New Year, New Rules: UK to Adopt E-Visas Starting January 2025
All long-term UK visitors will need to apply for digital visas as physical documents become obsolete
- Starting January 1, 2025, all long-term UK visitors must apply for an E-Visa for stays over six months
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will no longer be valid after December 31, 2024
- Travellers planning to leave the UK during the holidays should secure their E-Visas before the deadline
The UK government is set to replace traditional visa documentation with Electronic Visas (E-Visas) starting January 1, 2025.
This move will affect all travellers to the UK who plan to stay for more than six months, with the transition impacting current physical visas, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC).
The British High Commission has confirmed that, from the new year, all existing physical visa documents will no longer be valid, marking a significant shift towards a fully digital visa system aimed at streamlining the application process and enhancing security.
Key Details:
- E-Visa Requirement: From January 1, 2025, anyone planning to stay in the UK for more than six months must apply for an E-Visa. This will replace all existing visa documents.
- BRP Expiration: Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), including those for living, working, or studying in the UK, will expire on December 31, 2024. Holders will need to transition to E-Visas to remain compliant.
- Travel Advisory: The Ministry urges individuals planning international travel during the holiday season to secure their E-Visas before the deadline to avoid issues with re-entry to the UK.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages all affected travellers to visit the British High Commission’s website for instructions on how to apply for the new E-Visa system.
