Guidance published on 23 July 2026 explains what eVisa holders, settled people, dual citizens and others must show a carrier if their status cannot be verified automatically.
Key facts
- Who: Passengers travelling to the UK whose carrier cannot verify their immigration status automatically, including eVisa and EU Settlement Scheme holders, people with indefinite leave to remain, British dual citizens, Crown Dependency visa holders, people transiting without a visa and people exempt from immigration control
- From: 23 July 2026 (date the guidance was first published)
- Source: Confirm your immigration status to your carrier before travelling to the UK
The guidance is new. It covers what to do if a carrier, such as an airline, cannot check your status automatically.
eVisa holders. A carrier cannot verify status automatically if your details and documents do not match the passenger information you give it. You can update your personal details and passport or travel document information now, including if you hold EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status. If the carrier still cannot verify your status, you can get a share code through the view and prove service, or use a valid physical immigration document if you have one. You must show either with your valid passport. If you cannot sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account or update your details, contact UKVI.
Indefinite leave to remain. If you travel on physical proof, such as a stamped letter or a stamp or vignette in an expired passport, you must show it with a valid passport. To get an eVisa, apply for a free "no time limit" application while in the UK. It can take up to 6 months to process, and you can keep using your physical document meanwhile.
British dual citizens. You can travel with a valid British passport, another valid passport with a certificate of entitlement proving right of abode, or a valid Irish passport. Without one, a carrier may allow travel if you have an expired UK passport, or another passport or national identity card and became a British citizen after settling under the EUSS.
Crown Dependency visas. Visas issued before 1 July 2026 are physical documents, and you must show yours with your valid passport. Travel with the passport you applied with. Visas issued on or after 1 July 2026 are digital travel permissions that carriers can check automatically.
Transit and ETAs. Evidence for visa-free transit depends on your circumstances. You may need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for landside transit, where you pass through UK border control, come back through it and leave the UK within a short time (usually 24 hours).
Exempt from immigration control. Without a digital record of exemption or a valid exempt vignette, you need alternative evidence. Contact your mission for advice.
The carrier decides whether to allow you to board, in line with its own policies. A carrier that cannot confirm status can contact the carrier support hub.
What this means for applicants
Before you travel, check that the details in your UKVI account match your passport and the information you give your carrier. Carry a share code or valid physical proof, plus your valid passport, in case the carrier cannot verify your status. The carrier decides whether you board. Settled people with only physical proof can apply for an eVisa while in the UK.
Related guide
Sources
- Confirm your immigration status to your carrier before travelling to the UK, GOV.UK, 23 July 2026