What is an eVisa
An eVisa is a digital record of:
- your identity and immigration status – for example the type of visa you have or if you have indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK
- the conditions of your status – for example if you’re allowed to work or study in the UK
eVisas are replacing physical immigration documents.
Biometric residence permits (BRPs) have already been replaced by eVisas. They will also replace:
- biometric residence cards (BRCs)
- wet ink stamps or vignettes (stickers) in passports
You’ll usually get an eVisa when you successfully apply for a visa or other type of permission to be in the UK.
How to use your eVisa
You can view your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status, for example when you get a new job or rent a home.
You can also travel with your eVisa after you add your passport or travel document details.
Access your eVisa
You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa.
You can set up a UKVI account if you do not already have one.
You do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account or access your eVisa.
Travel with your eVisa
Check that your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and eVisa details are correct before you travel to or from the UK.
You could be delayed at the border or with your carrier (for example your airline) if your details are not correct.
An eVisa is different from an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). An ETA allows people who do not need a visa to travel to the UK for up to 6 months.
Before you travel to or from the UK
Make sure that:
- your eVisa shows the correct details – you can view your eVisa to check
- your UKVI account has your most recent passport and personal details – you can update your UKVI account
- you get a share code – your carrier or a border official may ask for it
- your details exactly match the passenger information you give to your carrier
If you cannot view your eVisa, check that you have finished setting up your UKVI account.
If you have more than one nationality
Add the passport you’ll use to travel to your UKVI account. You can add more than one passport.
If one of your nationalities is British or Irish, you do not need an eVisa. You should travel with your British or Irish passport.
When you travel
You must travel with a passport or travel document that you’ve added to your UKVI account.
Your eVisa will be checked automatically when you show your passport or other travel document to your carrier or pass through border control.
You might also be asked to provide additional proof of your immigration status, for example:
- a share code
- a physical immigration document – if you have one
Get help
You can recover your UKVI account if you cannot sign in because you’ve lost access to your phone or changed email address.
You can report an error with your eVisa if you cannot view it when you sign in to your UKVI account.
Contact UKVI online if you have other questions about your eVisa, UKVI account or sharing your immigration status.
If your carrier cannot check your eVisa
Ask your carrier to contact the UK Border Force carrier support hub for help.