Immigration Corner | Travelling to and from the UK on an eVisa

Dear Mr Bassie,

I have received an eVisa to travel to the United Kingdom. I would like to know if there is anything else that I need to do before travelling.

Thanks in advance.

WN

Dear WN,

Persons must check that their United Kingdom (UK) Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and eVisa details are correct before they travel to or from the UK. This includes their passport details.

The carrier, for example, the airline, may not allow the holder of the eVisa to travel if their details are wrong or the holder may also be delayed at the UK border. Just for clarity, please note that an eVisa is different from an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). An ETA allows people who do not need a visa to travel to the UK for up to six months.

BEFORE TRAVELLING TO OR FROM THE UK

Prior to travelling to or from the UK, persons should make sure that their eVisa shows the correct details - they can view their eVisa to check. The holder’s UKVI account has their most recent passport and personal details, and they are also able to update their UKVI account.

Please note that the holder can also get a share code – as their carrier or a border official may ask for it. The holder’s details should exactly match the passenger information that the he/she has given to the carrier. Just in case they cannot view their eVisa, they should check that they have finished setting up their UKVI account.

IF PERSONS HAVE MORE THAN ONE NATIONALITY

Those persons who have more than one nationality should add the passport that they will use to travel to their UKVI account. Please be aware that persons are able to add more than one passport. If one of the nationalities is British or Irish, they do not need an eVisa and they should travel with their British or Irish passport.

IF THE PASSPORT OR PERSONAL DETAILS CHANGE WHILE OUTSIDE THE UK

If details for the holder’s passport changes while outside of the UK, he/she should update the details in their UKVI account before travel, that is if he/she gets a new passport and only the passport number has changed.

Please note that persons will need to apply for a temporary visa to enter the UK if any of their personal details have changed, such as name, nationality, date of birth or sex. Persons will be able to update their UKVI account once they are in the UK.

AT TIME OF TRAVEL

When travelling, persons must take a passport or travel document that they have added to their UKVI account. The eVisa will be checked automatically when persons show their passport or other travel document to the carrier or when passing through border control.

Please be aware that the persons might also be asked to provide additional proof of their immigration status, for example, a share code or a physical immigration document – if they have one.

Persons who have a valid physical immigration document that shows your immigration status, carry it when travelling.

Physical documents include a:

• Sticker or stamp (for example, the indefinite leave to remain sticker) in the passport

• Right of abode certificate of entitlement

• Home Office travel document

ASSISTANCE

Persons can get assistance to recover their UKVI account if they cannot sign in because they have lost access to their phone or changed email address. Persons are also advised to report an error with their eVisa, if they cannot view it when signing in to their UKVI account.

Just for completeness, holders can contact UKVI online if they have other questions about their eVisa, UKVI account or sharing their immigration status. A holder of an eVisa can also watch eVisa support videos for assistance. If the carrier cannot check the eVisa, advise them to contact the UK Border Force carrier support hub for help.

I hope this helps.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com