eVisas
Last updated: 20 August 2025
An eVisa is a digital record of a person’s immigration status. It removes the need for physical documents such as the biometric residence permit (BRP), passports containing a vignette (a physical visa sticker) or an immigration ink stamp.
The latest information on eVisas is available at www.gov.uk/evisa, and you can register to receive updates whenever that page is changed.
You can access videos about eVisas on the Home Office YouTube channel.
UKVI Accounts
You will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa.
Once logged in, you will be able to:
- update your personal information
- view and prove your immigration status
- check your rights and any conditions attached to your visa.
You must keep your details up to date on your UKVI account.
Creating a UKVI Account
UKVI accounts are being automatically created for individuals who apply for immigration status through the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
To create a UKVI account, you will need:
- access to a smart phone to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app
- an email address
- your identity document, for example, a passport
- your BRP number or visa application number (this might be called a UAN or start with letters GWF).
If you have permission to stay in the UK, once you’ve created your UKVI account, you will be able to sign in to the view and prove service to access your eVisa.
If you cannot see your eVisa details as soon as you create your UKVI account, there is nothing you need to do. The Home Office will contact you directly by email once your eVisa is available to view. You can use your BRP to prove your immigration status until your eVisa details are available.
If you hold physical documents, you'll need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
If you have indefinite leave to enter or remain evidenced by a different type of physical document, such as a wet-ink stamp or a vignette sticker in your passport, then you should make a ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application.
If your NTL application is successful, you will receive an eVisa. You will be told how to access your eVisa in your decision email or letter.
If you are a European citizen with indefinite leave to remain, or their family member, you can consider either an NTL application or a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme, if you are eligible. It is best to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer to decide which application to make. Find an immigration lawyer.
If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) that expired by 31 December 2024, you can create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
If you have lost your BRP card, you can use your travel document, such as a passport, or visa application reference number to create your UKVI account.
If you do not have a BRP because it has been lost or stolen and you have no other form of identity document you can still create a UKVI account. You will be told what you need to do to prove your identity.
If your circumstances are not listed above (for example, you are unsure of your immigration status or you are undocumented) then it is recommended that you seek advice.
Please see our sections about immigration advice and insecure or unclear immigration status.
You should apply for a national passport.
Problems setting up a UKVI account
If you encounter any issues while setting up your UKVI account, you can contact the UKVI eVisa Webchat for assistance. They can guide you through the process and help resolve common problems.
The Home Office will also provide detailed online guides and FAQs to help you with common issues.
Individuals who already hold an eVisa but are not sure how to use it can find further information in their original grant letter or email or Home Office guidance.
The Home Office provides Assisted Digital support via We Are Group (WAG) to provide support for people who:
- do not feel confident using a computer or a mobile
- do not have internet access
- do not have access to a device like a laptop or smart phone.
The ‘We Are Group’ service will assess your eligibility and provide support. You may be able to get phone support from an advisor or face to face support in person. Language support will be available for people eligible to access this service.
You can contact them via:
- [email protected]
-
Text ‘VISA’ and a number will call you on 07537 416 944
-
Telephone: 03333 445 675 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
The Home Office is funding to not-for-profit organisations to support people with complex needs, such as:
- disabled people
- children
- people with severe mental health conditions
- victims of human trafficking
- victims of domestic abuse
- people with significant language or literacy problems
- people without a permanent address
- homeless people
- elderly or isolated people.
Find a list of the not-for-profit organisations providing assistance.
Problems accessing a UKVI account
If you lose access to your UKVI account, you should contact UKVI support immediately to regain access. They will guide you through the process of recovering your account, which may involve additional identity verification.
It’s important to keep your account credentials secure and updated to avoid losing access.
Proving immigration status
From January 2025, proof of an immigration status will be exclusively digital.
This means you might face difficulties proving your immigration status from January 2025 onwards if you don't set up your UKVI account to access your eVisa.
This could affect your ability to work, rent property, access services in the UK, or traveling in and out of the UK.
Once you have a UKVI account, you will be able to generate a 'share code' to prove your immigration status via the View and Prove service. You may need to share this code with others, such as employers or landlords, to confirm your rights in the UK.
If you do not have a UKVI account and you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you can still generate a share code without a UKVI account to confirm your right to rent and right to work.
Other physical proof of immigration status, such as ink stamps or vignettes in passports, should still be accepted as evidence of rights during the beginning of 2025, in line with Home Office guidance.
If you wish to print a copy of your eVisa, this cannot be used as an official document by employers, landlords, or the health service. All verifications will be done online. The printed version is for your reference only.
The Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales can securely access the immigration status of people with eVisas when they seek to claim benefits or access healthcare.
This means that you should not be asked to present proof of status when seeking NHS care or other UK government health services, although you may still be asked to provide ID to confirm your identity.
You should continue to carry your in-date physical immigration documents with you when you travel internationally. If you already have an eVisa, you should notify the Home Office of any passport you intend to use by updating your digital account.
The Home Office allows carriers - including airlines, ferries, and international train operators - to automatically access passengers’ visa details when they present a passport linked to their digital account.
Some carriers might ask you for a "share code" to check your eVisa. You can generate this code from your UKVI account using the View and Prove service; be sure to select the “other” share code option (not the one for employers or the one for landlords). Share codes are valid for 90 days, so you can generate one before you travel if you are returning within that period.
If you are unable to show your eVisa or provide a share code, the carrier must contact the Home Office to verify your status. Carriers may also allow you to board using an expired BRP or BRC until 1 June 2025.
The Home Office has set up 24/7 passenger support helpline to assist with issues relating to eVisas, UKVI account problems, or carrier queries. The helpline number is 0800 876 6921 (free) or 0203 337 0927.
You can find further information about how to report eVisa issues to the Home Office in this eVisa Bust Card created by the3million and Migrants Organise.
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