Essential Travel Tips for BRP Holders

Q: What documents should I carry when travelling with a UK BRP or eVisa?

Carry your valid passport, a screenshot or printout of your eVisa status, your travel insurance documents, accommodation confirmations, and return flight details. While your immigration status is digital, having offline copies is useful in areas with poor internet.

Q: Do I need to show my BRP at UK border control?

No. Physical BRP cards expired on 31 December 2024. UK Border Force verifies your immigration status digitally using your passport details. Simply present your passport at border control.

Q: Can I use e-gates at UK airports with an eVisa?

E-gate eligibility depends on your passport nationality and immigration status. British, EU, and some other passport holders can use e-gates. Non-British passport holders with settled or pre-settled status may also be eligible. Check the specific airport guidance before travelling.

Q: What if my flight has a connection through a third country?

Transit requirements depend on the transit country and your passport nationality. Some countries allow airside transit without a visa, while others require a transit visa even for connecting flights. Check transit requirements for every country on your route, not just your final destination.

Everything you need to know before travelling internationally as a UK resident in 2026

Travelling as a UK resident in 2026

Your physical BRP card has been replaced by a digital eVisa. This guide covers what you need to carry, how to prepare, and what to expect at borders when travelling internationally.

Before You Travel — Pre-Departure Checklist

Check passport validity — Most countries require at least 6 months validity from your entry date. Some require validity beyond your planned departure. Renew early if needed.
Verify your eVisa status — Log into the UKVI portal and confirm your digital immigration status is current and linked to your passport. See our BRP to eVisa guide.
Check visa requirements — Research whether your destination requires a visa based on your passport nationality. Use our visa-free countries list as a starting point.
Buy travel insurance — Essential for medical coverage abroad. The EHIC/GHIC card is no longer valid for UK residents travelling to the EU. See our travel insurance guide.
Check transit requirements — If your journey involves connections, verify you do not need a transit visa for any stopover countries.
Register with FCDO — For destinations with travel advisories, register your trip with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Save offline copies — Screenshot your eVisa status, download boarding passes, and save accommodation confirmations offline.

What to Carry

Document	Essential?	Notes
Valid passport	Required	6+ months validity for most destinations
eVisa status screenshot	Recommended	Offline backup of your digital status
Travel insurance	Essential	Policy number and emergency contact
Return flight confirmation	Required	Many countries require proof of onward travel
Accommodation booking	Recommended	Address of where you are staying
Visa (if required)	If applicable	Schengen visa or destination-specific visa
Old BRP card	Optional	Expired but useful as backup ID

At the Airport — Departure

Check-In

At check-in, the airline will verify your passport and check whether you meet the entry requirements for your destination. If you need a visa, have it ready. Online check-in can save time but you may still need to show documents at a bag drop counter.

UK Border Exit

The UK does not have formal exit immigration checks at most airports. You pass through security and proceed to your gate. However, airlines act as the first checkpoint for immigration requirements at your destination.

At Your Destination — Arrival

Immigration Queue

At immigration, present your passport and any required visa. The border officer will check your passport nationality against their visa requirements. They do not need to see your UK eVisa unless you are entering on the basis of UK residency (rare). Be prepared to show your return ticket and accommodation details if asked.

Common Questions at Border Control

Purpose of visit (holiday, business, visiting family)
Duration of stay
Where you are staying
Proof of return travel
Proof of sufficient funds (occasionally)

Transit Tips

If your journey involves changing flights in a third country, be aware of these transit considerations:

Airside transit — If you stay within the airport (do not pass through immigration), many countries do not require a visa. However, some do.
Terminal changes — If you need to change terminals, you may have to pass through immigration, which requires a transit visa in some countries.
US transit — The United States requires all transiting passengers to have either an ESTA or a US visa, even for airside connections.
Schengen transit — Some non-British passport holders need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for Schengen airports. Check your nationality requirements.
Baggage — If your bags are not checked through to your final destination, you will need to clear immigration and customs to collect and re-check them.

Returning to the UK

When returning to the UK, present your passport at immigration. UK Border Force will verify your immigration status digitally. You do not need to show an expired BRP card or print your eVisa.

E-gates — If you are eligible, use the electronic gates for faster processing. Eligibility depends on your passport and immigration status.
Customs — Declare any goods that exceed your duty-free allowance. UK allowances for non-EU countries are 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits, and goods worth up to 390 pounds.
If there are problems — Have your eVisa share code ready in case there are any issues verifying your status. You can generate one before travel.

Money and Banking Tips

Notify your bank — Tell your bank you are travelling to avoid your card being blocked for suspicious foreign transactions.
Use a travel-friendly card — Cards like Monzo, Starling, or Wise offer competitive exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees.
Carry some local currency — Have a small amount of local cash for taxis, tips, and small purchases on arrival.
ATMs abroad — Use bank ATMs rather than independent machines. Always choose to be charged in the local currency, not pounds, to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

For destination-specific guides, see our pages on Dubai, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, and Caribbean destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents should I carry when travelling with a UK BRP or eVisa?

Do I need to show my BRP at UK border control?

Can I use e-gates at UK airports with an eVisa?

What if my flight has a connection through a third country?

Last updated: March 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.