STOP PRESS - IMMIGRATION UPDATE

Since November 2023, individuals from select countries have been expected to obtain an ETA for visa-free travel to the UK.

On 2 April 2025, the final stage of the ETA scheme rollout will take place to include European nationals (except Ireland) with the scheme having opened on 5 March 2025 for all those impacted to apply.

Meaning, those from the European Economic Area and Switzerland will need to obtain prior travel permission before entering the UK, provided they do not already hold a valid UK status.

Decisions on these applications are expected within three working days unless further checks are required, therefore forward planning is advised to avoid any delays. The fee for each applicant (including children) currently stands at £10 per person (this is due to increase to £16). Applicants must provide their current valid passport details, a valid up to date passport photo and answer certain suitability questions.

Once approved, an ETA will be valid for two years allowing for multiple journeys to the UK.

Those legally resident in Ireland (and who would normally need an ETA) but are travelling to the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man will be exempt from requiring an ETA to travel.

For any countries not listed on the scheme, nationals from these countries are not eligible for an ETA and must apply for a UK visa before visiting.

If an ETA application is refused, you will not be banned from entering the UK, however, you will need to apply for an appropriate UK visa instead.

BRP & EUSS BRC usage extension

The Home Office has announced a further extension for the use of expired immigration documents for travel purposes until at least 1 June 2025 (previously extended until 31 March 2025), provided that an individual's underlying immigration status remains valid.

UKVI has made a commitment to review this transitional measure regularly.

All Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and EU Settlement Scheme Biometric Residence Cards (EUSS BRCs) expired on 31 December 2024, mandating holders transition to an eVisa prior to this date. Consequently, it is recommended that individuals retain their physical BRP or EUSS BRC until at least 1 June 2025, despite its expiration in December 2024. However, for those hoping to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain it is recommended to keep copies of all permits to aid with their application process.

It is estimated that approximately 600,000 individuals have yet to convert their physical documents to an eVisa, with many yet to establish an account for their eVisa. We strongly encourage these individuals to act promptly.

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This update is for general guidance only and advice should be taken in relation to a particular set of circumstances.