Travel Destinations For Uk Biometric Residence Permit Holders

The UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a residence permit that confirms your identity and provides proof of your immigration status in the UK. It is not a travel document and cannot be used to gain entry to Europe or other countries. However, it is essential to carry your BRP when travelling overseas as you will need it for re-entry into the UK. When travelling, you must also carry a valid travel document such as your passport, and you may need a visa depending on your destination. BRPs are being phased out and replaced by eVisas, with most BRPs expiring on 31 December 2024.

The BRP is not a travel document

The UK Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP) is a residence permit that holds your biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints). It is essential for proving your right to live and work in the UK. However, it is important to note that the BRP is not a travel document. Here are some key points to understand why:

• The BRP is primarily used as evidence of your immigration status and entitlements while you are in the UK. It confirms your right to access public services, benefits, or funds that you may be entitled to during your stay in the UK. It is not designed or accepted as a travel document to enter or exit other countries.
• To travel internationally, you typically need a passport or a travel document issued by the country of which you are a citizen or legal resident. The BRP does not serve as a substitute for a passport or travel document. It does not confer citizenship or permanent residency rights in the UK.
• When travelling, you may be required to show proof of your immigration status in the UK upon re-entry. While the BRP can provide this proof, it is not the only accepted form of evidence. An eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status, can also be used for this purpose. Starting from 2024, BRPs are being replaced by eVisas, further emphasising that the BRP is not primarily a travel document.
• The BRP is valid until its expiry date, which is printed on the permit. After this date, you will not be able to use your BRP to prove your immigration status, and you will need to rely on your eVisa instead. Therefore, if your BRP expires while you are travelling and you do not have an eVisa set up, you may encounter difficulties re-entering the UK.
• When travelling, it is always advisable to carry your passport or travel document, as this is the universally recognised form of identification for crossing borders. The BRP is not designed to replace your passport or serve as a standalone travel document.
• Each country has its own entry and exit requirements, and as such, they may have specific documents they accept or require. While your BRP may be sufficient for some countries, it is not guaranteed to be accepted everywhere. Always check the entry requirements of your destination country before assuming that your BRP is sufficient.

In summary, while the BRP is crucial for establishing your rights and entitlements in the UK, it is not designed or widely accepted as a travel document. To avoid any complications during your travels, ensure that you carry the appropriate documentation, such as your passport or travel document, and consider setting up an eVisa to securely access your immigration status information.

You must carry your BRP when travelling

If your immigration status in the UK is confirmed by a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you must carry it with you when travelling internationally. This is because you will need to present it to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry when you re-enter the UK.

Whether or not you will be asked to show your BRP when travelling to other countries depends on the country. For example, Portugal may ask you to provide evidence of your work visa when returning to the UK. It is therefore always advisable to take your BRP when travelling, as it is proof that you can enter the UK without having to show an exit route.

If you lose your BRP while outside the UK, you must obtain a one-time entry vignette (or 'replacement BRP visa') to re-enter the UK. You can apply for this at the closest UK visa application centre abroad. The replacement BRP visa will allow you to re-enter the UK on one occasion. Once you have returned to the UK, you can then apply for a replacement BRP.

If you take the risk of returning to the UK without a replacement BRP visa, you may be refused entry and sent back to the country you travelled from or your country of nationality.

You need a valid travel document to enter Europe

If you are a non-EEA family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you will need a valid national passport and one of the following to enter the UK:

• An EU Settlement Scheme family permit
• A UK-issued EEA family permit
• A UK-issued biometric residence card

A biometric residence permit (BRP) is a residence permit that holds your biographic details (name, date, and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) provided at your appointment as part of your UK visa application process. It shows your immigration status and entitlements while you remain in the UK.

BRPs are being replaced by eVisas, which are online records of your immigration status. BRPs are no longer issued, but you can still collect one if you made a visa application from outside the UK. Most BRPs will expire on 31 December 2024. You can continue to use your BRP until it expires, after which you will need to use an eVisa to prove your immigration status.

To set up access to your eVisa, you will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account if you do not already have one. If you have permission to stay in the UK longer than your BRP, you will need to set up access to your eVisa manually, as it will not be done automatically.

You may need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe

If you hold a UK biometric residence permit (BRP), you must carry it with you when travelling outside of the UK to prove your right to re-enter the country. However, your UK visa status does not entitle you to enter the Schengen area.

The Schengen area consists of 27 countries within Europe that have abolished internal border checks. To visit any of these countries, you may need to obtain a Schengen visa, which will permit you to travel anywhere within the Schengen area for short-term visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period.

The Schengen visa is a requirement for all foreign nationals who are non-EU/EEA citizens and do not hold a passport from a country with a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area, such as Australia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and the US. If you are a citizen of a country without a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen Area, such as Algeria, Bangladesh, China, India, or Tunisia, you will likely need to apply for a Schengen visa, even if you have a UK residence permit.

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must book an appointment at the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa centre in the UK. If you plan to visit only one country within the Schengen area, your appointment must be with the representative of that country. However, if you plan to visit multiple countries, you must book your appointment with the representative of the country that is the main purpose of your visit or where you intend to stay the longest. Applications must be submitted no earlier than six months before your intended date of travel, and you should factor in at least three to four weeks to obtain the visa.

BRP holders can re-enter the UK

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a residence permit that holds your biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) that you provided as part of your UK visa application process. It confirms your immigration status and entitlements while you remain in the UK. BRP holders can re-enter the UK, but it is important to always carry your BRP when travelling as it is proof that you can enter the UK without having to show an exit route. Whether or not you will be asked to show your BRP depends on the country from which you are travelling. For example, Portugal may ask you to provide evidence of your work visa when returning to the UK.

BRPs are being replaced by eVisas, which are online records of your immigration status. BRPs are no longer issued, but you can still collect one if you made a visa application from outside the UK. Most BRPs will expire on 31 December 2024, after which you will need to use an eVisa to prove your immigration status. You can continue to use your BRP until it expires.

To set up access to your eVisa, you will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account if you do not already have one. If you have permission to stay in the UK for longer than your BRP is valid, you will need to set up access to your eVisa manually, as this will not be done automatically.

Your BRP will include your name, date and place of birth, fingerprints, a photo of your face, your immigration status and any conditions of your stay, and information on whether you can access public funds, such as benefits and health services. You may also have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your permit.

Frequently asked questions