What to expect when travelling on a UK visa
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John S. Bassie
Dear Mr Bassie,
I have obtained a United Kingdom eVisa and I would like to know what to expect when travelling on it. Any advice would be appreciated.
E.B.
Dear E.B.,
Persons must check that their United Kingdom (UK) Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and eVisa details are correct before travelling to or from the UK. Persons will have an eVisa if they have successfully applied for a visa or another type of permission to be in the UK. This also includes whether they have status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Please be aware that the carrier may not allow persons to travel if their details are wrong, and they may also be delayed at the UK border.
Persons must make sure that:
· their UKVI account has the correct personal details and current passport or travel document - persons can update their UKVI account
· their eVisa is correct, for example, it shows the right immigration status - persons can view their eVisa to check
· their details exactly match the passenger information that was given to their carrier - for example, the airline. Those persons who are unable to view their eVisa should check that they have set up their UKVI account correctly. 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.
When Travelling
Persons must travel with a valid passport or travel document that they have added to their UKVI account.
Please be aware that the eVisa will be checked when persons:
· leave and enter the UK, either by a border control officer or when they use the eGates
· check in with their carrier to return to the UK.
The country that is being visited might have other entry or exit requirements – this should be checked prior to travel.
If asked to show additional proof of your immigration status
Persons might be asked to show additional proof of their immigration status by a carrier or border official. Those persons can get a share code or use a physical immigration document if they have one. Persons can sign in to view their eVisa and get a share code. A share code for travel is valid for 90 days so they can get it before travelling and it can be used more than once.
Those persons who have a physical document which proves their valid immigration status, may want to carry it with you as additional proof.
Physical documents include a:
· sticker or stamp which shows you have indefinite leave to remain or enter (settlement) in an old passport
· right of abode certificate of entitlement in their passport
· Home Office travel document
Persons who have more than one nationality
Persons should ensure that they add the passport that they will use to travel to their UKVI account. Please note that more than one passport can be added.
If one of the nationalities is British or Irish, then an eVisa is not needed, those persons must travel with their British or Irish passport or a passport with a certificate of entitlement. It is advisable that persons read the guidance for British or Irish dual citizens.
If Passport or personal details change while outside the UK
To return to the UK persons will need to either update their UKVI account or fill in an application form. Whether the UKVI account can be updated while out of the UK depends on what details have changed and if the person has a biometric passport. If they have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, they might have to apply for a travel permit instead.
Biometric Passport Holders Persons can update their UKVI account if any of the following have changed:
· passport details (passport number and expiry date)
· name
· nationality If any other personal details have changed, they will need to fill in an application form before travelling and submit their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) at a visa application centre.
Persons who do not hold a Biometric Passport Persons can update their UKVI account with their passport number and expiry date only. If any other personal details have changed, they will need to fill in an application form before travel; submit their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) at a visa application centre.
Assistance: Please be aware that persons can recover their UKVI account if they cannot sign in because they have lost access to their phone or changed email address. Persons can report an error with their eVisa if they cannot view it when they sign in to their UKVI account. For further assistance, persons can chat to UKVI using webchat if they have other questions about their eVisa, UKVI account or sharing their immigration status. They can also watch eVisa support videos.
I hope this helps.
John S. Bassie
John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises lfw 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