Airport & Immigration Tips for BRP Holders 2026

Everything you need to know before, during and after your journey

Travelling with a UK BRP

Travelling internationally as a UK BRP holder can feel daunting, especially if it is your first time. Immigration queues, document checks, and unfamiliar procedures add anxiety to what should be an exciting experience. This guide walks you through every stage of the airport journey, from check-in to arriving at your destination.

Whether you are heading to a visa-free destination like Turkey, Georgia or the Caribbean, or a country where you need a visa on arrival, being well-prepared makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Essential Documents Checklist

Before leaving home, make sure you have all of these documents. We recommend keeping originals in your hand luggage and digital copies on your phone:

Must-Have Documents

  • Valid BRP card -- check the expiry date is after your return date
  • Valid passport -- most countries require 6 months validity beyond your travel dates
  • Digital immigration status -- print your share code and save a screenshot on your phone
  • Flight tickets / boarding passes -- printed and on your phone
  • Return flight confirmation -- immigration officers often ask to see this
  • Hotel or accommodation booking -- printed confirmation with address
  • Travel insurance documents -- policy number and emergency contact
  • Proof of funds -- recent bank statement or credit card

Recommended Extra Documents

  • UK employer letter -- confirms your employment and intention to return
  • UK address proof -- utility bill or council tax statement
  • Travel itinerary -- day-by-day plan shows you are a genuine tourist
  • Vaccination certificates -- some countries require yellow fever or other vaccinations
  • Emergency contacts list -- UK and destination country numbers
  • Passport photos -- 2 spare photos in case needed for visa on arrival

At the UK Airport: Departure

1

Check-In

Check in online 24-48 hours before your flight. At the airport, you will need your passport (not BRP) for check-in. Some airlines also check your visa status for the destination at this point. Have your return ticket ready to show.

2

Security Screening

Remove laptops, liquids (100ml max in clear bag), belts and jackets. BRP cards can stay in your wallet. Keep your boarding pass accessible. Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for international flights.

3

Passport Control (Departure)

Not all UK airports have departure passport control, but some do. If asked, present your passport. You may also be asked to show your BRP card. This is routine -- just have both documents handy.

4

Boarding

At the gate, you will need your boarding pass and passport. Some airlines do a final document check at the gate, especially for destinations that require visas. Keep your BRP easily accessible just in case.

At Your Destination: Immigration

What to Expect at Immigration

When you arrive at your destination, you will go through immigration (passport control). This is where your BRP becomes important. Here is what typically happens:

  • Join the queue marked "All Passports" or "Non-Nationals" (not the citizens queue)
  • Present your passport AND your BRP card together to the immigration officer
  • The officer may ask about the purpose of your visit, duration, and accommodation
  • For visa-free countries that accept BRP holders, the officer should stamp your passport
  • For visa on arrival countries, you may be directed to a separate desk to pay and get the visa
Pro Tip

Always present your BRP card proactively with your passport, even if the officer does not ask for it. This immediately shows you have UK residency and are likely eligible for visa-free entry. It saves time and avoids confusion.

Common Immigration Questions & How to Answer

"What is the purpose of your visit?"

Answer: "Tourism" or "Holiday." Be specific but brief. If visiting family, say "Visiting family for a holiday." Avoid long explanations.

"How long are you staying?"

Give the exact number of days. "Seven days" or "Two weeks." Have your return ticket ready to show as proof.

"Where are you staying?"

Name your hotel and the city. Have the booking confirmation ready. If staying with family or friends, have their address written down.

"Do you have a return ticket?"

Always book a return ticket before travelling. Show the printed or digital confirmation. One-way tickets raise red flags at immigration.

"How much money are you carrying?"

Have a rough figure ready. Showing a bank statement or credit card proves you have sufficient funds. Some countries have minimum daily budget requirements.

"What do you do in the UK?"

State your job title and employer. This shows you have ties to the UK and a reason to return. If self-employed, mention your business briefly.

Returning to the UK

UK Re-Entry for BRP Holders

Returning to the UK is straightforward for BRP holders. Here is what to expect:

  • eGates: Most BRP holders can use eGates at major UK airports. Scan your BRP card (not passport) on the reader
  • If eGates are down: Use the "All Passports" queue and present both your passport and BRP
  • Nothing to declare: Walk through the green channel at customs unless you have goods to declare
  • Digital status: If your BRP has expired but you have digital immigration status, the eGates should still work. Carry a printout of your digital status as backup
Important

If you have been outside the UK for an extended period, immigration may ask about the length of your absence. Extended absences can affect your immigration status. As a general rule, do not spend more than 180 days per year outside the UK if you hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR), as absences over 2 years can void your status.

Emergency Situations

Lost or Stolen BRP

  • Report to local police immediately and get a crime reference number
  • Contact the nearest British embassy or consulate
  • Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to return to the UK
  • Report the loss to the Home Office on return (within 3 months)
  • Apply for a BRP replacement once back in the UK (costs £75.50)

Denied Entry

  • Stay calm and polite -- ask the reason for denial
  • Request to speak to a supervisor if you believe the decision is wrong
  • Contact the British embassy in that country for assistance
  • If denied, you will typically be placed on the next return flight
  • Document everything for potential future visa applications
Frequently Asked Questions

BRP holders should carry: their valid BRP card (or digital immigration status proof), their national passport, flight tickets/boarding passes, hotel booking confirmation, travel insurance documents, return flight details, and proof of sufficient funds. It is advisable to also carry a printed copy of your UK digital immigration status share code.

At UK airports departing, all passengers use the same departure gates. When returning to the UK, BRP holders should use the eGates if their BRP has a chip (most issued after 2015 do). If eGates are not available or do not work, use the 'All Passports' queue. At foreign airports, BRP holders typically use the 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' queue.

Yes, most BRP holders can use eGates at UK airports when returning to the UK. Your BRP card needs to have a biometric chip. Place your BRP on the scanner rather than your passport. If the eGate does not recognise your BRP, proceed to the staffed desk. Note that eGates at UK airports are for entry to the UK only.

Common questions include: purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay, where you are staying, whether you have a return ticket, how you will fund your trip, whether you have visited the country before, and what your occupation is in the UK. Answer calmly and honestly. Having supporting documents ready speeds up the process.

If your BRP is lost or stolen before departure, contact the Home Office immediately and do not travel until you have a replacement or alternative documentation. If lost abroad, contact the nearest British embassy or consulate. You may be issued an emergency travel document to return to the UK. Report the loss to local police and keep the police report.

It depends on your nationality and destination. A UK BRP does not replace your passport or grant you visa-free access to all countries. Some countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access specifically to UK BRP holders regardless of nationality. Always check the specific entry requirements for your destination based on both your nationality and BRP status.

Related Guides

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Airport procedures and immigration requirements change frequently. Always check the latest entry requirements for your specific destination before travelling. Information is current as of February 2026.