Security News > 2024 > April > UK e-visa rollout begins today: no more immigration cards for millions
The Home Office has started rolling out e-visas for existing holders of physical immigration documents like Biometric Residence Permits and Biometric Residence Cards.
Millions of such residents will start receiving email invites from today, in batches, prompting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration account that will serve as digital proof of their legal immigration status.
"eVisas are central to making the UK safer by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents, strengthening border security, and providing a more secure way to prove immigration status. This will pave the way for increased automation to deliver the government's vision for a contactless border."
"Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost-savings for UK taxpayers."
Millions already use e-visas after their enrollment as part of the EU Settlement Scheme, and UK visitors from several countries are, in any case, granted an Electronic Travel Authorisation as opposed to a physical visa sticker, so the technology seems to be delivering thus far.
The UK government still advises individuals to carry their valid physical immigration documents when traveling internationally, until these expire.