Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit to return to the UK

An EU Settlement Scheme travel permit is a way to enter the UK if your biometric residence card (BRC) is lost, stolen or expired.

You can use the travel permit, along with a valid passport, to travel to and from the UK until the permit expires.

Who can get an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit

You can only apply for the travel permit if all of the following are true:

  • you’re not from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
  • you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • you’ve reported your BRC to the Home Office as lost or stolen, or it’s expired
  • you’re outside the UK when you apply
  • you’re planning to travel to the UK within 6 months of applying for the travel permit

What you can do

The permit lets you enter the UK as many times as you want until it expires.

It lasts for 6 months from the decision date on your travel permit application.

How much it costs

The travel permit is free.

What you need to apply

You’ll need:

  • a valid passport
  • the unique application number (UAN) confirming your settled or pre-settled status

The UAN is a 16-digit number, in the format ‘1234-1234-1234-1234’. It’s in the email confirming your settled or pre-settled status.

Apply for the permit

Start now

How long it takes to get a decision

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a visa application centre. You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks of the appointment.

When you’re back in the UK

You can get a replacement BRC to prove your settled or pre-settled status when entering the UK after your travel permit expires.

To prove your status once in the UK, for example to show an employer, you can use the online service to get a ‘share code’.

How to apply

You’ll need to apply for a replacement BRC from inside the UK.

If your travel permit expires before you’ve got your replacement BRC, and you leave the UK, you’ll need a new travel permit to return.

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