Transitional measures for travel until 31 March 2025

In a recent update, the Home Office says it, “…will allow carriers – such as airlines – to initially accept a biometric residence permit (BRP) or EU Settlement Scheme biometric residence card (EUSS BRC) which expires on or after 31 December 2024 as valid evidence of permission to travel.”

They add that this arrangement is intended to be in place until 31 March 2025, but this will be kept under review.

What is eVisa?

Physical Biometric Cards (BRP or BRC) expire at the end of 2024 or earlier. Again, this is only the expiry date of the physical card, as the UK BRP Card visa system will switch to a digital system, known as eVisa at the beginning of 2025.

The documents being replaced are:

  • biometric residence permits (BRP)
  • biometric residence cards (BRC)
  • passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
  • vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes

Why the transitional measure?

The 31 December 2024 expiry date for physical documents falls during a very busy time of travel and there are some reports that users are experiencing difficulties with the new digital system.

The Home Office says the transitional measure is intended to provide additional reassurance to travelers during the early phase of the transition to the digital immigration system.

Important if you’re travelling

If relevant to you, there some important things to note for your travel.

  • If your immigration permission is still valid but your BRP/EUSS BRC expires on or after 31 December, you’re advised to continue to carry your expired BRP/ EUSS BRC with you when you travel in the early part of 2025.

  • You may also wish to create a View and Prove share code in advance of travel, which is valid for 90 days. 

  • If unsure, use the Home Office guidance available here

  • You should go to https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa to set up access to you new eVisa as soon as possible

IfWe hope this update is helpful. Happy travels!

If you’re considering immigrating to the UK, we highly recommend a preliminary immigration consultation with Nexus Visas to help you save and reduce stress. Complete our form here, call 020 3598 7413, or email info@nexusvisas.co.uk 

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