You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to see your eVisa, the digital record of your identity and immigration status. eVisas have replaced physical immigration documents such as the biometric residence permit (BRP). GOV.UK says it is free to set up the account and access your eVisa. You may already have one, and GOV.UK says not to create a second one (GOV.UK: set up a UKVI account).
Checked against GOV.UK on 21 October 2026
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Check if you already have an account
GOV.UK says you already have a UKVI account if you have ever done one of these things:
- used the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to confirm your identity when you applied for a visa
- created an account when you applied for a visa, in which case UKVI sent you an account confirmation email
- replaced a physical immigration document, such as a BRP or a biometric residence card (BRC), with an eVisa
- applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
If you are not sure, GOV.UK suggests trying to sign in to view your eVisa. The service to continue a visa application you started is different, and our guide on signing in to continue a visa application covers it.
What you need to create an account
- A phone number and an email address that you can use each time you sign in.
- One of these, if you have them: a valid passport and your visa application number (a global web form (GWF) number or unique application number (UAN)), a valid passport and your BRP number, or your expired BRP.
- A smartphone, so you can install an app to confirm your identity. GOV.UK says there is another way to confirm your identity if you do not have a valid passport or an expired BRP card, or if you cannot access a smartphone or use the app.
Expired BRPs have a time limit
For a UKVI account, GOV.UK says you can use an expired BRP for 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card, or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first (GOV.UK: set up a UKVI account).
Create the account and link your eVisa
Create the account
Start at Create a UKVI account, the Home Office service that GOV.UK links to, with your phone number, email address and one of the documents above.
Confirm your identity
After you create the account, the service asks you to confirm your identity. This is the step that uses the smartphone app.
Link the account to your eVisa
If you did not do this when you created the account, GOV.UK links to a page where you can link your UKVI account to your eVisa.
View your eVisa
It usually shows straight away once it is linked, but GOV.UK says it can take up to 24 hours.
GOV.UK says you cannot access your eVisa until you have confirmed your identity and linked the account. After that, you can view your eVisa and get a share code. To travel with your eVisa, your UKVI account needs your current passport or travel document (GOV.UK: travel with your eVisa).
Accounts for family members and people you help
- A partner and children who join you in the UK as dependants need their own UKVI accounts to access their eVisas.
- You can help someone else to create an account, for example someone who cannot use the internet.
- If you manage the account for them, for example for your child or under a power of attorney, GOV.UK says to use your own phone number and email address when you create it, so that you can sign in.
- When that person becomes able to manage the account, or a child reaches 18, GOV.UK says to update the account with their own phone number and email address.
When you do not need an eVisa
GOV.UK says you do not need an eVisa if you are visiting the UK with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or if you have permission to stay in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar. If you have a physical document with no expiry date that proves settlement, such as a stamp or vignette (sticker), an eVisa is your choice. You get one through a free 'no time limit' (NTL) application, which can take up to 6 months to process (GOV.UK: eVisa if you have settlement).
Get help
UKVI runs a webchat for questions about an eVisa or a UKVI account, and GOV.UK has eVisa support videos. If you cannot sign in because you lost access to your phone or changed your email address, GOV.UK links to a service to recover your UKVI account.
Sources
- GOV.UK: set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa
- GOV.UK: what an eVisa is
- GOV.UK: get an eVisa if you have settlement in the UK
- GOV.UK: travel with your eVisa
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