Starting January 1, 2025, the United Kingdom will officially move to digital visas, replacing all physical documents currently used to verify immigration status.
This transition, announced in a public release by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, means that traditional visa stamps in passports, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) will no longer be valid after December 31, 2024. Anyone planning to stay in the UK for over six months will now need an electronic visa, or E-Visa.
The Ministry emphasized that this new requirement also affects people who already hold valid BRP cards, including those with existing permission to live, work, or study in the UK. Regardless of when the BRP was issued, all holders must switch to an E-Visa, as the UK government has set an expiration date of December 31, 2024, for all physical BRP cards.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised that anyone planning to travel outside the UK during the holiday season should secure their E-Visa ahead of time to avoid potential issues when re-entering the country.
They highlighted that the Christmas period could be particularly challenging for travelers without the updated visa, urging, “those traveling outside the UK, especially during the Christmas period, are advised to apply for and access their E-Visas before 31st December 2024” to ensure a smooth return.
The Ministry called on all affected individuals to take the necessary steps to stay compliant with the new regulations. They recommended visiting the British High Commission’s website or contacting UK immigration authorities to get guidance on the application process and avoid potential complications.
Through this shift, the UK aims to streamline its immigration system, minimize risks associated with lost or stolen documents, and simplify the process for travelers.
The Ghanaian Ministry expressed confidence in the cooperation of all affected individuals, helping ensure a smooth transition to the new E-Visa system.
