UK Extends Grace Period for eVisa Transition Until March 2025

In a move to modernize the UK’s immigration system, the UK government is transitioning from physical immigration documents to a digital eVisa system. This shift aims to enhance efficiency, security, and convenience for travellers and visa holders alike.

To facilitate the transition, a grace period has been extended until March 31, 2025, allowing carriers to continue accepting Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) as proof of immigration status.

Why This Extension?

The UK government extended the grace period to March 2025 to address technical challenges and widespread issues faced by visa holders during the eVisa transition. The extension ensures carriers can adapt while minimizing travel disruptions and improving customer support.

Key Changes in the eVisa Transition

1. Extended Grace Period: Airlines and carriers will be able to accept biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) expiring on December 31, 2024, or later as proof of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally until March 31, 2025.

2. Benefits of eVisa: eVisas offer greater convenience, security, and flexibility. They cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, and allow visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights.

3. Encouraging Transition: The government is urging visa holders to switch to eVisas before the end of the year to enjoy these benefits.

4. Support for Vulnerable Individuals: The Home Office has implemented measures to support vulnerable individuals during the transition, including increased support services and streamlined processes for legacy paper document holders.

Encouraging a Smooth Transition

Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, emphasized the importance of a smooth transition to the eVisa system. She highlighted the government’s commitment to listening to feedback from visa holders and stakeholders to ensure a seamless process.

She also emphasized the government’s commitment to listening to feedback and adapting the system for a smoother transition. Recent improvements include:

• Flexible document acceptance for travellers.
• Streamlined processes for holders of legacy paper documents.
• Enhanced support services for vulnerable individuals.
• Automated travel checks for airlines

What This Means for Travellers

If you are a visa holder with a BRP or BRC expiring on December 31, 2024, or later, you can continue to use it for travel to the UK until March 31, 2025. However, it is recommended to switch to an eVisa as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.

Who Should Take Action?

Visa holders who have not yet switched to an eVisa are encouraged to do so before December 31, 2024. Key groups include:

• Parents and guardians managing BRPs for children.
• Individuals with indefinite leave to remain who use ink stamps or vignettes. These individuals can continue using their current documents but are encouraged to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) eVisa for added convenience.

Benefits of Switching to an eVisa

Switching to an eVisa is free and straightforward. Key benefits include:

• Increased security: eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
• Instant verification: Visa holders can quickly and securely prove their immigration status.
• No impact on rights: Switching to an eVisa does not affect existing immigration rights.

Final Thoughts

As the United Kingdom moves toward a fully digital immigration system, visa holders are urged to transition to eVisas before the year’s end to avoid travel disruptions. The extended grace period until March 2025 offers added flexibility but should not delay action.

For more information, visit the Home Office website for guidance on how to switch to an eVisa and access support services.