The Home Office continues to send out invitations for individuals to switch from their physical immigration documents to an electronic visa, or ‘eVisa,’ as the government intends to no longer issue physical immigration documents by 2025.

Key Points:

• As BAL previously reported, the government began sending invitations in April for eligible visa holders to set up an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa.
• The new eVisa will replace biometric residence permits, biometric residence cards, passport endorsements (such as indefinite leave to enter wet-ink stamps) and vignette stickers in passports (such as entry clearance or visa vignettes) by the end of 2024.
• The action that will then be required will depend on the type of physical immigration document currently held. For the latest guidance from the Home Office, please find the eVisa guidance page here.

Additional Information: This digitalization effort is part of a larger plan by the government to transform the border and immigration system. The government has also introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme. The ETA is a digital permission to travel for those wanting to visit but who do not need a visa. Beginning Feb. 22, nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were required to apply for an ETA before traveling to the U.K. By the end of 2024, an ETA will be required for all visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from European countries, Australia and the United States.

BAL Analysis: Officials stated that invitations will continue to be issued in phases before the process opens to all BRP holders. eVisas are designed to be a safer process by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents while providing a more secure way to prove immigration status.

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

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