Summary: The Government has delayed the full implementation of eVisas by three months until at least 31 March 2025. The full roll-out of the mandatory eVisas was originally planned to occur on 1 January 2025.

Contents:

What you need to know

The Government has delayed the full implementation of eVisas by three months until at least 31 March 2025. The full roll-out of the mandatory eVisas was originally planned to occur on 1 January 2025.

However, stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about issues migrants were having accessing the eVisa system and risks of a new scandal akin to Windrush.

Seema Malhotra MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Migration and Citizenship, recently confirmed that

“In order to smooth the transition to eVisas”

airlines and other international transport carriers will be allowed, until at least 31 March 2025, to accept a Biometric Residence Permit or EU Settlement Scheme Biometric Residence Card expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid evidence of permission to travel.

Meanwhile, the advice to employers should continue to encourage non-British and non-Irish personnel to make the transition to eVisas and signpost any vulnerable individuals to the free additional support to help them transition to eVisas. Please note the link eVisa: community support for vulnerable people - GOV.UK