The Home Office has introduced a number of changes which will affect people travelling into the UK. If you are planning on travelling in and out of the UK this winter, here are a few things you should consider to avoid issues at the border.
If you live in the UK: set up your eVisa
On 31 December 2024, all biometric residence permits (BRPs) are due to expire, and you will need an eVisa to prove your status at the border.
All BRP holders should therefore set up their eVisa before travelling, particularly if they will be returning to the UK on 1 January 2025 or later. We have covered how to set up your eVisa here.
If you have indefinite leave to remain issued on a paper document, there is a different process. The Home Office’s advice is to apply for an eVisa by completing this online form. If the document is still valid, the Home Office has said you can continue to rely on it, but we would strongly recommend going through the eVisa process.
Once you have set up your eVisa, you should add your current passport as an ID document on your UKVI account. You must do this before travelling, and make sure all the details match the passport you will be using to travel back into the UK. This should allow your travel provider to see your eVisa, using your passport details.
If you are visiting the UK: check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
In addition to the new eVisa system, the Home Office is rolling out an ETA scheme. An ETA is not a visa – it is permission to travel to the UK, but you will still need immigration permission to enter.
Eventually, everyone will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK if:
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- They are not a British citizen.
- They are of a nationality that does not require a visa to enter the UK as a visitor; and
- They do not already have entry clearance or leave to remain in the UK (e.g. as a Skilled Worker or family member, etc.).
Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates already need an ETA to travel to the UK. The scheme will be rolled out to the rest of the world in two additional phases:
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- Nationals of non-European countries will need an ETA to travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025.
- Nationals of European countries (including both EEA and non-EEA countries) will need an ETA to travel to the UK on or after 2 April 2025.
So, if you are planning on travelling to the UK in the new year, you should check whether you need an ETA beforehand. You can apply for an ETA online using a straightforward application form. The application costs £10, and it will take up to three days to process.
The ETA scheme only applies to you if you do not need a visa to visit the UK. If your nationality is on the visa national list, you still need to apply for a visit visa, not an ETA. If you would like assistance with a visit visa application, please contact us on enquiries@gryklaw.com or 020 7401 6887.
