UK transition to E-Visas starting January 2025 – Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issues new advisory

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced updates to the United Kingdom’s visa and immigration processes, as shared by the British High Commission.

Effective January 1, 2025, the UK will implement Electronic Visas (E-Visas), fully replacing all current physical visa documents.

This was contained in an advisory signed by the Ministry’s, Acting Director for Information and Public Affairs Bureau, Victor N. A. Adamah on November 4.

This transition means that existing forms of physical documentation for proving immigration status in the UK, such as visas stamped in passports, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC), will no longer be accepted beyond December 31, 2024.

The Ministry advises that individuals planning to reside in the UK for more than six months in the new year should now apply for E-Visas.

This update also applies to those holding valid BRPs, including permissions to live, work, or study in the UK, as all BRP cards are set to expire at the end of this year.

For those traveling outside the UK during the holiday season, the Ministry strongly recommends securing E-Visa approval before December 31, 2024, to avoid complications when re-entering the UK in the new year.

The Ministry urged all affected individuals to take necessary steps to comply with these updated regulations and advises visiting the British High Commission’s official website or contacting UK immigration authorities for detailed instructions on applying for E-Visas.