Important changes to travel guidance for EU citizens with pending EUSS applications
The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) welcomes changes to the information provided by the UK Home Office to EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members who wish to travel while awaiting a decision on their EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) application.
Following extensive engagement with the IMA regarding the uncertainty faced by Certificate of Application (CoA) holders, the Home Office intends to remove current wording that advises individuals with a pending application not to travel. The wording will be removed from CoAs issued from 11 February 2026 onward, but the new advice applies to all CoA holders.
These changes come alongside recent clarification on travel requirements for CoA holders when Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are enforced in February this year.
When travelling, CoA holders may still be asked to provide additional information at the UK border. The IMA has a dedicated webpage for travel guidance and support for anyone seeking further information.
A CoA is issued immediately after a valid EUSS application is submitted. It confirms that an application has been made and provides temporary protection of Withdrawal or Separation Agreement rights and can be used to demonstrate these to employers, landlords, local authorities and certain public services.
The existing advice for people with CoAs not to travel has caused difficulties and uncertainty for citizens. The IMA has raised these concerns directly with the Home Office and welcomes steps to address them.
Removal of the current advice not to travel should bring clarity and reassurance for citizens who have made a valid application to the EUSS and wish to leave and re-enter the UK.
Miranda Biddle, Chief Executive of the IMA said,
“There are real word impacts for people heeding the current Home Office advice not to travel. People may unnecessarily be missing important events and occasions happening outside of the UK. We hope that these changes in guidance come as a relief to anyone with a pending application who has been facing uncertainty about travelling.”
It is vital that these changes are communicated clearly and comprehensively to all CoA holders. The IMA will continue to engage with the Home Office on these matters and provide further updates.
Anyone experiencing difficulties in relation to their rights is encouraged to contact the IMA via its complaint’s portal or through other routes such as the Your Story form. The IMA has a current direct email address for citizens specifically experiencing issues in relation to travel: travel@ima-citizensrights.org.uk.