The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced a new UK visa policy that will impact travelers planning extended stays, effective January 1, 2025. The UK government will replace all physical visa documentation with Electronic Visas (E-Visas), including existing physical visas in passports, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC).
The British High Commission confirmed that these current documents will no longer be valid beyond December 31, 2024, as part of an initiative to enhance visa processing efficiency and security.
Key Changes:
- E-Visa Requirement: Beginning January 1, 2025, individuals intending to stay in the UK for more than six months must apply for an E-Visa, which will become the sole document for long-term residency.
- BRP Expiry: All Biometric Residence Permits will expire on December 31, 2024, requiring holders to transition to the new E-Visa format regardless of their original expiration date.
- Travel Advisory: Travelers planning to exit and re-enter the UK during the holiday season are advised to secure E-Visas by December 31, 2024, to avoid re-entry issues.
The advisory, signed by Acting Director of the Information and Public Affairs Bureau, Victor N. A. Adamah, encourages affected individuals to prepare for the transition by consulting the British High Commission’s website or reaching out to UK immigration authorities for E-Visa application guidance.
