The Home Office, like most of Government, likes its acronyms. eVisa and ETA are becoming familiar buzz-terms to those who negotiate the UK’s immigration system. They have been reaching a wider audience, too, as some less than perfect implementation adds potential burdens to businesses in a struggling economy.
We had reported on these in our last issue – and here is an update as Government reacts to criticism, seeks to provide reassurance and regain control.
eVisas – from rollout to relaunch
An eVisa is cloud-based, digital immigration status: in a world where hostile Governments, let alone criminals, can deploy sophisticated technology to circumvent immigration control, the UK was keen for a robust and user-friendly proof of status beyond ink stamps and plastic cards. The new eVisa system was its solution. It was meant to be ready for all relevant applicants by 1st January 2025, envisaging a seamless transition to a new digital world from the former Biometric Resident Permits/ Card - all of which carried an anticipatory expiry date of 31st December 2024.
Alas, the system was not ready. Migrants – those with time-limited immigration permission in the UK - received emails from Government asking them to update their status online, with access instructions. Of course, some had changed their email addresses, which was fairly foreseeable. Too many applicants found that they could not access the system at all despite following the instructions; some were shocked to find their profiles mixed up with those of others; more still were able to access the system but not to log the updates they were expected to.
In response, the Government noted that this had all started under its predecessor, and shifted back the provisional switchover date of 31st March 2025 whilst working to fix the bugs in the system. Applicants can still use, and have been advised to use, their expired BRPS when they travel. Will this new deadline have to be extended again?
eVisa Guidance for users – help and information
The Home Office has published several new online videos to show how eVisa can be used and accessed, and in what capacity. Applicants are advised to view these videos to have a better working knowledge of the eVisa system.
The videos are available to watch via YouTube, which is on the Home Office webpage for each guide.
The links are stated below:
- How to travel with your eVisa
- How to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa
- What is an eVisa
- How to recover your UKVI account
- How to view and prove your online immigration status
- How to update your UKVI account details
If applicants are still having an issue with eVisas, we at Wright Hassall would be happy to help – our team has spent plenty of time negotiating this with frustrated applicants in recent weeks!
For more information, please contact our Business Immigration team.
ETAs – the new reality for visitors to the UK
The UK has long distinguished between Visa Nationals – nationals of countries who need a visa to enter the UK for any purpose – and Non-Visa Nationals, who could travel to the UK without prior clearance for some temporary short-term purposes and request admission on arrival.
The US has, for some years now, operated an ESTA system of pre-clearance for short-term visitors who do not require a visa. The post-Brexit UK is doing something similar; the electronic travel authorisation - ETA – is being rolled in, in batches, by nationality. Irish citizens, most people with Irish visas, and all UK visa/ immigration permission holders are exempt; an ETA is a pre-clearance, not a visa.
The new reality is simple; if you need an ETA and do not have one, you will probably not be allowed to travel, and if you do make it that far, you are unlikely to pass UK immigration control, with all that entails.
An ETA is not an absolute guarantee of admission; but it comes close enough for those who keep to the rules.
Do you need an ETA? Yes, if you meet the criteria and your nationality is amongst those included to date: check if you can apply.
If so, you can apply online for a cost of £10. The whole process should take up to 3 working days, but we have seen much longer waits and recommend applying well in advance of travel. Your ETA lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner; and can be used multiple times.
The Home Office has published its guidance and videos: see
- the guide to using the UK ETA app
- the ‘What is an ETA?’ video
- the ‘How to apply for an ETA’ video
The information provided in this article is provided for general information purposes only, and does not provide definitive advice. It does not amount to legal or other professional advice and so you should not rely on any information contained here as if it were such advice.
Wright Hassall does not accept any responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on any information published here. Definitive advice can only be given with full knowledge of all relevant facts. If you need such advice please contact a member of our professional staff.
The information published across our Knowledge Base is correct at the time of going to press.
