Expired BRPs to be accepted for travel until 31 March 2025

As part of the government’s transition to a fully digital immigration system, all BRPs expire on 31 December 2024, even though the underlying permission to stay in the UK expires at a later date. The Home Office had previously advised all BRP holders to apply for an “eVisa” before 31 December 2024 or risk being denied re-entry to the UK after overseas travel.

In a ministerial statement made on 4 December 2024, the Home Office announced it will allow airlines to accept BRPs with an expiry date of 31 December 2024 as valid evidence of permission to enter the UK until 31 March 2025. This date is being kept under review and may be extended. Those travelling in the early part of 2025 should continue to carry their expired BRP.

In a separate update to its guidance, the Home Office is also now recommending that those with eVisas should generate a “share code” ready to share with the airline prior to travel to prove that they have permission to enter the UK.

Both measures are intended to mitigate against the risk of individuals with the right to live in the UK being prevented from boarding a flight due to the application of “carriers’ liability” – a legal obligation on airlines to ensure passengers have appropriate permission to enter the UK before travelling, and covering the costs of their return if they do not.

Given that the change in policy for BRP holders has been announced just weeks before the previous deadline (as well as the busy festive travel period), there remains a real risk of UK residents being denied entry on to UK flights by airline staff to whom the message has not been communicated. All BRP holders should therefore ensure that they urgently apply for an eVisa and generate a share code prior to any travel outside of the UK (or if they are already outside the UK).

For assistance with any queries about eVisas, please get in touch with a member of our Immigration team, or submit an enquiry form, below.