How do I travel in and out of the UK with an eVisa?

Checked on 2026-10-25

Before travelling, add the passport you will use to your UKVI account and check that your eVisa and personal details are correct and match what you give your airline. Your eVisa is checked at check-in for the return trip and at the UK border, including eGates. If asked for extra proof, show a share code, valid for 90 days.

Key facts

What	The Home Office says	Source
Before you travel	Check your UKVI account has your correct details and current passport, your eVisa shows the right status, and your details exactly match what you give your carrier	GOV.UK, eVisas, “Travel with your eVisa”
Which passport	A valid passport or travel document you have added to your UKVI account; you can add more than one	GOV.UK, eVisas, “Travel with your eVisa”
Where it’s checked	Leaving and entering the UK (border officer or eGates) and at check-in for your return	GOV.UK, eVisas, “Travel with your eVisa”
If details are wrong	The carrier may not let you travel; you may be delayed at the border	GOV.UK, eVisas, “Travel with your eVisa”
Extra proof	A share code (valid 90 days, reusable) or a physical immigration document if you have one	GOV.UK, eVisas, “Travel with your eVisa”
British or Irish dual nationals	No eVisa needed; travel on the British or Irish passport, or a passport with a certificate of entitlement	GOV.UK, eVisas, “Travel with your eVisa”
Application pending	You cannot change your name or passport in the UKVI account while waiting for a decision	GOV.UK, eVisas, “Update your details in your UKVI account”

Before you go

The guidance says it’s your job to check, before travelling to or from the UK, that your UKVI account holds your correct personal details and the passport you’re using, and that your eVisa shows the right immigration status. Your details must match the passenger information you give your airline or other carrier exactly. If they don’t, the carrier may refuse to carry you and you may be delayed at the UK border. If you have more than one nationality, add the passport you will travel on.

At the airport and the border

The guidance says your eVisa is checked when you leave and enter the UK, either by a border control officer or at the eGates, and when you check in with your carrier to come back. If a carrier or official asks for more proof, you can get a share code from your UKVI account or show a physical document you still hold, such as an indefinite leave stamp in an old passport. A share code for travel is valid for 90 days, so you can get it before you leave, and it can be used more than once. If your carrier can’t check your eVisa, ask it to contact the UK Border Force carrier support hub.

An eVisa is not the same as an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which is for people who don’t need a visa and visit for up to 6 months.

If your passport or details change while you’re abroad

With a biometric passport, you can update your passport number and expiry date, your name and your nationality in your UKVI account yourself. Without a biometric passport, you can update only the passport number and expiry date. For any other change, UKVI has to update the account for you, and you may need to give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.

Got a new passport while an application is pending? The guidance says you can’t change your passport or name in the UKVI account until there’s a decision (GOV.UK, eVisas, “Update your details”).

Sources

GOV.UK: eVisas: access and use your online immigration status, section "Travel with your eVisa" (UK Visas and Immigration) checked 2026-10-25
GOV.UK: eVisas, section "Update your details in your UKVI account" (UK Visas and Immigration) checked 2026-10-25

Change history

2026-10-25: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.