Border Force guidance on entering the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme or an EU Settlement Scheme family permit was updated for Immigration Rules changes from 8 October 2026, with separate rules for EU-group and other nationals.
Key facts
- Who: People entering the UK with settled or pre-settled status, a pending EU Settlement Scheme application, or an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- From: 8 October 2026
- Source: Entering the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme and EU Settlement Scheme family permit
The Border Force guidance is published in two parts. One covers people from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. The other covers everyone else. Both parts show an updated date of 8 October 2026.
Settled or pre-settled status. People from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland can enter with a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by one of those countries. Other nationals must enter with a passport or travel document. Both groups must check that their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and personal details are correct before travelling to and from the UK. No electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is needed. The guidance for other nationals adds that expired biometric residence cards (BRCs) can no longer be used to travel to the UK, and that an eVisa is needed to show permission to travel.
Pending applications, living in the UK by 31 December 2020. The passport, or for EU-group nationals the national identity card, should be linked to the UKVI account. If it is not, checks may be delayed. Applicants who cannot update the account should get a share code and give it to their carrier. A Border Force officer may ask for evidence of continuous residence in the UK by 31 December 2020 and since; without it, entry may be refused. Other nationals may also be asked for evidence of the family relationship relied on in their application. Those whose nationality requires entry clearance must have a visa or a visa exemption document. A certificate of application is not evidence of either.
Pending applications, joining family members. An EU-group national identity card can be used only if the person also holds a valid family permit, or has a valid application awaiting an initial decision and an expired family permit. A Border Force officer may ask to see an in-date family permit involving the same sponsor. An expired permit can still be relied on while a Home Office decision is awaited, but not where the application has been refused and an appeal is pending. People who applied from within the UK as a visitor and then leave may not be permitted to re-enter pending the outcome, including any appeal.
Not yet applied. Eligible people should apply from outside the UK. EU-group nationals should wait for a decision before travelling. Documents issued under the EEA Regulations 2016 are no longer valid. The deadline for most people was 30 June 2021, but late applications are possible with "reasonable grounds" and supporting evidence.
What this means for applicants
Before travelling, check that your UKVI account and personal details are correct and that your passport or identity card is linked to it. If you cannot update the account, get a share code and give it to your carrier. A Border Force officer may ask for evidence of residence or of a family relationship, and entry may be refused without it. Joining family members may be asked to show an in-date family permit involving the same sponsor; an expired permit can be relied on only while a Home Office decision is awaited.
Related guide
EU Settlement Scheme family permit
Sources
- Entering the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme and EU Settlement Scheme family permit, Border Force guidance, updated 8 October 2026