eVisa Grace Period Extension

Travel with Expired BRPs Allowed Until June 2025
 

In a significant update for UK residents, the Home Office has announced an extension to the eVisa "grace period," allowing individuals to travel with expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or EUSS biometric residence cards (BRCs) until 1 June 2025. This extension applies to documents that expired on or after 31 December 2024 for individuals who retain valid immigration status.

Key Details You Need to Know

• Who is Affected? The extension benefits those with BRPs or BRCs that expired from 31 December 2024 onward. As long as the individual maintains their valid immigration status, they may continue using the expired document for travel.

• End of Grace Period: After 1 June 2025, expired BRPs or BRCs will no longer be accepted as proof of immigration status during travel.

• eVisa Access: The Home Office has urged individuals to set up their eVisa accounts to ensure seamless travel in the future. It has been reported that approximately 600,000 individuals are yet to activate their eVisa accounts.

What Should You Do?

• Create or Access Your eVisa Account: Ensure you have a working UKVI account linked to your immigration status. If you have two accounts, this shouldn’t pose an issue, but ensure only one is tied to your eVisa.

• Report Issues Promptly: Use the dedicated reporting tool established by groups like ILPA and the3million to resolve any eVisa-related complications.

Why This Matters

This extension provides additional time for individuals to transition smoothly to the digital eVisa system without the immediate pressure of renewing their BRP or BRC. With the rising number of unresolved eVisa accounts, this change offers flexibility while ensuring compliance with UK immigration rules.

For more detailed guidance, visit the official UK Government eVisa page to stay updated.