Version 9.0 of the Border Force guidance on EU, EEA and Swiss passengers and their family members was published for Home Office staff on 9 October 2026 and reflects Statement of Changes HC 584.
Key facts
- Who: EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members arriving at the UK border, including holders of pre-settled or settled status and EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) family permit holders
- From: Version 9.0 published for Home Office staff on 9 October 2026. The source gives no in-force date for the rule changes.
- Source: EU Settlement Scheme: Border Force guidance
The Home Office has published version 9.0 of its guidance for Border Force officers on passengers covered by the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The guidance page shows an update date of 15 October 2026.
The "changes from last version" section says the guidance reflects changes to Appendix EU and Appendix EU (Family Permit) made by Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 584, laid on 3 September 2026. The page does not list the individual rule changes or give an in-force date for them. The source text does not mention any other Statement of Changes.
The guidance covers passengers who hold pre-settled or settled status or an EUSS family permit. It also covers those with a pending EUSS application, a pending appeal or administrative review, or a previous refusal.
On family permits, the guidance says:
- An EUSS family permit is an entry clearance valid for 6 months from the date of decision on the application.
- On arrival it has effect as leave to enter until the permit expires, and the holder can enter and leave the UK as many times as they wish in that period.
- A family permit cannot be issued at the border. The application must be made online and considered by an Entry Clearance Officer.
- The family permit closed to family members of qualifying British citizens after applications made by 23:59 on 8 August 2023.
- Once in the UK, the holder may apply for EUSS leave. The deadline is 3 months after arrival, or before the expiry of any leave to enter if that is later. The holder can apply after that deadline where there are reasonable grounds for the delay.
The guidance also states that a Certificate of Application (CoA) does not give a right to enter the UK on its own. Visa nationals must hold a valid EUSS family permit or visa exemption document to travel.
What this means for applicants
Family members who travel on an EUSS family permit must apply to the EUSS within 3 months of arriving, or before their leave to enter expires if that is later. The guidance says they can apply after that deadline where there are reasonable grounds for the delay.
A CoA holder will usually need to give Border Force additional evidence to show that they qualify for EUSS status. A CoA alone does not give a right to enter the UK.
Related guide: EU Settlement Scheme family permit
Sources
- EU Settlement Scheme: Border Force guidance, Home Office