Recent years have seen a drive across government towards increased digitisation of key services and facilities, and the UK's visa and immigration system is no exception. In this blog post, we provide an update on two of the Home Office's most significant digital projects: eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). 

Updated timetable for the transition to eVisas

The Home Office’s plans to phase out physical immigration documents (such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and EUSS biometric residence cards (BRCs)) entirely by 1 January 2025 in favour of online ‘eVisas’ have faced a number of challenges. These challenges included technical problems with the eVisa registration process and concerns about the ability of digitally-excluded and vulnerable individuals to register for an eVisa by the deadline.  

The original deadline for holders of physical immigration documents to register for an eVisa was 31 December 2024. Under the original timetable, after this date such documents would have ceased to have been accepted by airlines and other carriers as proof of an individual’s right to reside in the UK. 

Last month, Seema Malhotra, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship, announced that the deadline for eVisa registration would be extended until 31 March 2025. Airlines and other carriers will therefore continue to be able to accept BRPs and BRCs expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid proof of the right to reside in the UK (provided the individual’s underlying permission has not expired) until at least 31 March 2025. This date will be kept under review. Holders of such documents are advised to continue carrying them for the time being (even where they have registered for an eVisa) to increase the range of options for proving their immigration status at the border.

The Home Office has also implemented additional support services for those who find using the online system difficult, including the ‘assisted digital’ eVisa registration process. A list of community organisations which can provide support with the eVisa registration process is also available.

Affected individuals who have yet to register for an eVisa should do so as soon as possible. Employers may wish to remind employees with immigration permission to check if they need to do this (and direct them to appropriate sources of support with the registration process, if needed), particularly if travel to and from the UK is a significant part of their role. 

All eVisa holders should also make sure that their current passport details are linked to their online UKVI account. Failure to do this can cause difficulties in accessing the eVisa and proving the right to reside in the UK at the border.

Electronic Travel Authorisation 

Many employers will be aware that the Home Office have been progressively introducing a requirement for 'non-visa nationals' (i.e. non-British / Irish nationals who do not need a visa to visit or transit through the UK due to their nationality) to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK under the visitor route. Obtaining an ETA is fairly straightforward: currently it costs £10 and applications are made online or through the Government’s UK ETA mobile app, and usually processed within three working days. It is unclear whether applications will take longer once a greater number of applications are made. Once issued, an ETA is valid for two years.

The ETA requirement continues to be rolled out in phases to nationals of different countries. On 8 January 2025, it was expanded to encompass nationals of a large number of additional countries, including many within the Americas, Asia and Oceania (the full list of nationalities to which the requirement currently applies can be found here). From 2 April 2025, the requirement is also set to apply to EU/EEA and Swiss nationals (nationals of these countries will be able to apply from 5 March 2025). During the ‘implementation period’ (the end date of which is currently unknown but is expected to be in Spring 2025), UKVI guidance indicates that a person who has applied for an ETA can travel to the UK whilst waiting for a decision on their application (but they must have applied for an ETA before they travel). 

As an employer, you should consider whether the introduction of the ETA requirement is likely to impact you or your employees. The ETA requirement is most likely to be relevant where you have employees or consultants who are 'non-visa nationals' based overseas (perhaps working for another group company) who frequently come to the UK to do permitted business activities under the visitor route. Such individuals will need to apply for an ETA in advance of travel and ensure it is still valid whenever they plan to come to the UK under the visitor route. 

If you need support with ETAs, eVisas or any other business immigration issues, please do get in touch.