The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has exciting news for travelers heading to the United Kingdom (UK). A brand-new visa policy will come into effect on January 1, 2025, fundamentally changing how visitors can stay in the UK for extended periods.
In a significant shift, the UK government will transition from traditional physical visa documentation to a modern Electronic Visa (E-Visa) system. This means that current physical visas in passports, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) will be phased out.
According to the British High Commission, starting January 1, 2025, these physical documents will no longer be recognized, making way for a more efficient and secure E-Visa process.
What Travelers Should Do:
From the onset of the new year, anyone planning to remain in the UK for over six months must apply for an E-Visa. This digital visa will be the sole valid option for long-term stays in the country.
Important Information for BRP Holders:
If you hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that allows you to live, work, or study in the UK, it’s crucial to note that all BRP cards will expire on December 31, 2024, regardless of when they were originally set to expire. To ensure you can continue your stay, you will need to transition to the new E-Visa system.
Traveling During the Holidays?
As the holiday season approaches, the Ministry strongly advises anyone planning to travel outside the UK to secure their E-Visa by December 31, 2024. Taking care of this ahead of time will help avoid any re-entry issues upon your return.
This announcement was made public in an advisory issued by Victor N. A. Adamah, the Acting Director for the Information and Public Affairs Bureau, on November 4.
To help facilitate this transition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages all affected individuals to visit the British High Commission’s official website or reach out to UK immigration authorities for detailed guidance on applying for E-Visas.