UK Government Extends Grace Period for Expired Travel Documents Until March 2025
In a recent announcement, the UK government revealed an extension of the grace period for accepting expired physical travel documentation, now valid until March 2025. This initiative is designed to support visa holders transitioning to a fully digital eVisa system.
Under this ongoing effort by the Home Office, all visa holders—including many from India—who currently possess physical biometric residence permits (BRPs), passports featuring visa vignette stickers or ink stamps validating their indefinite leave to enter or remain, and biometric residence cards (BRCs) have until the end of December 2024 to shift to the eVisa format.
According to the Home Office, over 3.1 million individuals have successfully transitioned to the new system. However, many others face hurdles in meeting the upcoming deadline, citing technical challenges and other difficulties.
Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, underscored the government’s dedication to easing this transition. “I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders, and MPs, and we are continually refining and adapting processes to ensure a smooth transition,” she remarked.
Malhotra confirmed that airlines and carriers will recognize BRPs and BRCs that expire on or after December 31, 2024, as valid proof of the right to travel to the UK until March 31, 2025. This information will be continuously reviewed, though travelers will remain subject to standard immigration checks and requirements upon arrival.
Additionally, the Home Office warned that individuals trying to enter the UK with expired immigration status could face refusal of entry. They reiterated the importance of transitioning from paper visas to the eVisa platform via the official GOV.UK online system.
Visa holders with indefinite leave to stay, who utilize ink stamps or vignettes in their passports, may continue using these documents for three months after the deadline and are encouraged to apply for a “No Time Limit” application to secure their eVisa. The Home Office emphasized that the transition to an eVisa is both free and simple, offering improved convenience and security, as digital visas cannot be misplaced or altered.
To assist those encountering obstacles during this transition, the government has introduced various support measures, including a 24/7 chatbot service and dedicated helplines. The phased implementation of digital services aims to create a “secure and seamless digital journey” for most users within the UK immigration framework by 2025.
First launched in April under the previous Conservative government, the eVisa system has been carried forward by the current Labour administration. Nonetheless, some digital rights advocates have expressed concerns over potential discrimination against individuals unable to verify their residency status due to ongoing technical issues with the eVisa rollout.
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