How Brexit has affected travel rights for UK residents with BRPs and digital immigration status
Brexit – the UK's exit from the European Union – officially took effect on January 31, 2020, with the transition period ending on December 31, 2020. This historic change affected many aspects of international travel for people living in the UK.
While Brexit had significant implications for British citizens traveling to Europe, it had a different impact on non-EU nationals living in the UK with Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). This guide explains what changed, what stayed the same, and how to navigate international travel with a UK BRP or digital immigration status in the post-Brexit era.
The UK voted to leave the European Union in a public referendum. This marked the beginning of the Brexit process, though no immediate travel changes occurred.
The UK formally withdrew from the European Union, entering a transition period. During this phase, most EU rules and travel arrangements remained in place while negotiations continued.
The transition period ended, and the full effects of Brexit came into force. Key travel changes took effect, particularly for British citizens traveling to the EU. For BRP holders, the impact varied depending on nationality and destination.
EU citizens living in the UK needed to apply for settled or pre-settled status to maintain residence rights. Those who secured this status received different travel rights from other BRP holders.
The UK has been phasing out physical BRP cards in favor of digital immigration status (eVisas). This process runs parallel to post-Brexit changes but is a separate development focused on digitization rather than Brexit itself.
Brexit's impact on UK BRP holders was less dramatic than for British citizens. Here's what changed and what remained the same:
The good news for UK BRP holders is that most countries that offered visa-free entry based on UK residence status before Brexit continue to do so. These agreements were typically bilateral arrangements between the UK and individual countries, not dependent on EU membership.
EU citizens living in the UK faced a unique situation after Brexit. If you're an EU citizen residing in the UK, your travel rights depend on your specific status:
If you're an EU citizen who obtained settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme:
If you're an EU citizen who moved to the UK after Brexit on a standard visa route (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student):
Always carry both your passport and proof of UK residence status when traveling.
Brexit hasn't changed the absence rules for most UK visas, but it's important to track time spent outside the UK.
Post-Brexit travel landscape continues to evolve. Always verify requirements before booking.
If traveling to EU/Schengen countries, be prepared for different entry procedures post-Brexit.
As the UK transitions to digital immigration status, ensure you can access your records when traveling.
Know who to contact if you encounter issues while traveling abroad.
For the most part, no. Countries that offered visa-free access to UK BRP holders before Brexit generally continue to do so. These arrangements were typically bilateral agreements between the UK and individual countries, not dependent on EU membership.
Countries like Mexico, Albania, Montenegro, Georgia, and various Caribbean nations still welcome UK BRP holders without requiring a separate visa. Brexit had minimal impact on these visa waivers since they were established independently of the UK's EU membership.
The primary changes affect EU travel itself, not third-country visa waivers for UK residents.
Brexit has not significantly changed EU travel requirements for most non-EU citizens holding UK BRPs. Even before Brexit, UK BRP holders whose nationality required a Schengen visa (e.g., Indian, Chinese, Nigerian citizens) needed to apply for one to visit most EU countries, and this remains the case.
The main changes affect:
Standard non-EU UK residents who always needed Schengen visas continue to need them, just as before Brexit.
Legally, yes. The UK's transition from physical BRP cards to digital immigration status doesn't change your underlying travel rights. Countries that accepted UK BRPs for visa-free entry should equally accept proof of digital status.
Practically, however, there are important considerations:
For more detailed information, see our Digital Status Information guide.
No, the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) continues to operate post-Brexit. This scheme allows eligible nationals (currently limited to Chinese and Indian citizens) to travel between the UK and Ireland on a single visa.
BIVS was established through bilateral agreements between the UK and Ireland and operates independently of EU frameworks. It was designed to address the unique travel area between these countries (the Common Travel Area) and remains intact after Brexit.
If you have a BIVS-endorsed visa, you can:
The visa must be marked with "BIVS" to be valid for this purpose, and typically applies to certain short-term visas.
The post-Brexit travel landscape continues to evolve. Some upcoming changes to be aware of:
Stay informed by regularly checking official government sources and our website for updates.
While Brexit brought significant changes to the UK-EU relationship, most UK BRP holders can continue to enjoy visa-free travel to many destinations worldwide.
Understanding your specific rights based on your nationality and UK immigration status will help you travel with confidence in the post-Brexit era.
While we strive to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, visa requirements can change without notice, particularly in the evolving post-Brexit landscape. Always verify with official government sources or the embassy/consulate of your destination country before travel.
Information last updated: March 2025