UK switches to E-Visas from Jan 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, the United Kingdom will introduce Electronic Visas (E-Visas), which will replace all physical visa documents.

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration shared this as an update on the United Kingdom's visa and immigration procedures, as the British High Commission announced.

This information was issued in an advisory dated November 4, 2024 signed by Victor N. A. Adamah, the Acting Director for the Foreign Ministry’s Information and Public Affairs Bureau.

With this change, physical documents traditionally used to verify immigration status in the UK — such as passport visa stamps, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) — will no longer be accepted after December 31, 2024.

The Ministry encourages anyone planning to stay in the UK for over six months to apply for E-Visas.

This requirement also affects individuals holding valid BRPs, including those with permissions to reside, work, or study in the UK, as these BRP cards will expire December 31, 2024.

For travelers intending to leave the UK during the holiday season, the Ministry recommends obtaining E-Visa approval before December 31, 2024, to ensure a smooth re-entry in the new year.

The Ministry advises all affected persons to take the necessary steps to comply with these updated rules. Detailed guidance on E-Visa applications can be found on the British High Commission’s website or by contacting UK immigration authorities.