Complete guide to traveling with the new UK digital status that's replacing BRPs
The UK has been transitioning from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to a fully digital immigration status system, also referred to as eVisas. This significant change affects how UK residents prove their status both within the UK and when traveling internationally.
As of 2025, most new and renewed UK visas are being issued digitally without a physical card. If you previously held a BRP, you might now have digital status instead. This guide explains what digital immigration status means for international travel, how to access and prove your status, and how it affects your visa-free travel options.
UK digital immigration status (or eVisa) is an electronic record of your permission to enter, stay, work, or study in the UK. Instead of a physical BRP card, your immigration status is stored digitally in UK government systems.
Key characteristics:
This change is part of the UK's broader "digital by default" approach to immigration, aiming to create a more secure, efficient system by 2025.
The UK's transition from physical BRPs to digital status began in 2022 and has been implemented in phases:
If you still have a valid physical BRP:
Eventually, all UK immigration statuses will be digital, with no physical cards issued.
| Feature | Physical BRP | Digital Status |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Plastic card with chip | Online digital record |
| Accessibility | Physical possession required | Access online anytime, anywhere |
| Proof method | Show physical card | Share code or online verification |
| Security | Can be lost or stolen | Cannot be physically lost (but requires secure access) |
| International travel | Present card at border | May need printed proof or digital access |
| Updates | Requires new card issuance | Updated automatically in system |
The primary way to access your digital immigration status is through the UK government's "View and Prove" online service:
As of 2025, the UK government offers a mobile app for accessing digital immigration status:
A key feature of digital immigration status is the ability to create "share codes" that allow others to verify your status:
Share codes are typically valid for 30 days from creation.
Using digital immigration status for international travel requires careful preparation, especially as the system is still relatively new and not all border officials worldwide are familiar with it.
When Leaving the UK:
When Entering Another Country:
When Returning to the UK:
Countries that previously accepted physical BRPs for visa-free entry generally accept digital immigration status as well. However, the practical implementation may vary by country as officials adapt to the UK's new system.
Based on traveler reports and official guidance as of 2025:
Your experience may vary based on:
When traveling to countries that accept UK residence for visa-free entry, bring:
All countries that accepted UK BRPs for visa-free entry are expected to accept digital status as well. This includes popular destinations like:
If you cannot access your digital status online:
If your digital status shows incorrect information:
If an airline is unfamiliar with digital status:
If a border official is unfamiliar with digital status:
If you encounter serious issues with your digital status while traveling:
Have your UKVI customer reference number ready if possible.
While they cannot directly resolve immigration status issues, they may be able to provide guidance in emergency situations:
Your own country's diplomatic mission can provide consular assistance if you're having difficulty:
Yes, in principle. Countries that offer visa-free access to UK BRP holders are accepting the digital status equivalent. The UK government has communicated this change to foreign governments internationally.
However, practical implementation varies. Some border officials may be less familiar with the digital system, so carrying printed proof of your status is strongly recommended. The transition period will likely include some inconsistencies as systems and officials adapt to the UK's digital approach.
As more UK residents travel with digital status only, acceptance is becoming more consistent across countries that previously recognized BRPs.
If you still have a valid physical BRP while also having digital status (during the transition period), you should:
When your BRP expires or you apply for a new visa, you'll likely receive digital status only going forward, as the UK completes its transition away from physical cards.
Your digital immigration status is linked to your passport details. If you get a new passport, you must update your UKVI account with your new passport information. Here's what to do:
Failing to update your passport details could cause problems when:
Always update your details promptly when you receive a new passport.
Your right to re-enter the UK is electronically linked to your passport in the UK immigration database. However, to ensure smooth travel:
If you are eligible to use UK e-Gates (based on nationality), you can typically do so with your digital status in place of a BRP. The system should recognize your right to enter based on your passport details.
If you encounter issues, be prepared to access your status online or show your printed confirmation. UK border officers have full access to check your immigration status in their systems.
The UK Home Office has issued guidance to airlines and carriers about the transition to digital immigration status. Airlines are advised to:
However, implementation varies by airline. Some carriers have fully updated their systems, while others may be less familiar with the process. If you encounter difficulties:
As the digital system becomes more established, airline familiarity is increasing across all carriers.
The UK's transition to digital immigration status represents a significant modernization of its immigration system that aligns with global digitization trends.
While this change brings both conveniences and challenges for international travelers, being well-prepared and understanding how to access and prove your status will help ensure smooth travel experiences.
Remember that countries that previously accepted UK BRPs for visa-free travel should recognize digital status equally, though carrying printed proof is strongly recommended during this transition period.
While we strive to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, the transition to digital immigration status is ongoing and procedures may change. Always verify with official UK government sources and the embassy/consulate of your destination country before travel.
Information last updated: March 2025