UK to roll out e-visas for all long-term visitors from 2025 – Foreign Office

This new policy will replace all physical visa documents

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued an urgent travel advisory for Ghanaians and other nationals planning long-term stays in the UK as the UK prepares to implement a major switch to electronic visas (e-visas) from Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

This new policy will replace all physical visa documents, including Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), which will no longer be valid after Sunday 1 December 2024.

According to a statement from the British High Commission, the E-Visa system is designed to streamline visa processing and strengthen security.

“From January 1, 2025, all persons intending to stay in the United Kingdom for more than six months will be required to apply for an e-Visa,” the notice reads, as shared by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry further outlined the impact on current BRP holders with permits to live, work or study in the UK, pointing out that all BRP cards will expire by Sunday 31 December 2024, regardless of the dates originally printed on them.

This transition will require affected residents to obtain e-visas to maintain their residency status.

The notice, signed by Victor NA Adamah, Acting Director of the Ministry’s Bureau of Information and Public Affairs, also warned those planning to travel on holiday outside the UK to ensure they have their E-Visa by Wednesday, December 31 for avoid potential re-entry challenges.

Ghanaians are encouraged to visit the British High Commission website or contact UK immigration authorities for guidance on applying for the new e-Visa.

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