UK Implements Transition Grace Period for eVisa
System Until March 2025

Los Angeles/Dec 04, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

The UK has announced a grace period until March 2025 to accommodate visa holders transitioning to a fully digital eVisa system. During this period, expired physical immigration documents will be accepted for international travel, providing additional time for travelers to make the switch.

The move, part of the Home Office's ongoing digital transformation campaign, impacts many visa holders, including a significant number of Indian nationals. Until now, these individuals relied on physical proof of immigration status, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), passport visa vignette stickers, ink stamps, or Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs). The original deadline to transition to eVisas was set for December 2024.

While over 3.1 million people have already adopted the eVisa system, some have encountered technical challenges or other obstacles preventing them from meeting the initial deadline.
Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, acknowledged these issues. "We’ve listened to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders, and MPs. To ensure a seamless transition, we are introducing greater flexibility for carriers to accept expired documents while maintaining border security standards," she said.

Most BRPs are scheduled to expire later this year and are automatically being converted into eVisas through a phased online process. Visa holders can access their digital status by creating an account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

As a backup measure, airlines and other carriers can now accept BRPs and BRCs expiring on or after December 31, 2024, as valid travel documents until March 31, 2025. This date may be reviewed by the Home Office, but passengers will remain subject to standard immigration checks.

“Anyone attempting to enter the UK without valid immigration status may still be refused entry,” the Home Office clarified.

The government has urged visa holders to act promptly by using the GOV.UK online platform to access their eVisa. Individuals with indefinite leave to remain who currently rely on passport stamps or vignettes are encouraged to apply for an eVisa, which is free and easy to obtain.
"EVisas offer greater convenience as they cannot be lost, stolen, or altered. They allow visa holders to prove their immigration status instantly and securely, without affecting their existing rights," the Home Office said.

Support is available for those facing difficulties during the transition, including a 24/7 chatbot and helpline.

The Home Office aims to provide a "safe and seamless digital journey" for most users interacting with the UK’s immigration system by 2025. The eVisa initiative is also expected to reduce the need for migrants to leave passports with the Home Office or travel to collect physical documents, saving them time and renewal fees.

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