The festive season is upon us, and with it, a well-deserved extended break for students in the UK. What better way to celebrate than by jetting off on an exciting overseas adventure?
Many of you have been inquiring about the process of entering and exiting the UK with an electronic visa (eVisa). Let us guide you through the steps to make your journey as seamless as possible.
Since the introduction of the eVisa service by the UK Home Office in March, the majority of you have completed your registrations. We've noticed that registering eVisa via your BRP card tends to have a higher success rate compared to using a passport, which can sometimes result in unrecognized information.
Once you've linked your eVisa to your BRP card, all you need to do at UK customs is present your passport, and the system will automatically retrieve your eVisa information, ensuring a smooth entry process.
For those of you planning to travel abroad during the Christmas break, it's crucial to link your identity information to your eVisa account in advance to avoid any issues upon your return to the UK.
Before you depart, within 48 hours, please follow these three steps to confirm the validity of your eVisa:
1.Click on the link in the official confirmation email to access the official inquiry portal.
2.Ensure that your passport number and application number match exactly.
3.Verify that the status displayed is 'Approved'; if it shows any other status, seek professional support immediately.
Take note that all BRP cards will expire after December 31, 2024. Post-expiry, as long as you have successfully registered for eVisa and linked your passport and BRP card information, you can use eVisa for normal customs clearance. However, until your BRP expires, you must carry it with you to prove your identity.
BRP Card: Before and After Expiry
- Before expiry, your BRP card serves as a valid proof of identity and must be carried when entering and exiting the country.
- After expiry, UKVI advises retaining the physical card for identity verification in case of border issues.
Remember to link your passport with eVisa before your Christmas travels to avoid unnecessary hassle. And if there are any changes to your passport details, update them promptly in your UKVI account.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and memorable experiences. Safe travels to all!
