IMA calls on citizens to share experiences of difficulties travelling following wider eVisa roll out

The IMA is working to explore how any potential challenges while travelling may impact EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members who have made an application to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).  

The IMA has previously received reports from citizens and stakeholders of issues using the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system to link relevant evidence to accounts which could impact citizens’ ability to travel. We are also aware of recent media coverage regarding the reported experience of some travellers when seeking to travel to the UK.  

The IMA is considering the implications of the wider Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and eVisa roll out, the impact on Biometric Residence Card (BRC), and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders and the support available for citizens and carriers.  

If you have applied to the EUSS and have experienced any issues travelling, then the IMA would like to hear from you. This will help us to understand if there are any challenges being faced with the new digital system. 

We will communicate further once we have been assured of the information provided to us. 

If you have been granted status under the EUSS, then you will already have an eVisa. You can check your eVisa by logging into your UKVI account. 

Your eVisa can be accessed through your UKVI account. Before you travel, it is very important that you ensure any travel documents linked to your UKVI account are up to date, and that all your information is correct. 

You should also generate a share code to prove your immigration status prior to travelling. You can show your share code to your travel provider if they request it. A share code is valid for 90 days. 

If you have status under the EUSS you may have previously used documents such as an EUSS BRC or a BRP to travel. If your EUSS BRC or BRP expired on 31 December 2024, Home Office guidance says you can still use it to evidence your permission to travel. We recommend you keep your EUSS BRC or BRP on you while travelling for extra assurance and have a copy of your share code available. 

You can use your BRC or BRP to travel to the UK until 31 March if you still have permission to stay in the UK. We recommend you keep your BRC or BRP on you while travelling for extra assurance and have a copy of your share code available. 

If your transport provider seems unsure of the rules or is unable to check your permission to travel, you could direct them to contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub. 

If you experience any problems proving your immigration status while travelling, you can call the Home Office passenger support helpline. For calls outside the UK, please use +44 203 337 0927. Otherwise, you can call 0800 876 6921 at any time, and calls are free of charge. 

The IMA is working with other organisations to understand the challenges for citizens while travelling. Here are some useful contacts, should you need further help. 

Chief Executive of the IMA Miranda Biddle said: “We are aware of recent media reports and problems experienced by some travellers following the recent eVisa roll out. 

“We are mindful that such reported incidents can create understandable concern for citizens and their families. We therefore urge people planning to travel to familiarise themselves with the guidance around travel and to be fully aware of their rights.

“The IMA would encourage anyone who may be experiencing difficulties to contact us so we may better understand the issues and consider any further intervention.”

The IMA encourages any EUSS applicant, who has experienced any difficulties travelling, to tell us about their experiences via our dedicated inbox at travel@ima-citizensrights.org.uk 

This will help us better understand any challenges being faced with the new digital system.  

If you want to find out more, please see summary of information in our fact sheet.