The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status (an eVisa). Production of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) was discontinued at the end of 2024 and anyone who would have received a BRP is now granted an eVisa. The confirmation of grant includes instructions on how to create or access a UKVI account, and how to link a travel document to the eVisa for international travel.
Anyone who already holds physical proof of their immigration status (such as a BRP or an Indefinite Leave to Enter/Remain ink stamp or vignette in a passport) must apply for an eVisa to continue to prove their rights in the UK, which include right to work, right to rent and access to UK government services and benefits such as the National Health Service. These documents can still be used for international travel for as long as they remain valid.
Visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) - what's the difference?
The two are not interchangeable and anyone except a British or Irish citizen must have one or the other before they travel to the UK.
- Those whose nationality is on the visa national list must apply for an appropriate visa, and this must have been granted, before they travel to the UK.
- Anyone whose nationality is not listed (and who could previously enter the UK as a visitor using just their passport/travel document) must have an ETA before travelling to the UK.
Latest updates on eVisas and ETAs
Passport vignette stickers
In the vast majority of cases, passport vignette stickers have now been phased out. In all but the circumstances noted below, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will issue a digital status (eVisa) when granting a visa application.
- People with a valid UK immigration status who cannot prove it digitally (form available from 15 July 2026)
- a new passport holder who cannot update their eVisa account because of a technical issue will be directed to an online form on gov.uk to request their details be updated. UKVI will update their account manually and email them to confirm they can use their eVisa
- those with lost, stolen, expired or damaged 'Form for Affixing a Visa' (FAV) will need to complete a form on gov.uk, and UKVI will issue a new 'Form for Accompanying a Visa' to enable them to re-enter the UK if they are overseas
- those with lost, stolen, expired or damaged 'Home Office Travel Document' (HOTD) will need to complete a form on gov.uk, and UKVI will issue a new 'Form for Accompanying a Visa'
- Vignettes for travel to Gibraltar: a new, bespoke 'wet ink' stamp will be placed in the person's passport and they will receive a letter confirming their conditions.
- Vignettes to travel to Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man (the Crown Dependencies): UKVI is currently working with the Crown Dependencies to develop a long-term digital solution. In the short term, visitors will be given a digital travel permission to allow them to board along with a 'notification of entry clearance' email.
Updated 1st July 2026
Don't have an eVisa yet?
You will need to set one up, particularly if you want to travel. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account.
Keeping your eVisa up to date
Once you have created a UKVI account, you can view your eVisa by logging into the view and prove your immigration status service. It is vital that you keep your eVisa up to date, including the details of your identity document (eg your passport).
Proving your right to work or right to rent
If you have permission to stay in the UK, once you have created your UKVI account you can log into the following services:
Right to work: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online
Right to rent: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent/get-a-share-code-online
You will not need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK to the University if you have already done so. You will need to prove it if you move to a new employer.
Problems?
There are various ways to deal with any issues you might encounter:
- If you do not have a smart phone, you can use someone else's to create your eVisa account; your data will not be stored on their phone. The mobile you use does not need to have a UK number.
- If you have lost or no longer have access to Home Office reference numbers, you will be directed to a Request Your Reference service when creating your UKVI account.
- If you encounter any problems creating your UKVI account, the Home Office has a dedicated webchat service to assist with all queries.
- If you become locked out of your account, you should contact UKVI.
- If you notice an error with your eVisa such as with your name, photograph or an incorrect status, please report this online.
Version: 2
Last updated: February 2026
Owner: HR Compliance Team