The UK has introduced a grace period allowing the use of expired physical travel documents until March 2025. This extension aims to facilitate a smooth transition as the country moves to a fully digital eVisa system. Initially planned for December 2024, the new deadline reflects the government’s commitment to minimizing disruptions for travelers.
Benefits of the grace period
For travelers, this extension offers much-needed relief. Under the new rules, authorities will temporarily accept expired BRPs (biometric residence permits) and BRCs (biometric residence cards) for travel. The BRP is a passport with a visa vignette sticker/ink stamp detailing their indefinite leave to enter/remain in the UK.
The BRC, meanwhile, is an official document coming from the UK Home Office. It is for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who possess certain leaves to stay or live in the UK. Currently, many Indian nationals use these two documents.
However, the underlying immigration status must remain valid. Officials have warned that expired statuses will lead to denied entry, even if the document appears acceptable during the grace period.
About the UK eVisa
The eVisa system represents a significant shift in immigration processes, replacing physical documents with secure, digital alternatives. Officials believe this modernization will enhance border security and streamline entry procedures for international visitors. However, delays in issuing eVisas prompted the government to reconsider its original timeline, offering a grace period to support affected travelers.
According to official reports, over 3.1 million individuals have already transitioned to eVisas. Despite this progress, a substantial number of visa holders have faced delays, especially in obtaining BRPs and BRCs. The grace period allows these individuals to travel using expired documents while their eVisa applications are processed.
Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, highlighted the importance of flexibility during this period of change.“I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders, and MPs, and we are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition,” she remarked.
“As part of that, I am pleased to confirm greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents to smooth the transition for those traveling internationally without compromising on border security.”
Simplified transition to the UK eVisa
To support the transition, the Home Office has simplified the process for switching to the eVisa system. Visa holders must create an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and follow instructions to link their existing details to the new platform. Comprehensive resources and helplines are available to assist those unfamiliar with the digital system.
The introduction of this grace period underscores the government’s forward-looking approach to immigration reforms. By 2025, officials expect most travelers to benefit from a seamless digital journey. This modernized system promises faster processing times, fewer errors, and enhanced convenience for both travelers and immigration authorities.
As the March 2025 deadline approaches, the government encourages visa holders to complete their transition promptly. Early action will minimize complications and ensure a smooth experience for future international travel. Although the grace period offers temporary relief, officials stress the importance of adhering to the new digital requirements.
Photo by Lawrence Chismorie on Unsplash
