Travel Guidance for EU Citizens in the UK
Travel FAQs:
Quick Answers
Can I travel with settled status?
Yes
Can I travel with pre-settled status?
Yes
Can I travel with a Certificate of Application?
In many circumstances, yes. You should carry supporting evidence and understand what documents may be requested by carriers or Border Force.
Do I need a share code to travel?
Not always, but it can be useful evidence of your status.
Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
If you have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need an ETA.
Do I need an eVisa?
If you have a UKVI account and pre-settled or settled status, you already have an eVisa.
What should I do if I have new passport?
Update your UKVI account before travelling so your passport is linked to your digital immigration status.
Can dual citizens travel using either passport?
Most British dual nationals should travel using a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode.
However, if you became British after obtaining settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may continue to travel to the UK using your valid EU/EEA/Swiss passport or eligible national identity card, provided it is linked to your UKVI account.
Update before you travel
Many travel issues can be avoided by checking your immigration status and travel documents before you begin your journey.
Make sure you have access to any documents that may help prove your identity, immigration status and eligibility to travel:
✅ Access to your UKVI account and be able to generate a share code
✅ Passport or national ID card (if you renewed your passport, your new passport needs to be linked to your UKVI account)
✅ Share code
✅Certificate of Application (where applicable), accompanied by:
- Evidence of UK residence
- Evidence of family relationship (if your EUSS application is based on a family member and you were in the UK prior to 31/12/2020)
✅Family permit if you are a Joining Family Member with pre-settled or settled status
✅ Copies of documents available offline (printed or as screenshots on your phone)
Update Your Passport
If you have renewed your passport, update your UKVI account before travelling. Many travel problems occur because an individual's immigration status is linked to an old passport. This may prevent carriers from being able to verify your right to travel.
Check Your UKVI Account
Before travelling, make sure:
- You can log in to your UKVI account
- You can access your digital status if needed
- Your passport details are correct
- Your ID card details are correct
- Your personal details are up to date
UKVI and Share codes: How to prove your status digitally
Travelling with pre-settled status
If you have pre-settled status, it is important to understand how long absences from the UK may affect your future immigration position.
From 16 July 2025, the way absences are assessed for many people with pre-settled status changed. Under the new rules, eligible pre-settled status holders can qualify for settled status if they have spent at least 30 months in the UK during the most recent five-year period.
How Long Can I Be Outside the UK With Pre-Settled Status? New 2025 Rules Explained
Travelling with your child
If you are an EU or EEA EFTA parent living in the UK, there is a possibility that your child does not have the right to travel.
Children do not automatically have the same immigration status as their parents.
Before you leave the UK, you may have to make an EUSS application on behalf of your child to secure their immigration status and guarantee their right to travel back into the UK if they leave.
IMA Campaign to Secure Children's Rights
Travelling as a Family Member
If you rely on rights as a joining family member or hold an EUSS family permit, it may be helpful to carry evidence of the family relationship on which your status depends.
Full list of suitable evidence here.
Can I Travel with a CoA?
What Is a Certificate of Application (CoA)?
A Certificate of Application (CoA) is issued when a valid application is made under the EU Settlement Scheme. It provides temporary protection of your rights while your application is being considered.
Can I travel with a CoA?
People with a valid CoA can travel to and from the UK, but prepare to be asked for supporting evidence. This may include:
- Evidence of your continuous residence in the UK before and since 31 December 2020 (full list of suitable evidence here)
- If applicable, evidence of the family relationship on which you rely in your EUSS application (full list of suitable evidence here)
Provide documents that show your name, address and the relevant dates.
Can I Travel with a Certificate of Application?
Travel Documents, Proof of Status and Proof of Residence
What Can I Use as Proof of Status?
You may be able to use:
- Your UKVI account
- Share code
- Certificate of Application
Many carriers (your airline, train, or ferry operator) are now familiar with digital immigration status, but carrying additional supporting evidence can be useful.
UKVI and Share codes: How to prove your status digitally
What Can I Use as Proof of Residence?
