Do I need to do anything to get my eVisa?

If you had a valid BRP when the transition happened, your status was automatically converted. You should create a UKVI account if you have not already to access and manage your digital status. No application or fee is required.

BRP to eVisa Transition

Q: When did BRP cards expire?

All physical BRP cards expired on 31 December 2024. Your immigration status has been automatically transferred to a digital eVisa. You do not need to apply for a new card.

Q: How do I access my eVisa?

You can view and prove your immigration status online through the UKVI portal at gov.uk. You will need your date of birth and either your passport number, BRP number, or national identity card number to log in.

Q: Can I still travel with an expired BRP card?

You should not rely on your expired BRP card for travel. Your immigration status is now digital. Airlines and border officials can verify your status electronically. However, carry your passport and know how to access your eVisa status online.

Q: Will airlines accept my eVisa?

Airlines primarily check your passport and any visa requirements for your destination country. Your UK eVisa proves your right to return to the UK. Most airlines are aware of the digital transition. You can generate a share code to prove your status if needed.

Everything UK residents need to know about the switch from physical BRP cards to digital eVisas

All BRP cards expired 31 December 2024

The UK Home Office has replaced physical Biometric Residence Permits with digital eVisas. Your immigration status is now stored electronically and can be accessed online. No action is needed if your BRP was valid when the transition occurred.

What Changed?

The UK government announced in 2024 that all physical Biometric Residence Permits would be replaced by digital immigration status, known as an eVisa. This is part of the wider move towards a fully digital border and immigration system. As of 1 January 2025, no new physical BRP cards are being issued.

Your eVisa is not a separate document or a new visa. It is simply the digital version of the immigration permission you already hold. Your conditions of stay, work rights, and travel permissions remain exactly the same as they were under your BRP.

Key Changes at a Glance

Before (BRP)	Now (eVisa)
Physical card carried in wallet	Digital status accessed online
Card shown at border control	Status verified electronically
Could be lost, stolen, or damaged	Cannot be lost (digital)
Had to renew when expired	Updates automatically with immigration status
Employers checked physical card	Employers use online share code

How to Access Your eVisa

Create a UKVI account

Visit the UK Visas and Immigration online portal at gov.uk/get-access-evisa. Create an account using your email address if you have not already done so.

Link your documents

Link your passport to your account. You will need your passport number, date of birth, and nationality. If you have changed your passport since your BRP was issued, you will need to update your records.

View your status

Once logged in, you can see your full immigration status including your visa type, conditions, expiry date, and work entitlements. This is your eVisa.

Generate share codes

When employers, landlords, or other organisations need to verify your status, you can generate a temporary share code. Each code is valid for 90 days and can be used to prove your right to work or rent.

How the eVisa Affects Travel

For most travellers, the transition from BRP to eVisa has minimal impact on your ability to travel internationally. Here is what you need to know:

Leaving the UK — You travel on your passport as before. UK border systems link your passport to your digital immigration status automatically.
Entering other countries — Foreign border officials check your passport nationality, not your UK immigration status. Your visa-free access depends on your passport, not your eVisa.
Returning to the UK — Border Force can verify your right to enter the UK digitally using your passport details. You do not need to show a physical card.
Applying for visas abroad — When applying for a Schengen visa or other visas, you can prove UK residency through your online eVisa status. Most embassies accept digital proof.
Airlines — Airlines check your passport for destination entry requirements. They do not typically need to see your UK immigration status, though you may be asked for it when checking in for return flights.

Common Concerns

What if I cannot access the internet at a border?

UK Border Force can verify your status using their own systems. They do not need you to show them a screen. When travelling abroad, the destination country checks your passport nationality, not your UK digital status. However, it is good practice to take a screenshot of your eVisa status before travelling, just in case.

What if I have changed my passport?

If you have renewed or changed your passport since your BRP was issued, you must update your UKVI account with your new passport details. This ensures your digital status is linked to your current travel document. You can do this through the UKVI portal at no cost.

Should I keep my old BRP card?

The Home Office recommends keeping your expired BRP card as a backup form of identification. While it is no longer valid as proof of immigration status, it contains your photo and personal details which may be useful for identification purposes. Do not destroy it.

For information on where you can travel, see our visa-free countries for BRP holders 2026 guide, or read our essential travel tips for BRP holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did BRP cards expire?

How do I access my eVisa?

Can I still travel with an expired BRP card?

Will airlines accept my eVisa?

Last updated: March 2026. Information based on UK Home Office guidance. Visit gov.uk for the latest official information.