UK Visa Update Announcement 2026

If you hold a UK visa or immigration status, you must check your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and eVisa before travelling. Failure to do so could result in being denied boarding by your airline or facing delays at the UK border.

Source: UK Visas and Immigration

1. Who Needs to Check Their UKVI Account and eVisa?

You will have a UKVI account and eVisa if you:

• Have been granted a UK visa.

• Have been granted permission to stay in the UK.

• Have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (settled or pre-settled status).

If your information is incorrect or outdated, carriers (such as airlines) may refuse to let you board, and you could face issues at the UK border.

2. Information That Must Be Accurate

Before travelling, make sure:

Your UKVI Account Contains:

• Your current passport details.

• Correct personal information.

(You can log in to update your details if necessary.)

Your eVisa Shows:

• The correct type of immigration status.

• A valid immigration permission period.

• Information that exactly matches the details provided to your carrier.

If you cannot view your eVisa, check that your UKVI account is properly set up.

3. Difference Between eVisa and ETA

It is important to understand the difference:

• eVisa – For individuals who already have a UK visa or immigration status.

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – For travellers who do not need a visa and are visiting the UK for up to 6 months.

These are completely different systems.

When Entering or Leaving the UK

You must carry:

• A valid passport.

• The passport linked to your UKVI account.

Your eVisa will be checked when:

• Entering or leaving the UK (by a Border Force officer or via eGates).

• Checking in for your return travel to the UK.

Note: The country you are travelling to may have its own separate entry or exit requirements.

If You Are Asked to Provide Proof of Immigration Status

Carriers or border officials may request additional proof of your immigration status.

You can:

1. Generate a Share Code

• Valid for 90 days.

• Can be used multiple times.

• Recommended to obtain before travelling.

2. Carry Physical Immigration Documents (If Available)

Examples include:

• A passport stamp or vignette confirming Indefinite Leave to Remain

• A Certificate of Entitlement

• A travel document issued by the Home Office

If You Hold Multiple Nationalities

• Add the correct passport you intend to travel with to your UKVI account.

• You can add more than one passport.

If you are a British or Irish citizen:

• You do not need an eVisa.

• You must travel using your British or Irish passport.

If You Change Your Passport or Personal Details While Outside the UK

You may need to:

• Update your UKVI account.

• Apply for a temporary visa to return to the UK.

Whether you can update online depends on:

• The type of information changed.

• Whether you hold a biometric passport.

If You Have a Biometric Passport

You can update:

• Passport number.

• Passport expiry date.

• Name.

• Nationality.

If other details change, you may need to apply for a temporary visa.

If You Do Not Have a Biometric Passport

You can only update:

• Passport number.

• Passport expiry date.

For other changes, you must apply for a temporary visa before re-entering the UK Visa.

Support If You Experience Issues

You can:

• Recover your UKVI account if you lose access to your email or phone

• Report problems if you cannot view your eVisa

• Use online chat support with UKVI

• Watch official eVisa guidance videos

If a Carrier Cannot Verify Your eVisa

Ask the carrier to contact:

UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub

This is a dedicated support service for carriers to verify a passenger’s immigration status.

Conclusion

Checking and updating your UKVI account and eVisa before travelling is essential to:

• Avoid being denied boarding.
• Prevent delays at the border.
• Ensure smooth entry into the UK.

If you are planning to travel to the UK, review your UKVI account and eVisa today to avoid unnecessary risks.