In some situations, you may be asked to demonstrate that you live or have lived in the UK before and since 31 December 2020
Examples include:
- Council tax bills
- Utility bills
- Bank statements
- Payslips
- Employment contracts
- Employer letters
- Tenancy agreements
- Mortgage statements
- NHS correspondence
- School, college or university records
- HMRC correspondence
- DWP correspondence
Provide documents that show your name, address and the relevant dates.
National Identity Cards
Some EU, EEA EFTA citizens may continue to travel using national identity cards in certain circumstances.
You should check whether your identity document is in date, valid for travel, and ensure it matches the details held by UKVI.
What happens at the UK border?
Most travellers will pass through border controls without difficulty. Depending on your nationality, travel documents and circumstances, you may use eGates or be directed to speak with a Border Force officer.
Using eGates
Many travellers can enter the UK using eGates.
If an eGate cannot verify your details, you may be referred to a Border Force officer for further checks.
This does not necessarily indicate a problem with your immigration status.
Speaking to a Border Force Officer
Border Force officers may ask questions about:
- Your identity
- Your immigration status
- Your residence in the UK
- The purpose of your journey
- Your family relationship, where relevant
Answer questions honestly and provide supporting documentation where requested.
Additional Checks
In some cases, travellers may be referred for additional checks. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your EUSS status, and you should answer any questions honestly and provide supporting documentation where requested.
Having Problems While Travelling?
The airline cannot find my status
Your immigration status may be linked to a different passport or travel document. Check whether you've updated your UKVI account with your current passport or travel document details.
The airline will not accept my share code as proof of status
You can remind the airline that to check your share code, they need to:
1. Got to GOV.UK and use the ‘Check someone’s immigration status: use their share code’ service at: www.gov.uk/check immigration-status.
2. Enter the share code and the person’s date of birth.
3. Enter who is doing the check and select the reason. This will show the information to check your status through the UKVI system.
What is a share code?
The airline will not accept my Certificate of Application
Airlines should recognise a Certificate of Application as evidence relating to an ongoing EU Settlement Scheme application.
You may need to show further evidence:
- proof of continuous residence in the UK before and since 31 December 2020
- evidence of the family relationship on which you rely in your EUSS application
I cannot access my UKVI account
Use the official GOV.UK UKVI account recovery tool or call the UKVI Resolution Centre at 0300 790 6268 if inside the UK, or +44 (0)203 875 4669 if outside the UK.
If possible, retain screenshots or copies of previous correspondence that help demonstrate your status, or generate a share code before travel.
I have been refused boarding
If you have tried to prove your immigration status but are still unable to board, remain calm. In many cases, the issue can be resolved by carrying out additional checks.
1. Ask the carrier why boarding has been refused.
2. Ask for the decision to be reviewed by a supervisor. Sometimes issues can be resolved by a more detailed check of your documents and immigration status.
3. Ask the carrier to contact the Carrier Support Hub. The Hub can help carriers verify whether a passenger has permission to travel to the UK.
4. Contact UKVI. If the issue appears to relate to your digital immigration status, UKVI may be able to help identify the problem.
5. Seek advice.
- Airport’s help desk
- Home Office resolution centre
- EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre (Call 0300 123 7379 if in the UK, or +44 (0)203 080 0010 if outside the UK)
- Settled
- British embassy in the foreign country
- You should also tell the IMA of your experience at the border, via our complaints portal or your story page. Although we would not resolve the individual complaints reported to us, they are vital in helping us find wider problems so we can help protect others from experiencing the same issues
6. Keep evidence of what has happened. Save booking confirmations, tickets, receipts and any written communication from the carrier.
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Where Can I Get Help?
You may find support from:
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre
- Carrier Support Hub (through your carrier)
- Immigration advisers
- Settled
- Your embassy or consulate for passport-related issues
Tell Us About Your Travel Experience
Have you experienced difficulties travelling to or from the UK?
If you have status, or have applied, under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can help us to understand the challenges you are facing by reporting a complaint, or anonymously telling us your story.
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