Complete Guide to UK Digital Immigration Status for Travel 2026
How to use share codes, prove your status abroad and navigate the new digital system
Understanding UK Digital Immigration Status
The UK Government has been transitioning from physical immigration documents (BRP cards, vignette stickers) to a fully digital immigration system. This means your immigration status is now recorded electronically in Home Office systems, and you prove it using an online service rather than a physical card.
This transition affects millions of people living in the UK on visas, including those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), work visas, student visas, and family visas. Physical BRP cards have been gradually replaced by eVisas, and the digital system is now the primary way to prove your status.
For travellers, this change brings both convenience and challenges. This guide explains everything you need to know about using your digital immigration status when travelling abroad.
How to Access Your Digital Status
Create a UKVI Account
Visit gov.uk/get-access-evisa to create your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account if you do not already have one. You will need your email address, passport or BRP details, and a phone for verification.
Link Your Immigration Status
Once your account is created, link your immigration permission to it. The system will match your biometric information (from your BRP or passport) with Home Office records. This usually takes a few minutes.
View Your Status
Log in to view your immigration status. Check that all details are correct: your name, date of birth, nationality, visa type, and any conditions. If anything is wrong, contact the Home Office resolution centre immediately.
Generate a Share Code
To prove your status to airlines, employers, or border officials, generate a share code at gov.uk/prove-immigration-status. The code is valid for 90 days. You can generate multiple codes for different purposes.
Using Digital Status for Travel
Before Your Flight
- Generate a fresh share code within a week of travel
- Print your digital status page (screenshot or PDF)
- Save a screenshot of your status on your phone
- Note down your share code separately in case your phone fails
- Check your airline accepts digital immigration status
At Check-In
- Present your passport as your primary travel document
- If asked about your visa status, show your digital status printout
- Provide your share code if the airline needs to verify online
- Most airlines have updated systems to accept digital status
- If issues arise, ask staff to check using the share code online
At Foreign Immigration
- Present your passport AND digital status printout together
- Not all foreign border officials understand UK digital status
- Carry a brief explanation letter about the UK digital system
- If questioned, explain that the UK has moved to electronic visas
- The share code allows officials to verify your status online
Returning to the UK
- UK eGates are linked to the digital system -- they should recognise you
- If eGates do not work, show your passport and digital status printout
- Border Force staff have access to verify your status electronically
- Keep your printed status handy as a backup
- Report any eGate issues to help improve the system
| Feature | Physical BRP Card | Digital Status (eVisa) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Physical card with photo and chip | Online record in Home Office systems |
| How to prove status | Show the card | Generate a share code online |
| Can be lost or stolen | Yes -- replacement costs £75.50 | No -- always available online |
| Expiry | Fixed expiry date on card | Linked to your visa conditions |
| Airline acceptance | Universally recognised | Most UK airlines now accept |
| Foreign border acceptance | Widely understood | Growing recognition, not universal |
| UK eGate compatible | Yes (with biometric chip) | Yes (linked to passport) |
| Requires internet | No | Yes (to generate share code) |
Common Problems and Solutions
"Cannot access my digital status"
Solution: Ensure you are using the correct login method (passport or BRP). Clear your browser cache. Try a different browser. If still unable, call the UKVI resolution centre on 0300 790 6268 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm).
"Airline does not accept my digital status"
Solution: Show them the printed status page. Provide the share code for online verification. Ask to speak to a supervisor. If all else fails, ask for the airline's specific requirements in writing and contact the Home Office for a letter.
"Border official confused by digital status"
Solution: Remain calm and patient. Show your printed status page. Explain the UK has moved to electronic visas. Offer the share code. Ask to speak to a senior officer if needed. Contact the British embassy as a last resort.
"No internet access to generate share code"
Solution: Always generate your share code BEFORE travelling and print it. Save screenshots offline. The printed share code is valid for 90 days. Airport Wi-Fi can be used as a backup but never rely on it as your only option.
- Generate a new share code for every trip -- do not reuse old ones
- Print TWO copies: one for hand luggage, one for checked luggage
- Screenshot your status page and save it to your phone's photo gallery (accessible offline)
- Check your digital status is correct at least 2 weeks before travel to allow time for corrections
- Carry your expired BRP card as an additional proof of identity even if it has expired
- Share your status details with a trusted person at home in case of emergencies
UK digital immigration status (eVisa) is an electronic record of your immigration permission held in the Home Office systems. It replaces physical documents like BRP cards and vignette stickers. You can view and prove your status online through the gov.uk website using a share code.
Visit gov.uk/prove-immigration-status, log in with your identity document, select what you want to prove (right to work, right to rent, or immigration status), and generate a share code. The code is valid for 90 days and can be shared with airlines, employers, or border officials.
Most major airlines operating from the UK now accept digital immigration status. However, acceptance varies. Always carry a printed copy of your status page and share code as backup. Airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air have updated their systems to check digital status.
Yes, from 2025 onwards the UK has been transitioning to fully digital immigration status. If your BRP has expired, your digital status is your proof of permission to live in the UK. However, you still need a valid passport to travel. Print your digital status page as a backup in case of technology issues at borders.
Some border officials in other countries may not be familiar with the UK digital system. Carry a printed explanation letter, your digital status printout, and your share code. If issues arise, ask to speak to a supervisor. The British embassy in that country can also be contacted for assistance.
Visit gov.uk/view-immigration-status and log in using your passport or BRP details. Check that your name, date of birth, nationality, and immigration status are all correct. If anything is wrong, contact the Home Office resolution centre before travelling.
The UK digital immigration system is evolving. Procedures and requirements may change. Always check gov.uk for the latest guidance before travelling. Information current as of February 2026.