to do away with physical cards like this and transition to a fully digital system.

Instead of carrying a permit card, especially when re-entering the country, legal residents will have a "digital" visa that is linked to their passport.

The eVisa is an online record of your immigration status. It also lists the conditions of your stay.

Who needs an eVisa?

Millions of UK residents now need an eVisa, even though they didn't before.

Anyone who has:

• The legal right to reside in the UK.
• AND, a physical immigration document (such as a BRP or BRC).

Must now transition to an eVisa. Those with indefinite leave to remain must also now get an eVisa.

Those who immigrate to the UK and want to stay for longer than 6 months will also need to get an eVisa going forward.

Note: If you're simply traveling to the UK for a short trip/tourism, you do not need an eVisa, but you may need ETA or even another type of visa, like a Standard Visitor Visa. eVisas are for those planning to reside in the UK long-term.

How to link a passport to a UK eVisa

The process is relatively straightforward, and detailed instructions can be found on the UK's official government website.

The steps are as follows:

• Make sure you have the necessary information to create your UKVI account. Creating this account is mandatory. Information includes:
• Download the UK Immigration: ID Check app on your cellphone. It is free and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the App Store. You will need this app to verify your identity.
• Create your UKVI account online.
• Confirm your identity.
• Once all of the above steps have been completed, you will be able to link your passport to your eVisa.
• You will receive an email letting you know when your eVisa is ready to view. The UK government has said that this may take a few days, so don't worry if you don't see an email right away.

How to enter the UK with an eVisa

One big question is how to travel with the new eVisa system. What do you present at the border? There are a few things you need to do.

• Before you travel abroad, you need to make sure that your eVisa has been successfully linked to your passport. This means you need to do all of the above steps.
• Get a share code (we'll talk more about this in a second).
• Make sure all of the information on your eVisa/in your UKVI account is correct and matches the information on your physical travel document(s).

Even when you're traveling with an eVisa, you will still need to bring your passport/travel document with you. It can also be helpful to bring your BRP just in case.

If you're heading to the Schengen area, make sure you understand which requirements apply to you, like whether or not you need ETIAS or a Schengen visa to travel there.

What is an eVisa share code?

A share code is an official, though temporary, code that allows others to view your immigration status. The code is valid for 90 days, and according to the UK government, your carrier may ask to see it when you're traveling back to the UK.

You can create a share code online on the official UKVI platform.

The UK government recommends printing out a copy of your code to bring with you.

In order to create a share code, you must have both a UKVI account and an eVisa already.

Must know information about UK eVisas

About eVisas

What is a UK eVisa?

What is a UKVI account?

Why is the UK getting rid of physical residence permits?

Are there any benefits to eVisas?

eVisas: Who needs them

Who needs an eVisa?

If I have a BRP, do I need to reapply for an eVisa?

Do children need to switch to eVisas?

I have indefinite leave to remain or enter. Do I need an eVisa?

What do I do if I am settled in the UK, but don't have a physical document to prove my immigration status?

I have a BRC, do I need an eVisa?

I am an Irish citizen. Do I need an eVisa?

BRPs and eVisas

Can I renew my BRP when it expires?

When do I need to get an eVisa?

Can I travel with my BRP?

What do I do if my BRP has expired?

Traveling with your new eVisa

I'm traveling abroad. What do I need to do?