E-Visa was implemented by the Home Office to improve security and simplify the immigration process. This digital system provides a variety of advantages, such as enhanced protection against loss, theft, or deception, simplified sharing of immigration status with third parties, such as employers and landlords, and faster status verification at the UK border. By transitioning to E-Visa, the UK aims to create a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly immigration system by 2025.

How can I update my E-Visa before travel?

To ensure your E-Visa is up to date before travel, it is important to log into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and review all your personal information. This includes verifying and updating your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. It is equally essential to ensure that your current passport is linked to your UKVI account, especially if you used a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to create your account initially. In order to ensure that your account is comprehensive, it is recommended that you include all of your passports.

In the event that your identity document has been changed, you are required to update it in your account by selecting "Add a new identity document." In some cases, it may be necessary to submit your new passport to the Home Office for verification. Verify all visa details, including the type, expiry date, and conditions of stay. Generate a new share code if necessary to verify your status to third parties. It is advisable to make these updates well in advance of your travel, as some modifications may take several weeks to process. It is advisable to bring both your old and new passports when travelling if you have recently updated your passport details and have not yet received confirmation.

How can I book transport with E-visa?

It is important to match the personal information provided to the travel provider with the details in your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account when booking transport with an E-Visa. Travel bookings should always be made using the passport associated with your UKVI account. It is advisable to generate a share code using the 'view and prove your immigration status' service before making bookings, as your travel provider may request it. The share code is applicable for a period of 90 days.

In the event of connectivity issues during your journey, it is advisable to print a copy of your share code and a screenshot of your E-Visa status as a measure of safety. This E-Visa will allow the UK Border Force and international carriers to automatically access your immigration information. Transport carriers are now able to verify your immigration status through system-to-system checks with UKVI. If automatic confirmation fails, they may use the 'View and Prove' service or contact UKVI's Carrier Support Hub.

How to prove my UK Immigration Status abroad before travel?

The Home Office emphasises that travellers are responsible for verifying the entry, exit, and transit requirements of other countries. It is important to note that individuals may be required to provide evidence of their UK immigration status to foreign authorities.

To address this requirement, the Home Office guidance suggests several acceptable forms of evidence for demonstrating UK immigration status to foreign officials. These include generating a share code from the 'view and prove your immigration status' service, which can be accessed through the official government website.

Alternatively, travellers can present a screenshot from their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, which displays their current immigration status. For those who still possess physical documentation, presenting a document that confirms UK status or permission is also acceptable. In some cases, a copy of an official letter or email received from the Home Office granting leave to enter or stay in the UK may suffice as evidence. It is advisable for travellers to prepare multiple forms of evidence to ensure they can adequately prove their UK immigration status abroad, as requirements may vary depending on the country visited.

What document do I have to show at the border with E-visa?

When arriving at the UK border with an E-Visa, you are required to present the passport or travel document that is linked to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This document should be shown either at the e-gates or to a Border Force Officer for verification.

Although the E-Visa system is designed to streamline the entry process, it is advisable to carry additional documentation as a precautionary measure. These supplementary documents can serve as backup evidence of your immigration status, particularly in the event of any technical issues at the border. By being prepared with both your linked passport and these additional proofs, you can ensure a smoother entry process when arriving in the UK with your E-Visa.

If I have problems with getting an E-Visa while travelling abroad?

If you lose access to the phone number or email address linked to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, the Home Office provides several options to regain access to your E-Visa. The primary method is to visit the "Recover your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account" page, where you will need to provide details of your identity document and date of birth. Alternatively, you can contact UKVI by telephone, but you will need access to a new phone number and email address for security purposes.

In cases where account recovery is unsuccessful, the Home Office advises presenting a valid physical document showing permission to travel, if available. If you do not have such a document, applying for a temporary visa for a one-time UK entry is recommended, which may require providing biometrics again. For those outside the UK who are unable to update their personal details or add a new passport to their UKVI account, applying for a temporary visa is also advisable. If your immigration status is displaying incorrectly, you should report an error with your E-Visa.

For immediate travel concerns, the Home Office has established a 24/7 passenger support helpline. This service is specifically for those facing issues demonstrating travel permission at ports or airports. However, it is important to note that this helpline cannot provide general visa advice, resolve technical issues, or directly contact carriers. The Home Office emphasizes that it is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they can access and prove their immigration status, especially when using the new digital E-Visa system.

Before travelling, it is essential to confirm the accuracy of your E-Visa update. Although the United Kingdom is in the process of transitioning to a digital immigration system, it is advisable to carry any essential physical documents, such as your visa approval email or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), as certain countries or airlines may still require those documents. Be prepared to confidently explain the E-Visa system to check-in staff if necessary, and consider showing screenshots of your UKVI account status.

Allow sufficient time at the airport for potential delays, particularly as some staff may not be fully familiar with the E-Visa system. Ensure you have internet access to log into your UKVI account if needed. The process of proving your immigration status at airports can be more smoothly navigated by adhering to these guidelines in accordance with current UK immigration rules.



If you find yourself needing specialized advice on UK visa applications or any immigration-related issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can contact us on 020 3865 6219 or leave us a message, and we will make sure to get back to you promptly with the assistance you need.