Confirm your immigration status to your carrier before travelling to the UK
Check what you need to do to travel to the UK if your carrier (for example, your airline) cannot verify your immigration status and to avoid future travel delays.
This guide explains:
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how to ensure your carrier is able to automatically check your status
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how to evidence your status to travel with your carrier (for example by sharing your eVisa, a digital record of exemption or physical proof of your status) if your carrier is unable to check your status automatically
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what you can do to make future travel easier, such as using eGates if you are eligible
If you have a UKVI account and access to your eVisa
You will have an eVisa if you have successfully applied for a visa or another type of permission to be in the UK. This includes if you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa.
Your carrier will not be able to verify your status automatically if your details and documents do not match the passenger information you give them.
You can update your personal details and passport or travel document information now, including if you hold EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status. Keeping your details up to date will help your carrier verify your status automatically and avoid delays on future journeys.
If your carrier (for example, your airline) cannot verify your status, you can:
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get a share code using the view and prove service
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use a valid physical immigration document if you have one
You must show either of these to your carrier with your valid passport.
If you have problems using your UKVI account
If you are unable to sign in or update your details or are having issues doing so you should contact UK Visas and Immigration for help.
If you have indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement)
If you travel using physical proof of your status (for example, a letter endorsed with a stamp, or a stamp or vignette in an expired passport), you must show this with a valid passport to your carrier.
To make future journeys easier, you should get a digital record of your identity and immigration status (known as an eVisa).
To do this, you need to apply for a free ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application while you are in the UK.
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it can take up to 6 months to process your application
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you can continue to use your physical document while your application is being processed
If you are a British Dual citizen
As a British dual citizen, you can travel to the UK using one of the following:
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a valid British passport
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another valid passport with a certificate of entitlement that proves you have the right of abode in the UK
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a valid Irish passport
If you do not have one of these, your carrier may allow you to travel if:
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you have an expired UK passport
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you have another passport or national identity card and you got British citizenship after settling in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme
Read the Dual citizenship guidance to find out what you can show your carrier and what you need to do.
If you are unable to prove your UK citizenship, your carrier can contact the carrier support hub for advice.
To avoid delays on future journeys, you can apply for a passport or a certificate of entitlement if you need one.
If you are transiting without a visa
If you’re eligible to transit without a visa, the evidence you need to show your carrier (for example, your airline) will depend on your circumstances. Check if you need a UK visa to find out what you need to show.
If you have a Crown Dependency visa
If you have been issued with a Crown Dependency visa, you will have been granted immigration permission by Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. This will be a physical document if you were issued a Crown Dependency visa before 1 July 2026 (for example, a stamp or valid vignette in your passport, or a letter). You will not be able to access a UKVI account.
You must show your document to your carrier to prove your immigration status along with your valid passport.
To avoid delays on your future journey, you must travel with the passport that you applied with to gain your Crown Dependency issued visa.
If you were issued a Crown Dependency visa on or after 1 July 2026, you will have a digital travel permission that your carrier can check automatically.
If you need help or further information relating to your Crown Dependency visa, you can refer to the Crown Dependency website that your permission relates to:
If you need an ETA
Check if you are eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) allows you to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to 6 months.
You may need an ETA if you’re transiting through the UK and you pass through UK border control but come back through it and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours). This is known as landside transit.
If you are exempt from immigration control
If you are exempt from immigration control but do not have a digital record of exemption or a valid exempt vignette, you will need to provide alternative evidence to demonstrate that you are exempt from immigration control. Contact your mission for advice.
To make future travel easier, you should check if you’re exempt from immigration control and if eligible apply for a digital record of exemption, so that it can be checked at the border.
Get help
You can contact UK Visas and Immigration for help before travelling to the UK.
Your carrier is responsible for deciding whether to allow you to board, in line with their own policies and responsibilities.
If a carrier cannot confirm your status, they can contact the carrier support hub for advice.