Frequently Asked Questions

A UK eVisa is your digital proof of immigration status. It replaced the physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card that was previously issued to non-British nationals living in the UK.

Your eVisa is linked to your passport and can be accessed through your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. You can use it to prove your right to live, work and travel from the UK. It functions in the same way as your old BRP but is entirely digital — there is no physical card to carry.

All UK Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) expired on 31 December 2024. The Home Office provided a grace period until 1 June 2025 for people to transition to the eVisa system.

As of February 2026, the UK immigration system is fully digital. BRP cards are no longer valid for any purpose, including proving your immigration status when returning to the UK or when dealing with employers and landlords.

Most people who held a BRP were automatically transitioned to an eVisa. To access yours:

1. Go to gov.uk/get-access-evisa
2. Create or sign in to your UKVI account
3. You will need your passport details and the email address linked to your immigration application
4. Once set up, you can view your immigration status and generate share codes to prove your status to others

If you have difficulty setting up your account, contact the UKVI helpline for assistance.

No. Expired BRP cards are no longer valid for any purpose, including proving your immigration status when returning to the UK. You must set up your eVisa through your UKVI online account before travelling.

Airlines and border officers now verify your status digitally. Carrying an expired BRP will not help you — you need to be able to generate a valid share code from your UKVI account.

If you are having issues accessing your eVisa or UKVI account:

• Email: evisa@homeoffice.gov.uk
• Phone (UK): 0300 790 6268 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
• Phone (outside UK): +44 203 481 1736

It is important to resolve any issues before booking international travel. Do not travel without being able to prove your immigration status.

UK eVisa holders can visit over 40 countries and territories without a traditional embassy visa. This includes:

• Visa-free destinations (like Malaysia, Georgia and the Caribbean islands) — just arrive with your passport
• eVisa countries (like Turkey and Bahrain) — apply online before travel
• Visa on arrival destinations (like Egypt) — get your visa at the airport

See our complete countries list for the full breakdown.

Yes, in some cases. While many countries on our list grant visa-free access based on your UK residency status, others base their entry requirements on your passport nationality.

For example, some destinations may require a visa for certain passport holders even if they hold a UK eVisa. Always check the specific requirements for your passport nationality with the destination country's embassy or consulate before booking.

Generally no. Visa-free entry is almost always for tourism, business meetings or transit purposes only. If you wish to work in another country, you will typically need a separate work visa or permit.

Working on a tourist entry — even remotely for a local employer — can result in deportation and future travel bans. If you plan to work abroad, research the country's work visa requirements in advance.

The permitted duration varies significantly by country:

• 21 days: Dominica
• 30 days: Macau, Philippines, Singapore, UAE, Qatar
• 90 days: Albania, Bahamas, most Caribbean islands, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea and many others
• 180 days: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Armenia, Mexico, Panama
• 365 days: Georgia
• Unlimited: Gibraltar (UK residents)

Always check the specific allowance and any conditions (such as 90 days within a 180-day period) before travelling.

While travel insurance is not always a legal requirement for entry, it is very strongly recommended for all international travel. Medical treatment abroad can be extremely expensive without insurance — a hospital stay in some countries can cost thousands of pounds.

A good travel insurance policy should cover:

• Medical emergencies and hospitalisation
• Trip cancellation and delays
• Lost or stolen luggage
• Emergency repatriation

Some countries may ask for proof of travel insurance at the border.

No. The Schengen Area and most EU countries require UK eVisa holders to apply for a separate Schengen visa. This is a sticker visa placed in your passport, obtained through the embassy or consulate of the main country you plan to visit.

British citizens can visit the Schengen Area visa-free (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), but non-British passport holders living in the UK on eVisas cannot. This affects travel to popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece and many others.

Read our complete Schengen visa guide for step-by-step instructions.

To get a Schengen visa:

1. Determine which country to apply through (the main country you will visit, or the first Schengen country you enter if visiting multiple equally)
2. Book an appointment at the embassy or visa application centre (TLScontact or VFS Global)
3. Gather your documents: passport, completed application form, photographs, travel insurance, flight bookings, accommodation proof, bank statements and a cover letter
4. Attend your appointment and submit biometrics
5. Wait for processing (typically 15 calendar days)

Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.

The standard fees are:

• Adults: approximately €80
• Children (6–12): approximately €40
• Children (under 6): free

There may be additional service fees (typically £30–£70) if you apply through a visa application centre rather than directly at the embassy. Some nationalities have reduced fees under bilateral agreements with the EU.

Schengen visa processing typically takes 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. However, it can take up to 45 days in busy periods or if additional documentation is required.

Some embassies are faster than others. It is advisable to apply at least 6 weeks before travel. You can apply up to 6 months in advance, so planning ahead is always worthwhile.

When travelling internationally as a UK eVisa holder, carry:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity (many countries require this)
• eVisa share code — generate this from your UKVI account before departure
• Return or onward flight booking (often required for visa-free entry)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter)
• Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements or cash)
• Travel insurance documents
• Any visa approvals for your destination (eVisa confirmations, etc.)

Keep both printed and digital copies of all documents as backup.

You can prove your UK immigration status by generating a share code from your UKVI online account:

1. Visit gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
2. Sign in and select "Get a share code"
3. Choose the purpose (e.g., to prove your right to work or right to rent)
4. You will receive a 9-character code valid for 90 days

This share code can be provided to airlines, employers or border officials who can then verify your status online. Generate a fresh share code before each trip and save a screenshot as backup in case of connectivity issues.

In most cases, yes. Airside transit (staying within the airport without passing through immigration) is generally allowed through EU and Schengen airports without a visa.

However, be aware that:

• Some countries require a transit visa for certain nationalities even for airside transit
• If you need to pass through immigration (to change terminals, collect luggage, or catch a connecting flight from a different airport), you will need a Schengen visa
• If your flight is delayed and you are moved to a hotel, you may need to pass through immigration

Check the specific transit rules for your nationality and the airport you are transiting through before booking.

Children need their own valid passports for international travel. If they have UK immigration status, they will also need their own eVisa set up through a UKVI account (a parent or guardian can manage this for children under 18).

Some countries require additional documentation when children travel with one parent or a non-parent, such as:

• A signed letter of consent from the absent parent
• A copy of the child's birth certificate
• Court orders relating to custody, if applicable

Check the specific requirements for your destination country before travelling.

If you are denied entry to a foreign country:

1. Remain calm and be polite with immigration officials
2. Ask for the reason in writing if possible
3. Contact the nearest British embassy or consulate for assistance — they can help with emergency travel documents and advice
4. Contact your airline about rebooking your return flight
5. Claim on your travel insurance for any additional costs incurred

Being denied entry to one country does not automatically affect your UK eVisa status or your ability to return to the UK. However, it may affect future visa applications to that country or region.

This depends entirely on the country. Some countries allow extensions through their local immigration office (often for a fee), while others strictly enforce the original entry period.

Overstaying your permitted duration can result in:

• Daily fines
• Detention
• Deportation
• Future travel bans to that country or region

If you think you might need a longer stay, research the extension process before travelling or consider applying for a longer-term visa in advance. Always leave before your permitted stay expires.