Airlines and Carriers Now Accept Digital eVisas for UK Travel Checks

14 Jul 2026

If you travel to the UK on an eVisa, this update is good news. The Home Office has confirmed that airlines and other carriers must now accept a digital eVisa as valid proof that you have permission to travel, not just a physical visa.

Guidance for carriers updated on 10 July 2026 states: "UK visas may now be in either physical form, or a digital eVisa." It goes on to explain that when a carrier checks your travel document electronically and gets a "0A - Valid Permission to Travel Found" response, that is enough evidence you can board your flight to the UK. This applies to all travellers using an eVisa, whatever visa route you are on.

To avoid any problems at check-in, make sure your eVisa is up to date before you travel. Separate Home Office guidance says: "Before you travel to the UK, you will need to sign in to your UKVI account to view your eVisa and check your permission." Do this a few days before you fly, not at the airport, so you have time to fix any issues.

This guidance covers checks carried out by carriers such as airlines, ferry operators, and coach companies. It does not cover the separate Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visa-free visitors, which works differently.

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